Some Soft Focus Lens Sales Information

[Tin Can]

Gundlach Achromatic Meniscus Portrait F6 16 1/2 Inch

121539707307

$1680.00

[Tin Can]

Tailor Hobson Cooke 10 1/2 inch 270mm Series IIE F/4.5 Portrait

321633772502

$2025.00

[Mark Sawyer]

I hope the buyer of that Gundlach Achromat knows to move the element to the rear, where it should be!

[Tin Can]

I hope the buyer of that Gundlach Achromat knows to move the element to the rear, where it should be!

HA! I didn't notice that.

These don't sell very often. I have only found one other sale, listed on CC's site.

[8x10 user]

I wish I saw that Gundlach.


There was a PS945 that went for 4k

[andrewch59]

15.5" Wollensak velostigmat in studio shutter (not working and soft focus stuck) 161501439353 US$800

19" Bausch & lomb Sigmar in studio shutter and r.klein ilex shutter 301474637787 US$985

[jp]

19" Bausch & lomb Sigmar in studio shutter and r.klein ilex shutter 301474637787 US$985

That's a pretty neat looking shutter!

[goamules]

For when only 2 shutters will do. Or is that 3?

[Jim Galli]

That's a pretty neat looking shutter!

Better known as an ILEXPO

They can achieve about 1/5th second same as the Studio shutters but a couple stops slower than a good working Packard.

[andrewch59]

I noticed it has a plate on the front with "fast speed", I wonder if there is more than one speed setting???? Will know soon I guess.

[cowanw]

Indeed there is.

[Andrew Plume]

Dallmeyer 6D sold an hour ago over on 'the big auction site' - $4,611.16 - 251791841868

andrew

[Tin Can]

Dallmeyer 6D sold an hour ago over on 'the big auction site' - $4,611.16 - 251791841868

andrew

Bargain

[Hugo Zhang]

A Dallmeyer 3A for BIN for $1,400.

[fluidrive]

the intraweb makes sarcasm sound just like an honest opinion and vice versa

[fluidrive]

i was watching this 6d carefully, fine condition, with mount, brass, rarely seen...hard to find a precedent for this kind of Dallmeyer recently.

[Tin Can]

i was watching this 6d carefully, fine condition, with mount, brass, rarely seen...hard to find a precedent for this kind of Dallmeyer recently.

No sarcasm, but not in my budget.

[Andrew Plume]

hello 'fluiddrive' I can't see any sarcasm here...................................or am I missing something

Randy, I was following this one too, therefore my 'virgin post' in this thread

regards

andrew

[Andrew Plume]

sorry, 'fluidrive'

andrew

[pierre506]

18in F4 Wolly VERITO Diffused focus with board, $910
111591103895

[Steven Tribe]

Just using the opportunity of a "new" sale to suggest that there has been a notable drop in reported and actual availability of classic soft focus lens during the past year. Not just at Ebay, but also at the classic European specialist Auction Houses.

They still appear, but the volume is definitely reduced at the moment.

[pierre506]

Just using the opportunity of a "new" sale to suggest that there has been a notable drop in reported and actual availability of classic soft focus lens during the past year. Not just at Ebay, but also at the classic European specialist Auction Houses.

They still appear, but the volume is definitely reduced at the moment.
Economic recession~

[Steven Tribe]

No, I don't think so.

I would agree that the demand has fallen away to some extent and prices perhaps "softened" for marginal items, but the supply is not really effected by the economic status. I refuse to believe that people are keeping their items back from auctions because they don't think this is a good time to sell. "Our" items come to the market because of collection disposal (planned or otherwise) which is independent of econimc ups and downs.

[Amedeus]

Indeed greatly reduced volume and the prices seem to have dropped somewhat for the most common lenses not starting with a "D" ...


Just using the opportunity of a "new" sale to suggest that there has been a notable drop in reported and actual availability of classic soft focus lens during the past year. Not just at Ebay, but also at the classic European specialist Auction Houses.

