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Karl Gener 85-205mm lens?
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PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2013 3:27 am    Post subject: Karl Gener 85-205mm lens? Reply with quote

Need some help with a lens.

Karl Gener - Auto Zoom 1:3.8 F=85-205mm SN#151169

What confuses me about this lens, is that there is no push/pull way to zoom in and out. The focusing works fine, but I can't figure out how to change the focal length???

Isn't it normal for a zoom lens, to have an aperture range listed? For example 3.8 - 5.6 (max aperture for both extremes of the focal length)? This one only has one listed.

I will post some photos later.

Any help, greatly appreciated.

Thanks. Smile


PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2013 6:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have adjusted the title to make clear for readers what it is about...


PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2013 7:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

There were a few rebadged Kiron lenses. I have one, but I can't remember how to zoom; I thought it had a 2 touch setup.


PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2013 7:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

85-205 sounds familiar maybe rebrand?

Some lenses have constant aperture through everything - often higher quality ones (it's more difficult to make them unless capping a 4-5.6 to 5.6 of course)

I believe you are doing it worng is there no scale for 85 .. 205? you may have one of the Sun/Sigma with double touch, I never had one of these, but as a rule all zooms can change focal length.. unless you got the Minolta Monster Macro whose focal length is hardlocked on focusing.


PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2013 7:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Some pictures may help us help you.


PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2013 8:10 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I presume it is the same lens as the Panagor 80-205mm 3.8 from Kiron.
That is a lens with two rings, one for focussing, the other for focus length.


PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2013 6:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ditto, sounds like the Kiron two-touch. Was sold in a large number of brands and styles.

One of the rings should change focal length. This is a constant-aperture lens.


PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2013 6:34 pm    Post subject: Thank You Reply with quote

Thank you all for the responses. I have posted some pics. There appears to have been a way (below the green numbers - focal lengths), to turn and adjust this. The focusing helicoid, is further down the lens. Is there a trick to get that focal length adjustment to turn, or is mine maybe just stuck at 205mm? It was passed down from my dad, so I am not out any money and I do not have a long lens, so being stuck at 205mm may not be that bad a thing. Smile

What does it mean that the "aperture is the same right through all the focal pts? I have looked that up and it appears to only be present on better quality lenses, so I guess this is a good thing?

Thanks again, for all the responses and help Smile






PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2013 7:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yes, this is the Kiron two-touch.
You should be able to turn the ring with the marked focal lengths. It should turn easily. If it doesn't turn there is something wrong with it.

There were quite a few constant-aperture zooms. This is not necessarily a mark of high quality as some, like this one, were quite common and affordable. This is in fact a very decent lens for its time.


PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2013 7:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

luisalegria wrote:
Yes, this is the Kiron two-touch.
You should be able to turn the ring with the marked focal lengths. It should turn easily. If it doesn't turn there is something wrong with it.

There were quite a few constant-aperture zooms. This is not necessarily a mark of high quality as some, like this one, were quite common and affordable. This is in fact a very decent lens for its time.


Too bad Sad the ring with the marked focal lengths, does not turn at all. Looks like it is locked up at 205mm. I guess I now own a 205mm 3.8 fixed focal lens. Smile I had it on my 40d last night and it seems to take some nice shots. I will try it outdoors, once the weather gets a little nicer.

One thing I do notice about this lens, is that it is built like a tank. solid and heavy. nothing like the ones at the camera store today.

Thanks for all the help everyone Smile


PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2013 7:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you're in the UK, you can have mine as I don't use it.


PostPosted: Sat Feb 02, 2013 5:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Try warming the lens over a radiator for a few hours, then when it is thoroughly warmed, try a little muscle, holding it by the focus and zoom rings, applying force in alternate directions. It might shift it, the alternative is a dismantling and rebuild? It looks quite tidy in the photos, so I'd assume it hasn't been damaged, in which case the lube has solidified into glue. A clue would be how `nice' the focus works, maybe. If something has broken, there might be an unusual rattle (give it a shake). But I'd go for the glue effect. LOL.