rec.photo.equipment.large-format
From: dickburk@ix.netcom.com (Richard Knoppow)
[1] Re: Ektar Lenses
Date: Mon Jul 13 14:43:51 CDT 1998

...

Not all Ektars are coated. Most of the f/4.5 series, for use on press cameras, etc., were not coated until after about 1946 (I don't know the exact date Kodak started coating all its lenses).

Most Ektars for medium and large format are Tessar types, but Ektar was used as a trade-mark for a quality level rather than a specific design. For example, the f/1.9 lens for the Ektra and the Aero-Ektar are both seven element Biotar types, the 45mm f/2 lens for the Bantam Special is a six element Biotar. At least four other prototypical designs were used for Ektar lenses.

Undoubtedly, the quality of the coatings varied over the fifteen or so year period that Kodak continued to make lenses after coating was adopted. Unfortunately, according to my contact at Kodak, the historical material which would clarify this sort of issue has been buried away somewhere and is not accessible.

My statement about the coating of Eastman Ektars is based on statements made in a 1940 or 1941 Kodak lens handbook.

Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles, Ca.
dickburk@ix.netcom.com