Kodak Ektar lens

[Pavan Deep]

I recently got a Kodak 16mm camera and with it came a 25mm Kodak Cine Ektar II lens, at first I didn't think of using this lens as it didn't look great,  but I discovered that he optics are very clean so I  used it and and have been impressed with it as it's incredibly sharp as good as or  perhaps even more than my Switar, my issue is that the focus is quite stiff. Can this be fixed?

Thanks

Pav

[Simon Wyss]

I’d love to bring your lens back to life. My latest Kodak Ciné Ektar was a 102 mm that I could revive. I assume you have the f/1.4 since the f/1.9 has rare-earth glass that brings a tint. The f/1.4 is a seven elements design, about on par with the f/1.5 Cinor.

[Pavan Deep]

I have the f1.9. Is this not as good?

Pav

[Philip Forrest]

Both f/1.4 and f/1.9 Cine-Ektars are very good lenses. 

Phil Forrest

[Charles MacDonald]

Ektar was the name Kodak gave to their top of the line Pro grade lenses.

the tint is some old lenses is often due to Thorium in the glass.  if minor it gives a slight Yellow (usualy) tint to the lens.  sometimes treating the lens (carefully) with UV light can remove the tint.

[Charles MacDonald]

oh and the stuff focus, generally means the lubrication has broken down.  someone who knows the tricks has to dismantle the focus and clean out the old lube and put in fresh lubricant, and then reassemble and set the focus..

[Pavan Deep]

I have been out taking photos with it using my digital camera and I can't see a yellow tint I would love to have it sorted. How much would it be and is it worth it?

Pav

[Philip Forrest]

The yellowing is usually only very slight and you won't see it in the images due to the camera accounting for white balance. Repairing it isn't too hard or expensive. It would probably be well worth the cost, unless the lens is cosmetically ugly. The aluminum barrels of these don't age well as they get pitted and dull gray with age. It is a really good lens though as far as its performance.

Phil Forrest

[Simon Wyss]

I need to have a look at a lens in any case. Your Ciné Ektar might take two hours of continuous work. The time of parts lying in chemicals is of course not counted. PM, please

[Richard John Mines]

Hi, I have acquired a Beaulieu R16 c mount camera body & have been looking for an interesting lens. Do you think a Kodak Ektar 152mm f/4 would be a good choice?

Regards Richard.

[Philip Forrest]

The Cine-Ektar 152mm f/4 is a good, sharp lens but I've found that even after cleaning, it is still prone to flare and lower contrast. Use the hood and keep the sun out of the frame when it's not absolutely intended. It's one of the better built and very light lenses of its focal length out there.

Phil Forrest