Kodak Ekton f4,5 52mm Color Printing lens

[Stefan.Steib]

I recently bought a bunch of old lab lenses from a supplier on Ebay.
One of the lenses in the batch was a Kodak Ekton f4,5 52mm Color Printing lens -short conj(unction?) - there is a "teleconverter" lens fixed to the front tube of the lens (with 3 small allen screws -like a cap going over the lens) which is enlarging by a factor of estimated 1,2-1,3 x.
The lens is with a fixed aperture of 4,5 and can be focused only by a long thread in a supplied lens holder. The weight is nearly a kg it´s made beautifully of massive brass and steel- I think it is either a 5 or more likely a 6 lens design.
I guess(and was also told so) it was used in a machine printer for color prints of an Agfa or Gretag machine, but searching the Internet did not get any results.If someone is interested I can also do a photo/s.

Does anyone have some more info on this lens(es), maybe some old Kodak spec from an ancient catalogue ? from the font on the front tube I would guess it is pretty old at least over 30-40 years. It looks like a very high quality lens, I am just trying to decide what to do with it.

TIA
Stefan

[Stefan.Steib]

Some more infos - to find out about the image circle, I tried to match a fast setup with some white paper and hama gum- the result is about max40mm image circle at infinity, seems to be a real (non retrofocus) lens, the back flange distance from lens to Chip/film is only about 1cm. This means the lens is only usable in a very special setup whereas I suspect it could be well worth doing so. especially for macro.
Here are some images.
http://forum.getdpi.com/gallery/files/5/4/8/3/_mg_1177.jpg
http://forum.getdpi.com/gallery/files/5/4/8/3/_mg_1168.jpg
http://forum.getdpi.com/gallery/files/5/4/8/3/_mg_1181.jpg

regards
Stefan

[bill t.]

There's just something about a brass mounted lens!  Especially in this the Age of Plastic Cameras.

As somebody once said about telescopes, "A telescope that does not incorporate brass is merely an optical device.  But a telescope with handsome brass accouterments is a Mighty Philosophical Engine!"

[Stefan.Steib]

Hi Bill

even when I will not use it, it is just nice to touch it. It is so heavy , as you sa a statement of solid technology against
the new lighter , faster , cheaper approach of todays industries.
Hartblei/HCam will never build plastic lenses nor -cameras. Ours are heavy and haptic and they will stay like this, I promise ! 

Greetings from Germany
Stefan