Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Air Ministry [Ross Xpress] 5 Inch f4 Lens - Sample Photos

Today was my vacation day before I start working at the new job tomorrow. So I spent some time and got the Air Ministry (Ross Xpress) 5 Inch f4 mounted on the helicoid and the 5D Mark II. Since the focal length is long at about 120mm, there is no trouble using it on the full frame camera like the Canon 5D Mark II. The rear mount of the lens is just slightly smaller than 55mm, and I was able to JB-Weld the 55mm filter ring to the rear and then mounted it on the helicoid. Very easy to do.

Despite slight haze inside the lens, I didn't have the hazy problem I thought I would, thanks to the very long and effective lens hood I used, which measured at 11cm, almost as long as the focal length of the lens. Like many old classic lenses, this one does not have high contrast at larger apertures, but is very sharp at full aperture. It's definitely usable at f4. I am quite taken by the nice rendering of the pictures, but what makes this lens special is the history behind it.

Lenses like this one were used for aerial reconnaissance in World War II by the British Air Force (Air Ministry). Just imagine for a moment, that this very lens might have been used to photography the enemy and provided intel for the allies, and is very likely part of the significant history as we know it. On the other hand, what history does your auto focus lens have? Not much, I think.

Air Ministry [Ross Xpress] 5 Inch f4 on helicoid. Taken with 5D II & Tamron 90mm f2.8. Click for larger.

The Imperfect Tulip - Canon 5D Mark II & AM [Ross Xpress] 5 inch f4. Click for larger.

Bokeh - Canon 5D Mark II & AM [Ross Xpress] 5 inch f4. Click for larger.

Bokeh 2 - Canon 5D Mark II & AM [Ross Xpress] 5 inch f4. Click for larger.

The silver lining - Canon 5D Mark II & AM [Ross Xpress] 5 inch f4. Shot through windshield.

8 comments:

  1. Wow! Just wow! These lenses have gorgeous rendering. I love it!

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  2. Dear sir:
    I also have this lens,but I don't know how to make it with my Canon 5DII camera,just like yours.
    On your no.1 photo,what is the rear lens? Where can buy it?
    Please give me some messengs or web link,then I will try to find it and buy it.
    Thank you so much.

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    Replies
    1. Hi, the rear lens you talked about is a Vivitar macro focusing 2x teleconverter modified as a focusing helicoid. You can see the conversion here: http://oldlenses.blogspot.ca/2010/12/diy-nex-focusing-helicoi-d.html

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  3. Hi,

    I have just picked one of these up from ebay with a view to using it on a 4x5 camera and wondered if you would mind confirming something for me? The copy I have received doesn't have any elements behind the diaphragm, I think I have ended up with half a lens as it were. Would I be right in saying there should be a group which screws into the back of the lens behind the diaphragm? Thanks in advance

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    Replies
    1. Hi, I think you only got half a lens. There should be the other half that screw on after the aperture. Should return it.

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    2. Hi, I think you only got half a lens. There should be the other half that screw on after the aperture. Should return it.

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  4. Great, thanks for your help.

    Chris

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