I took apart the Pentax Q 04 6.3/7.1 Toy Lens Wide.
It is made entirely of plastic. I had hoped to lubricate the focusing mechanism to improve its usability. However, that didn't help.
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):
See also related notes:
Image albums:
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:
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)
Lens: Mitakon Creator 85/2 II (modified for Pentax K) at f/2
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.
See also related notes:
- Mitakon Creator 85/2 II: Pentax K mount (2025-07-07)
- Mitakon [Zhongyi] Creator 85/2 (Second Version) (2023-03-31)
Image albums:
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.
See also related notes:
Image albums:
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.
See also related notes:
- Carl Zeiss Jena Triotar 80/4: Samples [1] - FF - f/4 (2025-08-19)
Image albums:
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):
2025-08-03
Kiyohara Soft VK70R 70/5: Samples [1] - FF - f/5
Camera: Sony a7c (FF, 24MP)
Lens: Kiyohara Soft VK70R 70/5 at f/5
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.
See also related notes:
Image albums:
2025-07-31
Kenda Small Block Eight 27.5x2.1 tires
Kenda Small Block Eight 27.5x2.1 (52-584) K1047 tires, 60 TPI, folding bead. Very similar to my Kenda Small Block Eight 29x2.1 tires, but for smaller rims (584 vs 622).
These copies of the tire weigh 575g and 596g, without packaging.
2025-07-29
NONS SL42 (II): Medium-format (P6) lenses - Biometar, Vega, Mir
First, I wanted to try my medium-format lenses on the NONS SL 42(II) - without the NFE, of course. These lenses have a Pentacon-6 (B) mount, so I found a Pentacon-6-Canon EF adapter.
The adapter is called the Pixco P60-EF and is relatively inexpensive. The flange focal distance is correct, but the Canon EF mount has a lot of play.
1/250 f/19:
1/250 f/16:
1/250 f/22:
1/250 f/22:
3. Mir-26B 45/3.5
1/250 f/22:
1/125 (switched by mistake) f/16:
Results:
1. The small "throat size" of the leaf shutter leads to very significant vignetting. A lens must be very specific in order to work properly with this camera without NFE (NONS Format Extender). I don't know of any such lens. This is the reason why later NONS models (SL660 for Instax Square, SL645 for Instax Mini) have a built-in (non-removable) NFE.
2. Instax film has a rather small exposure latitude. Exposure parameters must be precise. Overexposure ruins colors and details. Underexposure makes a photo too dark to see.
3. As I mentioned earlier, Instax film has a native speed of ISO 800, which is rather high, and the fastest shutter speed is 1/250, which is rather slow. In sunny conditions, a very slow aperture (up to f/32) is necessary.
See also related notes:
- Mir-26B 45/3.5: Samples [1] - FF - f/3.5 (2025-09-13)
- NONS SL42 (II): NFE, Pentax K lenses (2025-08-25)
Image albums:
2025-07-27
Pentax Q 03, 04, 05 lenses
My Pentax Q manual focus lenses:
These are all three of the Pentax Q manual focus lenses.
Also there was the Pentax Q 07 11.5/9 Mount Shield Lens, which is neither manual nor autofocus, it is a focus-free lens. I hope to obtain the Pentax Q 07 lens, but it is harder to find than the 03, 04, 05 lenses.
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