They still appear, but the volume is definitely reduced at the moment.

[pierre506]

PINKHAM BI-QUALITY 14in
$1547
321663714037

[goamules]

Good grief, that was cheap. Compared to this Anthony common landscape lens (about $5 back in the day) 321628639607, the rush on Pinkhams has sure slowed.

[Amedeus]

Some scratches in the center of the rear element may have scared a few buyers away ... front metal tube got dinged also ... but yes, someone got a great deal on a "modern" Pinkham ...


Good grief, that was cheap. Compared to this Anthony common landscape lens (about $5 back in the day) 321628639607, the rush on Pinkhams has sure slowed.

[Hugo Zhang]

My friend was all smiling this afternoon when I saw him. He is a user and not a collector. He saw my prints with Pinkham and had to get one. I told him he had the deal of the decade.

[Jim Galli]

So, here's the burning question;

If the seller had said, "it has a small blemish that doesn't affect image quality" would he have gotten the usual $3250?

Sort of glad I was asleep at the switch or I'd have had to bid $2400 that I don't have. Multiply that times everybody in the room, and the good deal goes down once in a while. Killer lens. At least $1200 too cheap.

[SergeiR]

PINKHAM BI-QUALITY 14in
$1547
321663714037

Blimey.. that is nice price. They seem to be rather higher as of last few year.

[Gundlach]

Certainly would have scared me off - not the scratch but the stiff aperture ring as result of the drop. Since we don't know how high the winners actual bid was ( just what it took to win) I guess we won't ever know what it would have taken to be the "winner".

[Hugo Zhang]

This is what the seller wrote:

"I hope you will like the lens - it was my favorite among soft focus lenses giving highest ratio of good results in various light conditions. I bought it in the same condition for 2.4k so you had a lucky bid."

[Steven Tribe]

Spencer Port-Land 9". 3xx serial number - the black first model in, apparently, good condition. One of the lenses imported to the UK by Sinclair.

SAS auction to-day. Either £320 or £340, plus 20% commission.

Figure is a bit uncertain as the room bid was £320 and I had an internet bid of £340 which was confirmed (Saleroom system) "you are in the lead" - followed by "sold for £320"!

SAS are checking the bidding as I write!

This was the only soft lens and confirms, perhaps, the dearth of supply at the present time.

[goamules]

Have you seen how low even the Veritos have been going? A lot around $300-400, about what I was paying 7 years ago. 321591756182, 181595229380, 321591756182 for an assortment of smaller ones. More people shoot 4x5 than 8x10, but that doesn't seem to drive these sales.

[Steven Tribe]

Yes $600 for a nice early 9" Port-land is about half what the level was in 2011/12 when the last recorded sales were. SAS is hardly a big secret anymore, yet I think I was the only internet bidder.

Where have all the pictorialist gone - or have they all stocked up in the past 10 years?

[goamules]

Well Steven, I know I've got enough soft focus lenses now.

[jp]

There's so many veritos. They are not as rare as contemporary pictorialists.

I've got enough lenses for now. Unless a port-land comes my way for cheap. But I just paid my property taxes, so I'm back on E.

[Jim Galli]

Perhaps we were witnessing a false "glut" of soft focus lenses caused by high prices, and the lower prices will simply keep them in the 4 walls they're in until things shake out a bit. I have several people each month contacting me because they're brand new in discovering the possibilities of pictorial images and the lenses necessary for all the different styles. It really is the only hold-out against digital imaging. If it weren't for antique lenses and pictorial possibilities, I'd follow the herd off the cliff and junk my 8X10 system like everyone else.

[Steven Tribe]

Well, The Sale-room have checked the bidding log and have confirmed that my bid was registered and accepted well before the auctioneer at SAS ended the bidding. Which means, nothing - apart from the fact that bidding through internet is a dicey affair and the screen monitoring skills need to be improved or the room/internet co-ordination system needs an overhaul.

So the selling price for the 9" Port-Land was around 602usd.

