Zoom Lens Adapter For Pageant

[Richard Keiffer]

What does the zoom lens adapter do ? Does it make larger screen image at shorter distances? If so, where do I look for one for my Pageant? I understand that Buhl makes/made one. Thanks.

Richard

[Richard Keiffer]

i understand that Buhl makes/made one for the Pageant. Where can I find one? Thanks.

Richard

[Ken Layton]

Buhl "Varazoom" # 833-430 changes the Kodak original 2" prime lens into a 1.6" to 2.5" zoom. It sold for $85 in 1973.

[Michael Coffin]

Hi Richard,

Zoom lenses (either single unit or an adapted primary) can be used to either increase or decrease the focal length of a lens, resulting in a smaller or larger projected image from the same distance. There is a multiplier that you can use to determine how the zoom will effect the focal length of your primary lens that varies by manufacturer. I have the B&H Filmovara zoom lens table in front of me. A 2" B&H lens with a Filmovara will have a focal length range from 1.75" to 2.25". A 1.5" lens will have a focal length range from 1.3" to 1.75".

I have one of the Buhl Optical Varazoom's for Kodak Pageant - it's Catalogue number 833-430 - but good luck trying to find them. The one which I have is the only one which I've ever seen.

Kodak also made BiFocal Adaptors for the Pageant. Unlike a zoom (which provides a variable focal length range) the BiFocal adaptor provides two fixed conversions. When used with the standard 2" Pageant lens, the BiFocal adaptor converts it's focal length to either 1 5/8" or 2.5". The BiFocal adaptors are pretty rare too, but I have a few of these. If you know that your throw requires either a 1 5/8" (pretty much a 1.5" standard) or 2.5" lens, the BiFocal adaptor is probably a good choice since you don't need to worry about moving parts seizing up (zoom lenses have a lens element that slides in the barrel, I've seen a couple of them seize up before).

-Mike

[John Whittle]

Unfortunately like many Buhl optical products there weren't alot sold. They had almost everything and alot of it was "custom" made upon order.

These weren't items that dealers stocked to have on hand for sale, your best bet is to find a projector that has one on it (you sometimes see B&H and Eiki projectors on ebay with zoom attachements on them.

Good luck, this is like a needle in the haystack search.

Buhl sold a lot more slide projector lenses, rear projection lenses and special multi-media set-ups.

BTW the past tense is correct, Buhl "made". The company was sold to Navitar and moved to Rochester. The rumor was none of the 16mm lenses made the trip. Today they're into electronic projector lenses (at least the last time I checked) and nobody there even knows that they sold Kowa Anamorphics under the name D. O. Industries before it was Navitar.

John