pgk
26-Jan-2019, 05:11
I have just received this lens having bought it from, I assume a none photographic specialist (looking at the other items), via ebay. It has a low serial number of 157 and is in exceptionally good condition (as in: looks unused except for age related 'patina') and complete with its original flange, caps and correct round cardboard box (and probably cotton wool). According to the Lens Vade Mecum, which is sparse on AFR, it may be a Dagor type lens. It fully disassembles fairly easily and actually appears on first inspection to be two doublets although it could be triplets - its really quite difficult to tell. The diaphragm is stiff - simply age I guess - but works and my impression is of a well constructed lens, with the only noticeable flaw being an small but obvious machining flaw in one thread area.
I'm trying to figure out when it dates from and so far have found a stereo camera fitted with AFR lenses from 'W Watson & Sons' which would suggest pre-1908 (Ltd was added after 1908), and another by Clement & Gilmer who seem to have been in partnership from about 1890 to 1910. Assuming both cameras to have been fitted with their AFR lenses from new, around 1890-1908ish seems reasonable.
I also placed the lens on my largest camera - 12" x 8" and even wide open it fully covers this format rather to my surprise.
Does anyone have any further information on AFR and their lenses?
I'm trying to figure out when it dates from and so far have found a stereo camera fitted with AFR lenses from 'W Watson & Sons' which would suggest pre-1908 (Ltd was added after 1908), and another by Clement & Gilmer who seem to have been in partnership from about 1890 to 1910. Assuming both cameras to have been fitted with their AFR lenses from new, around 1890-1908ish seems reasonable.
I also placed the lens on my largest camera - 12" x 8" and even wide open it fully covers this format rather to my surprise.
Does anyone have any further information on AFR and their lenses?