Windows

[guardian]

Windows, conceptually, means one thing when referencing computer operating systems and quite a different thing when MF lenses are under discussion. MF lenses can be windowless, single windowed, or double windowed. I've never run across a MF lens with more than two windows, though I guess such a lens could exist.

One series of lenses, the older Vivitar presets, contains BOTH windowless and at least one single window lens (the 28mm):

http://forum.mflenses.com/ponder-and-best-t-mount-system-lens-spec-sheets-t70177.html

The best example of a double window preset I know is the Vivitar (Noritar) 250:

http://forum.mflenses.com/the-rare-vivitar-250mm-f-4-5-pre-set-lens-t32587,highlight,%2Bvivitar.html

There is a pretty neat series of older automatics, the Tamron Adapt-A-Matic lenses, where single windows are routine, at least down to and including the 105:

http://www.adaptall-2.com/lenses/Adapt-A-Matic_LensIndex.html

Most sophisticated, though at times troubling for collectors, are the closed window lenses. An example is the Tamron SP 52BB (90mm). This lens is a minor revision of the older Tamron 52B which has an open window. What can happen with older closed window MF lenses over time is undesirable clouding, scratching, or marring of the window material. But the closed window of this 52BB seems to be in splendid condition:



Windows, while not at all uncommon, add a certain panache to MF lenses IMO.

[Lloydy]

I've got a few, luckily all in decent condition with no foggy or badly scratched windows.

Tamron 70-220 / 3.8 ( Grips re covered with leather from a WW2 DC3 Dakota pilots seat. )


Tamron 300 / 5.6 ( I also have this in the silver finish )


Minolta AF 50 1.7 Macro


Minolta AF 500 / 8 Reflex


Tamron SP 90 / 2.5 Macro

[luisalegria]

Tamron loved windows.
Other window-mad makers were Yashica in the Dx era and of course Pentax was semi-windowed in all the Takumar series and up to the Pentax A's.

[Lloydy]

Yes, I forgot my Pentax's - the F Series zooms ( dirt cheap and very good on the K10 ) and the superb DA* 50-135 / 2.8 also has a tiny window.

[calvin83]

From late 1950s.

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