* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Kodak 305mm f/4.8 Portrait Universal Synchro BT (82MT) 8x10 Lens
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Kodak 305mm f/4.8 Portrait lens built for 8x10 large format.
At 305mm and f/4.8, this Kodak Portrait Universal Synchro BT sits squarely in the classic portrait focal length range for 8x10 format. The Universal Synchro BT designation indicates a built-in sync shutter, which allows direct flash or strobe triggering without an external shutter unit, a practical advantage for studio work on large format where shutter options are more constrained than in smaller formats.
The f/4.8 maximum aperture is reasonably fast for a large format portrait lens, giving you enough light transmission to focus on ground glass with clarity. Large format portrait work rewards patience and deliberate composition, and a lens like this rewards that approach, the 305mm focal length on 8x10 produces the subject rendering and spatial compression that made this lens a go-to for formal studio portraiture. Finding a complete, functional example with a working synchro shutter at this focal length is increasingly difficult as these lenses age out of circulation.
Who It's For
Studio photographers working in 8x10 large format who need a dedicated portrait focal length with integrated flash sync will find this lens purpose-built for exactly that workflow. Film photographers exploring large format portraiture get a lens whose focal length is matched to the format's proportions. Collectors and wet plate practitioners seeking a period-correct Kodak portrait lens will appreciate the Universal Synchro BT shutter designation, which ties this lens to a specific era of professional studio practice.
Key Features
- 305mm focal length optimized for 8x10 large format
- f/4.8 maximum aperture for adequate ground glass focus
- Built-in Universal Synchro BT shutter for direct flash triggering
- No external shutter unit required for studio work
- Classic portrait focal length rendering for formal studio work
- Increasingly rare in working condition with functional shutter
FAQ
- What does Universal Synchro BT mean on this Kodak lens?
- The synchro shutter is built into the lens itself, allowing you to trigger flash or strobe directly without a separate external shutter unit - a significant practical advantage for studio work on large format, where shutter options are more limited than in smaller formats.
- Is f/4.8 fast enough for large format portrait work?
- f/4.8 is reasonably fast for a large format portrait lens, giving enough light transmission to focus clearly on ground glass. Large format work is deliberate by design, and this aperture supports that pace.
- Why is 305mm considered a portrait focal length for 8x10?
- At 305mm on 8x10 format, this lens produces the subject rendering and spatial compression that made it a go-to for formal studio portraiture. It sits in the classic range for flattering portrait work on this format.
- How difficult is it to find one of these lenses in working condition?
- Complete, functional examples with a working synchro shutter at this focal length are increasingly scarce as these lenses age out of circulation. If you find one in good repair, the working shutter mechanism is worth verifying.
- What's the mount on this Kodak lens?
- Mount information is not documented for this particular example.
- Can this lens be used for other kinds of work besides portraiture?
- While designed and named for portraiture, a 305mm lens on 8x10 can be applied to any large format photography where that focal length suits the composition - the Portrait designation reflects its historical use, not a functional limitation.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 305mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4.8 |
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 | 305mm |
| Min Focal Length | 305mm |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent
Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Bargain
Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Ugly
Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
