Mo's Mystery LISTAR - Who made this lens?

scsambrook · Expire: 2011-11-18

I'm late coming into this discussion, but doesn't the lens remind us of the old 135/225 F2.8/5.6 'Twin Tamron'? The style is different but the idea's exactly the same. Back in the early 1960s I had a 135/225 f4.5 of almost exactly similar styling as this lens, same aperture scales, but with more chrome trim. I think the brand was 'Sankor'. Not sure if that helps or just muddies the waters still further . . .

luisalegria · Expire: 2018-01-18

The Tamron twin tele/converto/etc (they had various names) set is quite well known, several members here have them, and I myself have had 6-7 copies of different variants at various times.

There were two basic versions, one a tiny 135/4.5 and the other a 135/2.8 both with matched tc's. The small one was made in black, zebra and bright aluminum finishes, and in several brands. The big one did not have such extreme cosmetic variations. There are quite a few posts here on these.

This looks like it is a matched set indeed, but does not look at all like any known Tamron product, and certainly not like these two lenses. It is someone else's matched set, and quite uncommon.

Komura certainly made lenses that had a similar layout, but this does not look like a Komura product either.
I have had several old Sankors, and there were apparently two major variants of their 135/2.8s, but neither is at all similar.
In some ways it reminds me of a Kyoei, but feels not quite right.
If I had to choose a most similar lens I would have to say maybe Kawakami/Kawanon, but I would be speculating.

luisalegria · Expire: 2018-01-18

And old preset Tokina also, which are extremely similar to Kawanon. The basic structure closely matches either.
But both would imply a considerable cosmetic variant here. Totally redone focus ring and preset rings.

Oldhand · Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 5:02 am Post subject:

Thanks for the feedback fellas.
To make it a little easier, here is the lens on its own without the distraction of the converter.
It is yet to have a T mount fitted.

The observation that these are a matched set look to be on the money as well.
Here is a re-connected view and the knurling is identical as is the Lens Made in Japan script
OH

Oldhand · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2014 4:47 am Post subject:

OK, a T mount has finally arrived and fits like a glove.
And so I took it for a quick spin.
Point it anywhere but up and wide open it is not too shabby - see first pic.
Point it anywhere near horizontal and - well what do you think.
It gets worse as it is stopped down.
Number 2 and number 4 are wide open. Numbers 3 and 5 are f5.6
Hmmm ...............

Oldhand · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2014 5:22 am Post subject:

Ha - I have become so accustomed to shooting without a lens hood that I forgot just how badly some lenses behave without one, and how well behaved they can become with one.
Here is take two with suitably shielded lens.
Much better I think.
Again these pairs are shot firstly wide open, then @ f5.6

luisalegria · Expire: 2018-01-18

Always, always use a hood, the bigger the better.

Oldhand · Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 4:15 am Post subject:

mo · Expire: 2016-07-30

A spiratone perhaps
Click here to see on Ebay

Pancolart · Expire: 2013-11-18

Oldhand · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2014 8:59 am Post subject:

Thanks everyone for the feedback.
A Sankor perhaps.
Here is the lens, now sporting its new T mount for PK and its new lens hood courtesy of an old Sun lens.
More images to follow.
Cheers
OH

Oldhand · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2014 10:44 pm Post subject:

Accidentally let the lens tip and fall onto the table last night from a height of around 1-1/2 inches.
Serendipitously this loosened the screw securing the front element.
A quick unscrew and I was able to clean up the fungus between the two elements.
The lens is now as clean as a whistle.
Finally, some images that show this lens' potential.
Not too shabby.
Many thanks Mo.
OH

<100% crop:

luisalegria · Expire: 2018-01-18

Well, thats why a hammer is in my lens tools bag.
Its not just for when I get frustrated.
Looking good.

Tedat · Joined: 08 Nov 2011 Posts: 800 Location: Berlin/Germany