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Kodak 101mm f/4.5 Ektar Synchro-Rapid 800 B (30MT) Lens
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Kodak's 101mm f/4.5 Ektar, a mid-century large format classic.
The Kodak Ektar name carries real weight in American optics history, and this 101mm f/4.5 is an example of mid-century lens engineering built for large format work. The Synchro-Rapid 800 shutter is the defining mechanical feature here, a leaf shutter rated to 1/800 sec, which gives large format shooters sync at any speed, something no focal plane shutter can offer. For film photographers working with strobes or flashbulbs, that capability changes how you balance ambient and artificial light entirely.
At 101mm on 2x3 or 4x5 formats, this focal length lands in normal-to-slightly-long territory depending on the film plane, making it a practical choice for portraiture and close-work documentation. The f/4.5 maximum aperture is workable for focusing on a ground glass, and the Ektar optical formula has a long reputation for clean, contrasty rendering without excessive character, meaning the image does the talking, not the glass. Any shooter investing in this lens is getting a shutter and optic combination that has already proven itself across decades of serious work.
Who It's For
Large format film photographers building out a 2x3 or 4x5 kit will find the Synchro-Rapid 800 shutter genuinely useful, sync at 1/800 sec opens up strobe ratios that slower leaf shutters cannot reach. Portrait photographers working in a studio context benefit from the 101mm focal length's natural compression at close to medium distances. Collectors and wet plate or alternative process practitioners who need a reliable, historically significant American optic will recognize the Ektar lineage immediately. Cinematographers and photographers shooting with vintage technical cameras round out the audience.
Key Features
- 101mm focal length for large format portraiture and close documentation
- f/4.5 maximum aperture optimized for ground glass viewing
- Synchro-Rapid 800 leaf shutter with flash sync at any speed
- Ektar optical formula delivers clean, contrasty rendering
- Mid-century American lens engineering built for professional use
FAQ
- What shutter does this Kodak Ektar have?
- A Synchro-Rapid 800 leaf shutter, which syncs flash at any speed up to 1/800 sec - a major advantage over focal plane shutters for large format strobe work.
- What focal length is the 101mm on 4x5 film?
- At 101mm on 4x5, you're looking at a normal-to-slightly-long focal length suitable for portraiture and close documentary work.
- Is the f/4.5 aperture bright enough for ground glass focusing?
- Yes. f/4.5 is workable for ground glass focusing on large format cameras, though you'll want steady light and a loupe.
- What's the Ektar optical formula known for?
- Clean, contrasty rendering without excessive character - the image quality comes from the subject and your technique, not lens artifacts.
- Can you use this lens with modern strobes and flashbulbs?
- The Synchro-Rapid shutter is designed for both, with sync capability at any speed, making it fully practical for studio and location flash work.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 101mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4.5 |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Kodak |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | Manual focus (only) |
| Max Focal Length | 101mm |
| Min Focal Length | 101mm |
