Several Aero Ektars

guardian · Joined: 18 Mar 2009 Posts: 1743

I enjoy and follow the Kodak Aero Ektar lenses, though my only such lens is a 24" set up for 35mm.

Happened today upon an Aero Ektar I was previously unaware even existed. It is the 36" lens. Then within minutes I saw a second copy. I was surprised.

Click here to see on Ebay

Click here to see on Ebay

The second lens there is in quite beautiful condition.

Also you might enjoy this third Aero Ektar, a 7" lens mounted onto a Speed Graphic:

Click here to see on Ebay then click see original listing

This is an interesting application of the lens, but not a novel one:

https://lommen9.home.xs4all.nl/aero/

Note: An item having selling price in 1943 of US$800 would today be priced over US$11,000.

guardian · Joined: 18 Mar 2009 Posts: 1743

Oh my goodness, a two foot naked Aero Ektar just sold at auction for close to $350 shipped. And there were TWO bidders at that lofty level!:

Click here to see on Ebay then click see original listing

What did these things go for as government surplus back during the 1950's . . . twenty or thirty bucks!

How times have changed! Shocked

Paulius · Joined: 25 Nov 2014 Posts: 302 Location: Connecticut

I have two for paperweight for decades, looks like it is a sleeping treasure!

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9107 Location: Houston, Texas

Even as recently as the early 90s these lenses weren't worth much. There was just no market for them.

I have the front element and a red filter for an Aero Ektar around here somewhere. About 6" in diameter, I think I paid maybe $10 or $20 for it. I guess I figured a 6" diameter red filter should be worth something. I bought it probably in 1990 or 1991.