Turner Reich Triple Conv. date..

[Robbie Bedell]

OK, I just got my 'new' Gundlach Turner Reich Series II 5x7 Triple Convertible lens. Its 7 1/2, 12 and 15 inches. It's a real beauty. It's looks coated and in an Ilex No. 3 Acme shutter. The shutter does not have the bi-post flash socket but the single post locking one. The lens serial number is 213430. I have looked all over and can't seem to find any serial number dating information of these lenses. I even bought the Vade Mecum. Does anyone have any idea approximately when this was made? I am curious. Thank you! Robbie

[Whir-Click]

I have number 212716 in a Betax #4 shutter marked “11-46” on the back.

[Mark Sampson]

I'm not quite sure, but I believe Gundlach Optical survived into the mid-1950s. I should dig up my copy of Dr. Kingslake's history to see what he said. But if your lens is indeed coated, and the shutter has the 'ASA bayonet' flash connection, that should place it as post-WWII.

[Robbie Bedell]

I have number 212716 in a Betax #4 shutter marked “11-46” on the back. Might you have typed an extra digit in your serial number above?

Oh Yeah...Thank you for pointing that out! I fixed it..

[Robbie Bedell]

I'm not quite sure, but I believe Gundlach Optical survived into the mid-1950s. I should dig up my copy of Dr. Kingslake's history to see what he said. But if your lens is indeed coated, and the shutter has the 'ASA bayonet' flash connection, that should place it as post-WWII.

Thank you Mark. Yes, I am sure it's coated as some of it appears to be slightly rubbed off..and what's there is plenty blue.

[Whir-Click]

I had number 215036 for a time, also coated, in a very early Alphax #4 shutter that dated to ‘48 or ‘49.

I think 1947 is a reasonable estimate for your lens.

[Robbie Bedell]

I had number 215036 for a time, also coated, in a very early Alphax #4 shutter that dated to ‘48 or ‘49.

I think 1947 is a reasonable estimate for your lens.

That seems about right. Thank you very much! I can't wait to use this lens...

[David Lindquist]

My Popular Photography buying guide dated May 1950 shows the Turner-Reich available in focal lengths of 5, 6 1/4, 7 1/2, 8 1/2, 10 1/2, 12 and 15 inches. States "all air surfaces coated." Prices only shown for barrel mount, the 7 1/2 inch was $94.00. The next buying guide I have is for 1956, it doesn't show anything for Gundlach.

David

[interneg]

I'm not quite sure, but I believe Gundlach Optical survived into the mid-1950s. I should dig up my copy of Dr. Kingslake's history to see what he said. But if your lens is indeed coated, and the shutter has the 'ASA bayonet' flash connection, that should place it as post-WWII.

I could be wrong, but some quick research suggests Burke and James bought Gundlach in the early 50's, re-named them Dynamic Optics Inc., which became D.O.Industries in the early '70's. Given this history, it's entirely possible that B&J also may have re-manufactured/ re-coated/ assembled into new shutters extant Gundlach optical blocks.

[Robbie Bedell]

My Popular Photography buying guide dated May 1950 shows the Turner-Reich available in focal lengths of 5, 6 1/4, 7 1/2, 8 1/2, 10 1/2, 12 and 15 inches. States "all air surfaces coated." Prices only shown for barrel mount, the 7 1/2 inch was $94.00. The next buying guide I have is for 1956, it doesn't show anything for Gundlach.

David

If it was $94 back then without a shutter I did OK...for once. Thank you David!

[Greg]

I could be wrong, but some quick research suggests Burke and James bought Gundlach in the early 50's, re-named them Dynamic Optics Inc., which became D.O.Industries in the early '70's. Given this history, it's entirely possible that B&J also may have re-manufactured/ re-coated/ assembled into new shutters extant Gundlach optical blocks.

In the early 1970s, acquired my first 8x10 lens from Burk & James, a very early 12 inch f/4.5 Wollensak Velostigmat. Burke & James had (re?)coated the optics and mounted it in a Betax No 5 shutter along with one of their 8x10 Commercial view cameras. Back then I received a hand typed personal letter from B&J documenting the history of the lens!

[Robbie Bedell]

Amazing Greg! That kind of service is long gone. I wonder if Lynn Jones may have had something to do with that...

[mdarnton]

I've got a 5x8 version (8.5", I guess), #214900, and it's uncoated, so the several mentioned before that with coating must have been among the first coated ones, or coated later.

[Robbie Bedell]

I've got a 5x8 version (8.5", I guess), #214900, and it's uncoated, so the several mentioned before that with coating must have been among the first coated ones, or coated later.

Interesting Michael. This lens seem to have been well maintained so perhaps someone had did have it coated somewhere along the way...and turned out to be much newer than I thought it would be. I guess I just lucked out for once...Thank you!

[mdarnton]

Mine shows the tiniest bit of separation around the edges, completely insignificant, which is a common problem with these lenses. I don't find it hard to think that in the 50s and 60s it would have been economical to tear them down to be recemented, and coating them at that time because you could and you were there would have been completely logical.