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2025-08-21

Pentax Q 07 11.5/9 Mount Shield Lens

I found it.




The Pentax Q 07 Mount Shield Lens (11.5mm f/9) is the final lens in the so-called "Unique Lenses" series for Pentax Q cameras. I already have the Q 03 Fish-eye, the Q 04 Toy Lens Wide, the Q 05 Toy Lens Telephoto.




The Q 07 is an extremely small lens. It is smaller than its rear cap. Moreover, the lens can be used as a replacement of a body cap. That's why it is called the "Mount Shield Lens."




On the Pentax Q (1/2.3"), it is equivalent to a 64mm lens.

It is an electronic lens. It lacks a built-in leaf shutter and aperture control. Therefore, it behaves similarly to that of a manual focus lens with an adapter, with a few exceptions. First, a Pentax Q camera saves EXIF data with lens information (including the permanent f/9 aperture value). Second, a Pentax Q camera recognizes the focal length (11.5mm) for the sensor-shift image stabilization (SR). Third, since the lens lacks a focusing mechanism, it is neither an autofocus nor a manual focus.

The lens has 1 elements in 1 groups. Together with the focus-free design, it produces very specific images. In my opinion, the image quality is the worst in the "Unique Lenses" series. And at the same time, since you don't need to focus, the lens is the most fun to use (for me).

The Pentax Q 07, the Viltrox AF 28/4.5 FE (FF), the Samsung NX 30/2 (APS-C):



2025-08-19

Carl Zeiss Jena Triotar 80/4: Samples [1] - FF - f/4

Camera: Sony a7c (FF, 24MP)

The sharpness and contrast are better than expected for such an old uncoated triplet lens. Note that the triplet "soap bubbles" are almost absent.









2025-08-17

Pentax Q 04 6.3/7.1 Toy Lens Wide: Disassembled





It is made entirely of plastic. I had hoped to lubricate the focusing mechanism to improve its usability. However, that didn't help.



See also related notes:

2025-08-15

Certos rangefinder (A)

This is a Certos rangefinder ("Entfernungsmesser" by the German firm Certo).




The rangefinder is mounted on the Zarya camera.





The rangefinder is intended for Welta and Altissa cameras, so it is most likely the "Modell A".



How to use (in German):





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2025-08-13

Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ rear axle

The Mercedes-Benz G580 is an electric vehicle. Each wheel has its own electric motor. Pairs of motors are combined for each axle and include a 2-speed gearbox (high and low ranges).

However, a unit is too heavy for the rear live solid axle. Instead, the G580 uses an uncommon De Dion suspension with Watt's linkage.

While this suspension is non-independent, but it is not a live axle. The half-shafts are positioned beside the axle rather than inside the axle tube.







Images from an electronic parts catalog:







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2025-08-11

Mitakon Creator 85/2 II: Samples [2] - 135 film - f/2

Camera: Pentax Super A
Film: Ilford PanF Plus ISO 50 (135 B&W)

This is my favorite 135 film these days. The built-in TTL light meter of the Pentax Super A works correctly with the modified lens.








2025-08-09

Yuasa YBX3057 battery (B24R) for Suzuki Jimny

In 2013, I bought the GS Yuasa ECO.R LS ELS-B24R battery for my Suzuki Jimny. Recently, however, I accidentally deep discharged the battery. Now, the battery is unusable.

So, I bought a new battery to install in the Jimny: Yuasa YBX3057.




It is also a B24R battery. The "B24" indicates the dimensions. The "R" indicates the terminal placement.

2025-08-07

Carl Zeiss Jena Triotar 80/4 (M40x1): Long-focus uncoated (non-T) triplet lens

Another of my triplet lenses.




The Carl Zeiss Jena Triotar 1:4 f=8,5 cm (85mm, f/4).




This is the uncoated (non-T) version with an M40x1 mount. According to one source, this lens was manufactured in 1945.

The lens has 3 optical elements in 3 groups (yes, triplet). Though it is a long-focus lens, it is not a telephoto lens. That's why the body is so long for an 85mm lens, resembling earlier 135mm lenses.




It has 16 aperture blades. The aperture ring is clickless (f/4-f/32). 

The filter thread is 40.5mm.

The Triotar 85mm is surprisingly sharp for such an old triplet lens.

2025-08-05

"Optek" light meter: User manual (in Russian)

This is an "Optek" ("ОПТЭК") light meter that was made in the USSR.




It is very compact and lightweight. In fact, it is even smaller than the Sekonic Auto-Leader L-188:




This light meter is optical, not electronic. It is a clone of a German model (FILUX Platin, Balda Expophot, or something similar).

Surprisingly, the light meter is quite accurate when the correct scale is chosen: there are three options depending on the lighting conditions to compensate for eye adaptation.

My copy was manufactured in either 1954 or 1955.

User manual (in Russian):









See also related notes:
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2025-08-03

Kiyohara Soft VK70R 70/5: Samples [1] - FF - f/5

Camera: Sony a7c (FF, 24MP)

A soft focus lens is a specific thing. It can be challenging to find the right scene for it.

Anyway, I prefer a 70mm focal length to an 85mm one.








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