[Andrew Plume]

Spencer Port-Land 9". 3xx serial number - the black first model in, apparently, good condition. One of the lenses imported to the UK by Sinclair.

SAS auction to-day. Either £320 or £340, plus 20% commission.

Figure is a bit uncertain as the room bid was £320 and I had an internet bid of £340 which was confirmed (Saleroom system) "you are in the lead" - followed by "sold for £320"!

SAS are checking the bidding as I write!

This was the only soft lens and confirms, perhaps, the dearth of supply at the present time.

it was far far better than good condition Steven

I had a play with it yesterday - the price pretty well accords with the SF sales database, the glass was terrific

best regards
andrew

[Andrew Plume]

Well, The Sale-room have checked the bidding log and have confirmed that my bid was registered and accepted well before the auctioneer at SAS ended the bidding. Which means, nothing - apart from the fact that bidding through internet is a dicey affair and the screen monitoring skills need to be improved or the room/internet co-ordination system needs an overhaul.

So the selling price for the 9" Port-Land was around 602usd.

yes, this is the second auction running that they've had problems with the bidding platform - when it happens they work very hard to get it back up and running

andrew

[RawheaD]

So I've been looking for a B&L Sigmar for years, and then I go to Belize for 6 weeks for research, only to come back to find that not one but TWO Sigmars came and went on the 'Bay during that time. One is the 19" already reported here, and the other being one hell of a beautiful 16" that went for $1295 BIN, item #271738170991.

Damnit.

[goamules]

Watch for Wollensak Variums too. Pretty much the same lens.

[RawheaD]

Watch for Wollensak Variums too. Pretty much the same lens.

I will, though the only one I see on the 'bay now is $3000 :(
Really, would've snatched that 16" right away if I were around...

[goamules]

I will, though the only one I see on the 'bay now is $3000 :(
Really, would've snatched that 16" right away if I were around...

When you said that price, I didn't even have to look. GO KEVIN! Always asking 3 times the value of a lens.

[Tin Can]

When you said that price, I didn't even have to look. GO KEVIN! Always asking 3 times the value of a lens.

Kevin seems to have a huge inventory. I watch a few of his offerings, but never see a sale.

[evan clarke]

Kevin seems to have a huge inventory. I watch a few of his offerings, but never see a sale.
Hi Randy, David joined usmfor an outing to Gary yesterday..I am going to push in you until you join us too!��

[buggz]

I always read and thought that scratches or blemishes on the rear element is bad.
On the front, not so much.
Though, me personally, I want the best condition as possible.

[andrewch59]

Cooke 15 inch Series IIA f3.5 portrait knuckler $1500 (Australian) Purchased on offer after no bids on fee bay, asking start price was$2000
That includes postage.

[pierre506]

Cooke 15 inch Series IIA f3.5 portrait knuckler $1500 (Australian) Purchased on offer after no bids on fee bay, asking start price was$2000
That includes postage.
Cold season~

[8x10 user]

Was there an item number for that Cooke? Great deal btw, congrats.

[andrewch59]

tks yes my life is now complete! Comes with flange on board

[andrewch59]

Yes tks yes my life is now complete! Comes with flange on board

Must be a day for miracles, postal courier just dropped off a lens I bought from a Melbourne Auction two weeks ago. Soft focus?
A Ross 3A portrait lens with rack and pinion iris adjust, F:4 to F:22 Ser No #71198. On the rear flange it has I and II marked. On the side of the barrel is marked "Kodak (Australasia) Ltd" Lens elements measure 4 inches across.
Price...........$190 Australian. Woo! Hoo!

[andrewch59]

Must be a day for miracles, postal courier just dropped off a lens I bought from a Melbourne Auction two weeks ago. Soft focus?
A Ross 3A portrait lens with rack and pinion iris adjust, F:4 to F:22 Ser No #71198. On the rear flange it has I and II marked. On the side of the barrel is marked "Kodak (Australasia) Ltd" Lens elements measure 4 inches across.
Price...........$190 Australian. Woo! Hoo!

