Re: Lens Help

[Sam Smith <3dhacker@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'm NOT a lens expert, just someone who has owned and experimented with
this beast. Replacing the lens would definately improve performance,
although your chances of finding a replacement may be slim. You need almost
the EXACT focal length, as the optic has to pivot at an exact location. Any
deviation and you'll end up with a picture less sharp than the meniscus.
The other option is to change the film plane, but this is not an easy thing
with this camera.

The kodaks are basically box cameras with curved backs. Stopping down the
existing aperture vignettes. If you get hold of an Al-Vista, there's a
panoramic with possibilities!

Sam

At 08:14 AM 7/24/98 -0500, you wrote:
>Ok all you optics experts, got a question for you.
>
>I'm currently restoring a c1903 No.1 Kodak Panorama
>camera. Since it can easily be adapted to 120 film, I
>want to be able to put it back into actual use (maybe
>even 3D panorama with a slide bar). Its an interesting
>box camera with a 2 speed rotating lens. The negative
>would be ~58mm x ~170mm covering a 112 degree view.
>
>It was originally built with a single element meniscus
>lens.
>
>Here's the question(s):
>
>Would there be a direct improvement in picture quality
>(particularly for color) by replacing the old single
>element with a single lens modern double or triple
>element achromat? Or would multiple lenses be required?
>
>If yes, those who have catalogs for optics is there one
>that lists an 11mm diameter with a 100mm focal length.
>Nothing in Edmund's Sci is close.
>
>Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>
>Paul A. Lehman
>