Kodak Projection Ektanon 4 inch f/2.8 Carousel Slide Projector Lens

Kodak Projection Ektanon 4 inch f/2.8 Carousel Slide Projector Lens

The Kodak Projection Ektanon is a high-quality projection lens designed for use with Kodak Carousel and Ektagraphic slide projectors. This example carries a 4-inch (approximately 102mm) focal length and an f/2.8 maximum aperture, making it one of the faster lenses in the Ektanon lineup — well suited for larger projection distances or dimmer environments where light transmission matters. The lens features Kodak's multi-layer anti-reflection coating (visible as the characteristic blue tint on the glass elements) to minimize flare and maximize image brightness on screen.

Specifications & What's Included

• Brand: Kodak
• Series: Projection Ektanon
• Focal Length: 4 inch (approx. 102mm)
• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
• Lens Coating: Multi-coated (blue anti-reflection)
• Mount: Kodak Carousel bayonet/slip-fit
• Country of Manufacture: Japan
• Date Code: A885 (August 1985)
• Condition: Good used; glass clean, focus ring smooth
• Included: Lens only — no caps, case, or projector

Applications

The Projection Ektanon line was Kodak's standard family of interchangeable lenses for the Carousel and Ektagraphic series of 35mm slide projectors — the dominant slide projection format in education, business, and audiovisual production from the 1960s through the 1990s. Different focal lengths covered different throw distances: shorter lenses for close-range projection in small rooms, longer lenses (like this 4-inch) for larger venues or greater projector-to-screen distances. The f/2.8 aperture provides noticeably more light than the common f/3.5 variants, which is useful when projecting in partially lit rooms or onto larger screens. These lenses are still sought after by photographers, museums, and archivists who maintain working Carousel or Ektagraphic projectors for 35mm slide collections, as well as by artists using slide projection in installations. Made in Japan in August 1985, this lens dates from the mid-1980s peak of Kodak's Carousel system.