Piece of paper and a tape measure I estimate the FL to be about 420mm, 16 1/2 inches??

[Tin Can]

Piece of paper and a tape measure I estimate the FL to be about 420mm, 16 1/2 inches??

See Australians do win and don't always pay way more.

Winner!

[Steven Tribe]

The 3A is described in Lens VM with some confusing details! Both as an F3.5 and as an F4 - but they agree with the 16" focal length. Difference might be WHS and iris model aperture diameter.

Traditional Petzval, so no soft focus adjustment. I have the WHS model size no. 3 which is as near to the Dallmeyer 3B as you can get. Having got to know a number of 3Bs intimately (!), I can tell you that the build quality of the big Ross's is at least equal to the Dallmeyers.

The Ross size 3 is not uncommon, but the 3A certainly is!

[andrewch59]

The 3A is described in Lens VM with some confusing details! Both as an F3.5 and as an F4 - but they agree with the 16" focal length. Difference might be WHS and iris model aoerture diameter.

Traditional Petzval, so no soft focus adjustment. I have the WHS model size no. 3 which is as near to the Dallmeyer 3B as you can get. Having got to know a number of 3Bs intimately (!), I can tell you that the build quality of the big Ross's is at least equal to the Dallmeyers.

Hi Steven, that was my thoughts too, but when I unscrewed the rear elements, both are held in separately so I will try it out when I put together a lens board that can handle this cannon. It was a lucky dip really as I bid on a single pic, without seeing the glass or being able to estimate size, they had it listed as a rossa? Aperture is smooth and glass is pristine.

[Steven Tribe]

Yes, all Ross big Portrait Petzvals are built this way. See my size 3 rear cell below (serial number 67199). The smaller C de V Petzvals don't have this system.

This is a "quality versus production convenience" decision by Ross. But then they were competing with Dallmeyer!

Increasing the distance between the lenses in the rear cell will alter the image - but it won't be the same effect as Dallmeyers revised Petzval design got.

[Steven Tribe]

It't getting to be about a week between reported sales!

3D Dallmeyer (turn the barrel version) 191520732850 sold for £300.

[Amedeus]

Wollensak Verito 18" mounted on lens board for $910 (111591103895)

Wollensak Verito 6 1/2" f6 for $327 (BIN, 111593106565)

Wolensak Verito 14 1/2" on lens board for $745 (181632641806)

Wollensak Verito 9" in Copal #3 Shutter on Linhof board for $520 (151532829543)

Wollensak Verito 14 1/2" in studio shutter on lens board for $421 (311226699172)

Wollensak Verito 18" with flange for $1,100 (261706288411)

Wollensak Verito 14 1/2" in studio shutter with flange for $405 (371210535521)

Wollensak Verito 8 3/4" for $400.45 (301430596700)

Wollensak Verito 11 1/2" in studio shutter on lens board for $384 (181595229380)

Wollensak Verito 7 1/4" with flange for $594 (111594760116)

Wollensak Verito 8 3/4", no flange, for $309 (331463970445)

Kodak 12" portrait lens in No 5 Universal Synchro for $675 (BIN, 141582367301)

Dallmeyer 4D with flange for $1,370 (291384130872)

Goerz Hypar, 250mm F3.5 for $305 (111595651157)

Gundlach Achromatic Meniscus Portrait 16 1.2", f6 for $1,680 (BIN, 121539707307)

Hermagis Eidoscope #3 for $765 (361176435435)

Cooke Portrait Series II, 13" f4.5 with flange for $2,750 (201287597066)

Cooke Portrait Series II 15", f4.5 on lens board for $2,030 (141563782642)

Cooke Portrait Series IIe 10 1/2" f4.5 knuckler on lens board for $2,025 (321633772502)

Cooke Portrait Series VI 13" f5.6 for $182 (221633926942)

