Turner Reich triple convertible ages?

[walter23]

I'm wondering when these were made? I've got a nice looking 12/21/28" in a betax #4, SN 2xxxxxx. Haven't shot any images with it yet (need to restore my 8x10).

I'm not trying to be secretive with the serial #, I just don't have it handy. Low 200000's though.

This is just a matter of curiosity. I can't find any information by searching the interweb.

[walter23]

BTW even if you don't know the serial # datings, just a rough idea would be cool. I can't even guess if this is 1915 or 1930 or 1940 or 1901.

[Mark Sampson]

According to Kingslake's "Lenses in Photography", the design dates from 1895 and was still being manufactured in 1951 (when the book was published). If it's coated, it's post-WWII. Flash sync on the shutter would suggest post-1940, as well.

[walter23]

Thanks Mark. It's uncoated.

[seawolf66]

According to Vada Mercum CD: they started making them in 1895 and continued for 55 years 1950 should be aproximent time of stop making them ??

[Mark Sampson]

I can't find my copy of Dr. Kingslake's "A History of the Photographic Manufacturing Companies of Rochester, N.Y." but of course Gundlach is mentioned and the Turner-Reich lens. IIRC it was not designed by either Turner or Reich... an interesting read if you use older gear. Kodak, Graflex, Bausch&Lomb, Wollensak, Ilex, Gundlach (Korona), and many more all came out of my home town. Sometimes I've thought of doing a photographic series on the numerous old optical factory buildings which still exist in Rochester (I work every day in one). Especially as Kodak demolishes more of their buildings all the time. But the last time I thought of that was in March, and now the days are getting short again... maybe next year.

[Michael Roberts]

Bump. Mark, did you ever find any info? I just acquired a GMTR No. 6 triple convertible. sn 119151 in barrel. Would love to find out its birthdate....