Question about a Kern Paillard 16mm/1.8

connloyalist · Joined: 22 Jul 2020 Posts: 345 Location: the Netherlands

I am starting to explore C mount lenses, and have been doing a little research on Kern Paillard lenses. Research has mainly been digging through this site undoubtedly known to you:

http://www.bolexcollector.com/lenses/50kern.html

and the Kern topic on this forum:
http://forum.mflenses.com/the-kern-c-mount-and-d-mount-cin-taking-lenses-t73926.html

Looking at eBay I see two Kern Paillard Switar 16mm/1.8 lenses being sold by the same seller. The difference as far as I can tell is that one is for H16RX, the other one appears not to be. So in terms of the information on the bolexcollector website, one is presumably a "SWESE" and the other a "DAESE"?

From what I understand the difference between the RX and non-RX versions is that the optics in the RX version were tuned to the presence of 9mm of glass in the reflex mechanism. For M4/3 use with 4mm of glass in front of the sensor it might not make much difference?

Question is this however: while both lenses appear to be in good condition, the standard version is a lot cheaper (159 euros) than the RX version (279 euros). As a matter of fact it is less than most Kern Paillard lenses I see on eBay.

Reasons I can think of are hidden flaw, or a very common lens, or perhaps not usable on an adapter for some reason.... ?

I would appreciate the insight of someone with more experience than I have with these lenses.

Regards, Christine

screwunscrew · Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2021 5:29 am Post subject:

Hello, Christine

You have it very correctly about these wide-angle lenses. Price differences also have to do with the will and the judgement of a seller. As long as no warranty is given you can only find out more about an object by asking directly. In my experience most people offering something give additional information, if asked politely. So do use ebayâ€™s message system.

The Switar 16 mm is a six-elements lens. A price up to â‚¬ 180 is justified in my opinion. Cosmetics are not so important, the lacquer and paint can be renewed. Make sure the glass is not scratched and the diaphragm working.

connloyalist · Joined: 22 Jul 2020 Posts: 345 Location: the Netherlands

Thank you. I just also noticed that the cheaper lens is marked in feet and inches only. So perhaps that is the reason it is offered for less money.

Regards, C.

screwunscrew · Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2021 11:13 am Post subject:

Why â€œonlyâ€ feet and inches? The anglosaxon world might be not amused about a disrespect of the imperial measures system. Confused

connloyalist · Joined: 22 Jul 2020 Posts: 345 Location: the Netherlands