Cooke Portrait Series IIe 15" f4.5 for #,354 (BIN, 361169816179)

Cooke Portrait Series VI 13" f5.6 for $437 (251774502098)

Kodak Portrait 12" in Universal Synchro shutter on lens board for $1,050 (BIN, 181640572002)

Kodak Portrait 12" in barrel on Sinar lens board for $900 (131419595326)

Kodak Portrait 12" in Universal Synchro shutter on lens board for $995 (BIN, 371225807565)

Kodak Portrait 12" in Universal Synchro shutter with flange for $500 (BIN, 301424629837)

Dallmeyer 6D with flange for $4,611 (251791841868)

Sorry for any double reporting ... just catching up a little ;-)

[RawheaD]

Damn, couple of those Veritos went for really nice prices...

[goamules]

Trends I notice are Cookes are very hot right now, probably the most expensive lenses being sold. A surprise is the small 12" Kodak Portrait lenses are going for a LOT more than usual. And like we've been noticing, other than the 18" ones, the Veritos are very cheap right now.

[Amedeus]

Cookes Series II are indeed selling high ...

Clearing out my cache ...

Nicola Perscheid 36cm f:4.5 for $2,250 (380944085028)

[soleh]

As part of my series on Soft Focus Lenses ( see www.antiquecameras.net ), I have been collecting completed sales data, mostly from ebay, for the classic Large Format Soft Focus Lenses.

Data is here: http://www.antiquecameras.net/softfocuslenssales.html

Thanks,
Dan

http://www.antiquecameras.net/images/600_psvq.jpg

Thanks for this, Dan. Excellent resource.
http://rockbullet.tk/69/o.png

[pierre506]

130193

Dallmeyer 3B with Sinar board
Brass barrel, short lens shade with aperture version
Perfect glasses
$1349
Occasional purchased for a friend at a local shop in shanghai last month.

Wollensak Verito 18in f4 with Sinar board
Perfect condition~
$1349
Same shop same time same price, but for a different friend~

[Amedeus]

Wollensak Verito 9" in studio shutter with flange for $500 (321677218622)

[Steven Tribe]

Perhaps the Shanghai 3B was responsibe for this well known photo of Sòng Měilíng or others from her family photo album?

History these days, not politics!

[pierre506]

Perhaps the Shanghai 3B was responsibe for this well known photo of Sòng Měilíng or others from her family photo album?

History these days, not politics!


I believed the lenses and Fuji Acros 100 14x20 film, which I bought same time, might been floating from Japan.

[jesse]

My early Cooke Portrait Lens Series II, 16 inches f4.5, purchased from my friend.
130229

[Hugo Zhang]

A 11 1/2" Spencer Port-Land lens with a Packard shutter went for $750.

[Tin Can]

Cooke 16in f5.6 Series VI Portrait Variable Soft Brass Lens #30372

$3850

Go Kevin!

390134623702

[Amedeus]

Wollensak Verito 18" (no shutter) on lens board for $800 (BIN, 131439674378)

Wollensak Verito 14.5" in studio shutter for $1,775 (?) (BIN, 261427836001)

[seven]

Dallmeyer Portrait Anastigmat 3.5/12" Soft Focus for EUR 1.509 (141591638871)

[Steven Tribe]

I have asked for the previous link to be removed for obvious reasons.

[bc_69]

I bought this lens last July noted by Mark on this thread:

$## for a Series VI 8x10 f/5.6 13.1 inch Cooke Portrait Lens. From the engraving style, it may be a very early one,

It had so much fungus on the glass it looked like a petri dish with botulism but thanks to my local camera shop it cleaned up well and all movements work smoothly. Pure speculative buy because of the fungus but it worked out ok, it was the only way for me to get a Cooke Portrait lens given the price they go for in good working condition.

My question is about the build date, the lens is S/N 22077, so far I have not seen any others on fleabay or Antique Cameras site with a number that low for the same lens. Does anyone have an idea of its age, or how the Cooke numbering system works.

