
( Brand: Wollensak ), ( Maximum Aperture: F/4.5 ), ( Lens Barrel Material: Brass ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States )
The Format Shutter Wollensak 62.5mm f/4.5 32 view press lens is a unique and highly sought-after piece of photographic equipment, boasting a rich history and exceptional performance capabilities. Originally manufactured by the renowned French optics company Charles Dubois, this lens was later rebranded and improved upon by Wollensak as the Synchro-Alpha and Alphax lens.
This 62.5mm focal length lens is perfect for capturing medium-range shots with a natural perspective, making it an ideal choice for a variety of photographic applications. The f/4.5 aperture allows for a balance between depth of field and light gathering, providing sharp focus on your subject while still maintaining some background blur for added visual interest.
The lens features a 32 view press mount, which is a unique and versatile feature, allowing it to be easily adapted to various camera systems. This feature makes it an excellent choice for photographers who work with multiple camera bodies or who want the flexibility to switch between medium and large format cameras.
The lens is also equipped with the Alpha Synchromatic and Alphax Synchro systems, which allow for precise and reliable synchronization with electronic flash units. This feature is particularly useful for low-light photography and for capturing high-speed actions, ensuring that your images are always well-exposed and crisp.
In terms of build quality, the Format Shutter Wollensak 62.5mm f/4.5 32 view press lens is constructed from high-grade materials, with a durable and weather-resistant housing. The lens is also equipped with a smooth and precise focusing mechanism, ensuring that you can quickly and accurately adjust focus for sharp and detailed images.
Overall, the Format Shutter Wollensak 62.5mm f/4.5 32 view press lens is a truly unique and exceptional piece of photographic equipment. Its rich history, versatile mount, and advanced features make it an ideal choice for photographers who demand the best in terms of performance and reliability. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a passionate hobbyist, this lens is sure to become a cherished and valuable addition to your collection.
Pros of buying a Format Shutter Wollensak 62.5mm f/4.5 32 View Press Alpha Synchromatic/Alphax Synchro Lens (formerly Charles Dubois):1. Unique optical design: This lens is known for its unique 32-element optical design, which was intended to eliminate distortion and provide sharp images.
2. Versatile focal length: The 62.5mm focal length makes this lens ideal for a variety of subjects, including portraits, landscapes, and still life.
3. Rare and collectible: As a vintage lens, this model is not widely available and can be considered a collector's item.
4. Affordable: Compared to modern lenses with similar specifications, the Format Shutter Wollensak 62.5mm f/4.5 32 View Press Alpha Synchromatic/Alphax Synchro Lens is often more affordable.
Cons of buying a Format Shutter Wollensak 62.5mm f/4.5 32 View Press Alpha Synchromatic/Alphax Synchro Lens (formerly Charles Dubois):1. Lack of compatibility: Due to its age, this lens may not be compatible with modern camera systems, requiring an adapter.
2. Manual focus only: The Format Shutter Wollensak 62.5mm f/4.5 32 View Press Alpha Synchromatic/Alphax Synchro Lens does not have an autofocus feature, which may be a disadvantage for some users.
3. Potential issues with glass quality: As a vintage lens, there is a chance that the glass may have scratches, dirt, or other imperfections.
4. Limited availability of replacement parts: Due to its age, finding replacement parts for this lens may be challenging.
Conclusion:The Format Shutter Wollensak 62.5mm f/4.5 32 View Press Alpha Synchromatic/Alphax Synchro Lens (formerly Charles Dubois) is a unique and collectible lens with a special optical design. Its versatile focal length and affordable price make it an appealing option for photographers who enjoy vintage lenses. However, its lack of compatibility with modern camera systems, manual focus only, potential glass quality issues, and limited availability of replacement parts are important considerations to keep in mind. Ultimately, whether or not this lens is the right choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences as a photographer.
Recommendation:If you are a photographer who values vintage lenses and is looking for a unique optical design, the Format Shutter Wollensak 62.5mm f/4.5 32 View Press Alpha Synchromatic/Alphax Synchro Lens may be a worthwhile investment. However, be prepared to research compatibility issues and potential repairs, and consider whether the pros outweigh the cons for your individual needs. If you are not comfortable with the potential challenges that come with vintage lenses, you may want to consider a more modern alternative.
The aperture leaves are free and move smoothly. It was used on the famous custom made 4x5 twin lens reflex camera that especially to enable viewing a moving subject same way film sees. The shutter seems a little sluggish but operates in all positions. The shutter has a female lens thread of approximately 62.
This Wollensak f4. 5 135mm shutter assembly was purchased by me from the widow of charles dubois Hodges who a friend my mother.
The finish is near excellent. A photo of one his twin lens 4x5 cameras is shown in Hodges' book search young beauty.