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Terry Wood

Jupiter (clearer) Nov 5th 2023 w/Mewlon 180c

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Wollensak Objective 127mm Diameter 700mm fl (sold)

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Wollensak Objective 127mm Diameter 700mm FL in excellent, like new, condition.

The lens came from Surplus Shed, From their description:

"Glass, air-spaced achromatic optics, multi-coated! 127mm clear diameter with a focal length of 700mm making this an f/5.5. The aluminum barrel has a diameter of 145mm (OD), is 46mm thick, and ID is 135mm. The lenses can be easily removed (if needed) by unscrewing the retaining ring."

Things You Need to Know

The lens cell does NOT have any type of push/pull alignment capabilities.

The Wollensak that made this lens is not the Wollensak of old. The original company was founded in 1902. They made some of the finest camera lenses of the first half of the 20th century. They reached their zenith in 1958 with 1200 employees.

During the 1960s competition from postwar Japanese and German camera companies took away market share. As photographic styles and equipment demands changed rapidly, Wollensak couldn't seem to keep up with the changing times. Production decreased, and in 1972, the Wollensak plant ceased operations.

In the early 21st century, the remnants of Wollensak were purchased by Surplus Shed. Using Wollensak surplus stock and modern manufacturing, Surplus Shed markets today’s Wollensak optics. In my opinion they are not the Wollensak of old.

I would suggest you check out the current Wollensak five and six inch objectives on the net before jumping on this one.

One of the threads I read describes one person's experience. When he first incorporated one of these lenses in an OTA. The results were horrible. He turned the lens around in the cell and the results got much better; from catastrophic to mediocre. He then flipped the convex / crown element and got decent results. Nice pin point stars.

Update

I found a thread in the Fujix Forum by a person who used one of these lenses as a telephoto. I added the photos he posted of the project and a sample photo taken. I am highly impresse with the project.

Had AM allowed, I would have provided a link to the thread rather than plagiarizing the content.

On the forum he stated:

"I bought a 700mm f/5.5 telescope objective lens earlier this year, primarily for wildlife pics. Just make a mounting to use it with a camera, I told myself.

The camera end of the mounting is below, showing the focusing knob and a Nikon F flange.

One of the first pics I took with this lens and an X-E1 is also below (I posted this to the 'animals looking at you' thread back in May). This shows the character of the lens, warts and all: it's sharp but has some chromatic aberration and a streaky look in parts of some out-of-focus areas. This is a two element lens.:"

The sample picture taken with this lens has a resolution of 1200 x 990. Copy it from the large image posted here to Photo Shop, IrfanView or some photo display application and judge for yourself.

FYI: The builder stated he got the rack and pinion he used from McMaster-Carr. From my experience, if McMaster-Carr does not have it; get a patent.

A Pig in a Poke

The objective for sale has never been tested.  Considering what I have found out about these; it is priced at half what Surplus Shed sells them for. So if you are feeling really froggie and are willing to take a gamble; here is your chance and not break the bank.

You might be wondering why I may have shot down my own sale. It's simple, I believe in being totally transparent with everything I sell. If there is anything I feel may be questionable about an item, I will tell you.

The Fine Print

Buyer pays shipping and PayPal fees (if applicable). Shipping will be $25.50 USPS Priority Mail insured for $200. I will accept PayPal, cashier’s check or money order. I will accept a personal check from an AstroMarter with good reviews. The check will have to clear before I will ship.