Soviet OF-184 on A7

BurstMox · Expire: 2016-08-02

Hello everybody,

I have this tiny lens since a year now, and decided to adapt it on my A7 to see how it perform.
It's a very very small 150mm f/9 reproduction lens, from 1955. I found almost no info about this lens, and low serial number make me think it's not really common lens. Metal is quite heavy. I cannot find optical diagram, and I believe that not exactly the same like my big OF-233 (3.2kg). It's covering a way more than 24x36, so no problem on the A7.

Here is the lens :

It was quite a pain to adapt it on the A7...it looks very very very handmade Laughing

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t31.0-8/1512118_10154161965085243_1730104478114682764_o.jpg
And the lens is here :

The first thing was to adapt it to M42. I used the mount of a Pentacon 135mm Auto to "convert" it. Other things are usual macro rings and helicoidals rings. Since lens is very very sensitiv to flare with sunlight, I had to make this...let's call it "hood". It's not working 100%, but it helped me a lot to do photos. I'll make another hood later.

Here are some shots done today :

On 2,3 and4, contrast are pushed more than on others, where I made basic PP, especialy because A7 doesn't properly expose picture with this lens. ISO always were quite high, because of slowness of the lens + long focal + no tripod.

#1 (sorry, horizon is not good)

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

[/img]

Oldhand · Posted: Mon May 19, 2014 11:35 pm Post subject:

Amazing from such a lens.
I am surprised that you had enough light to focus properly.
Jug(?) on rope is wonderful image.
OH

BurstMox · Expire: 2016-08-02

With the EVF on A7, no problem with light to focus Smile

pdccameras · Expire: 2014-08-11

HI Burst,

Congratulations on some really fine results with this little lens!

The 150mm f/9 combination is not uncommon for process lenses. The wonderful Apo Ronars by Rodesnstock are 150mm f/9.

I quote from Rodenstock:

"APO RONAR in Copal Shutter
The scope of these Classic Process, 4 elements in 4 group lenses, with their outstanding definition, goes far beyond processing and product shots. With an image circle of 48°, they are first class long focal telephoto lenses. These lenses can also be used for close-ups. Though ideally corrected for 1:1 reproduction, the Apo-Ronar lenses maintains their image quality, even at high reductions (distance range) or magnification. The apo-chromatic correction keeps even high contrast outlines free from color fringing."

Even if your lens is not apochromatic, it definitely seems to be a process lens. Having used similar lenses for field work on 4x5 and 5x7, I always found anywhere between f/16 - f/45 to produce optimum results at infinity. I no longer have most of my large format gear, so I can't comment on use on an A7. I do know that the image circles on these lenses should be able to easily cover 4x5 and 5x7 with swings and tilts and, in some cases cover 8x10.

Paul

BurstMox · Expire: 2016-08-02

Thanks a lot Paul for your infos! Much appreciated
So, this OF is definitly not using the OF-233 formula (7 elements in 4 groups).

pdccameras · Expire: 2014-08-11

uhoh7 · Joined: 24 Nov 2010 Posts: 1300 Location: Idaho, USA

awesome!!!

you can have alot of fun with the A7 and..........a lot of crazy lenses Smile

that little thing looks seriously sharp though Smile

kds315* · Expire: 2021-03-09

A well known good performer, great shots!