8mm Forum: Lens Comparisons

This is topic Lens Comparisons in forum 16mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Dan Lail (Member # 18) on November 06, 2004, 05:38 PM:

Anyone notice a difference in focus between the Sankor 16C anamorphic lens and the Kowa 16 anamorphic lens at a throw of 20 feet? Is one sharper than the other? This would be using a 1.5 inch prime. [Confused]

Posted by John A. Pommon (Member # 292) on November 09, 2004, 01:08 AM:

Hi Dan, Just out of curiosity which machine are you running?
I picked up a German ISCO - Gottingen KIPTARON 1.3 / 50MM lens for an EIKI SSL. An improvement over the standard EIKI lens.

Posted by Dan Lail (Member # 18) on November 09, 2004, 10:35 PM:

Hi John, I'm running these lens with a B&H 1585. The Sankor 16C has a smaller diameter rear than the Kowa 16. The Kowa is definately sharper in focus. I think it's because more light passes through. Also, the Kowa screws directly onto the B&H 1.5 lens where as the Sankor has to have an adaptor. [Smile]

My Eiki SSL-O is not ready for use yet I don't think the parts that hold the film in place in the forward position are aligning correctly. [Confused]

Posted by Barry Johnson (Member # 84) on November 10, 2004, 04:37 AM:

Working in the cinema trade professionally,anamorphic lenses are notoriously dissimilar,even within own-brands.
I have found the same with my 16mm/8mm useage of these lenses.My own Kowa was different in resolution than a friend of mines of the same make.To look at them they are alike as two peas in a pod!
Barry.

Posted by John A. Pommon (Member # 292) on November 10, 2004, 05:28 AM:

Dan, Where in the film path is the film being engaged incorrectly?

Posted by Dan Lail (Member # 18) on November 10, 2004, 08:31 PM:

John, here are some pictures of the Eiki film path open and closed with and without film.

web page
web page
web page web page

Posted by John A. Pommon (Member # 292) on January 04, 2005, 04:03 PM:

Hi Dan: 1st picture - in the stop/load position - matches image in manual.
Rollers look in correct position. 2nd picture appears to match as well.
For your 3rd image place the rotary control in "operation position".

Some problems require intense scrutiny. For instance I have an SSL-1 with a 'mystery' problem I can't find the cure.
The film doesn't "nest" in the gate precisely. As a result the claw skips one frame when it starts and chatters. I have looked everywhere but can't find the answer.

Posted by Dan Lail (Member # 18) on January 04, 2005, 05:32 PM:

Hi, John, I finally figured out the correct film threading on the Eiki and it works very smooth. I agree, rewinding the film over the top of the projector eliminates any possibility of friction to the film. [Smile]

John, thanks for a gorgeous print of 3 Faces Of Eve. [Wink]

Barry, thanks for insight on the individual characteristics of of same brand and size lens. I never thought of that. Logic abounds here on this forum. [Big Grin]

Posted by John A. Pommon (Member # 292) on January 08, 2005, 12:24 AM:

Hi Dan - Your welcome! Enjoy. J.W sure was a babe (sexy too) Just for ducks how about the asking price on a scope big boy of this same title: from Jeff's 2005 list - 35mm site -
THREE FACES OF EVE (SCOPE) JOANNE WOODWARD--DAVID WAYNE..............2,000.
Take Care Dan
J

Posted by Anthony Massaro (Member # 216) on February 09, 2005, 06:41 PM:

Hi:
I have a mint condition Sankor 16 (D?) anamorphic as well which I brought some time ago but never used. Can't remember the model off hand but it's large in size. Can anyone tell me if they are made by the same people who manufacture the Kowa anamophics?
There's a sticker on the front of mine covering the original manufacturer over with the Sankor name. - Anthony

Posted by John Whittle (Member # 22) on February 09, 2005, 06:58 PM:

Sankor and Kowa at two different factories. The Sankor lenses turn up with all sorts of names engraved on them such as Eiki F, Singer, Victor, Films Inc, etc. The Kowa lenses are sometimes engraved with Elmo and Bell & Howell. There are both Sankor and Kowa lenses engraved as Elmoscope lenses.

The biggest difference between anamorphics has to do with optical alignment. If the lens elements get out of vertical alingment first the contrast goes and then it's not possible to get sharp focus. This can be fixed if you have the proper tools and jigs to set up the lenses.

There are also a number of the smaller Sankor lenses (sometimes marked D.O.Optics and sometimes Eiki 16F) that were modified by Laird for part of a US Navy contract for on ship telecine use. These lenses have been compressed in length so that they only focus at about 3 feet. This was to allow film chain use of Cinemascope 16mm prints that were in circulation at the time for Armed Forces use. They later went to Beta. Bet they're all on DVD now. So beware of some of the anamorphics sold on ebay as I've seen these lenses turn up and the sellers usually know nothing (at least claim that) about the lenses and their use.

John

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