I have no intention of selling it.

Thanks

[Steven Tribe]

I don't think it is a big secret - but uncoated lenses never seem to get etched through surface fungal activity the way that fluoride coated glass does.

I have # 24809, which is a lightweight model with matching knobs on the iris and soft adjustment.

[rdenney]

Dallmeyer Portrait Anastigmat 3.5/12" Soft Focus for EUR 1.509 (141591638871)


I have asked for the previous link to be removed for obvious reasons.

Okay, I'm seeing a trend here. I had deleted Seven's post, but he showed me that the auction was already ended (and the item sold) before he posted, which I do not think is a violation. And there were two previous posts that also listed ebay reference numbers for completed sales. The other one I deleted referenced an ongoing auction.

Now, here's the issue. When you post an ebay reference number, somebody will complain, and then one of the mods will have to go to ebay and search on the number to check its status. That's a timewaster, given that the ebay number has little value. The number itself will not be accessible for long, and for sold items the pictures will be taken down at some point.

This thread collects sales information, and posts that show the price paid for an item on ebay serve that purpose. But there is no need to include the ebay reference number to serve that purpose. So, help us out and just leave off that number.

Rick "respectfully requested" Denney

[Steven Tribe]

Sorry, if I created some confusion!

I didn't act on "seven"s posting as the auction had ended. I did use the "report to Mods" from the link on "Franek"'s posting in which made he made it clear that the auction was still active - in fact, had just started some hours earlier! As a courtesy, I posted saying I had done this as regards the previous posting (Franek).

Note that ther was a posting between the postings that Rick has quoted from above. So the "previous link" refers to another posting. I feel slightly misrepresented by Rick's posting #2581.

Reference to Ebay sales is an important part of this thread. I don't check every link - just when the content makes it obvious that this is the case.

I was as surprised as anyone when the when "seven" reference to a completed auction was deleted.

I feel that not using the Ebay number will not help much - "Ebay Dallmeyer12" F3.5" is just a good a marker as the Ebay number.

[bc_69]

I bought this lens last July noted by Mark on this thread:

$## for a Series VI 8x10 f/5.6 13.1 inch Cooke Portrait Lens. From the engraving style, it may be a very early one,

It had so much fungus on the glass it looked like a petri dish with botulism but thanks to my local camera shop it cleaned up well and all movements work smoothly. Pure speculative buy because of the fungus but it worked out ok, it was the only way for me to get a Cooke Portrait lens given the price they go for in good working condition.

My question is about the build date, the lens is S/N 22077, so far I have not seen any others on fleabay or Antique Cameras site with a number that low for the same lens. Does anyone have an idea of its age, or how the Cooke numbering system works.

I have no intention of selling it.

Thanks

This is probably the wrong thread for my question given it is not for sale or recently sold so I'll move it elsewhere.

[bc_69]

I don't think it is a big secret - but uncoated lenses never seem to get etched through surface fungal activity the way that fluoride coated glass does.

I have # 24809, which is a lightweight model with matching knobs on the iris and soft adjustment.


Cheers Steven, yes mine is missing one knob, the soft focus one, and the other is different to what I have seen, but it looks to be made for the lens, it's aluminium but is ribbed and cylindrical rather than a smooth dome shape. Some of the brass is oddly pitted as well, how I have no idea, it seems to have seen plenty of heavy duty use in its working life which would be strange for a portrait lens you would think, makes you wonder what it was used for. The glass is in excellent condition though.

[Tin Can]

OK, will do. Rick and all mods, we all should omit eBay references anywhere? Even sold?

I was just following forum historical form that seemed to indicate this thread wanted only verifiable sales to eliminate shilling.

Now we can just make anything up?

Most of my SF lens buys are not verifiable or public and I have omitted them as not representative.

Two SF's I bought on this forum, and also did not report them...

[jp]

I like following up some of the finished auction #'s. It's window shopping, or learning if you will. Sort of like being a viewer of American Pickers, except I like lenses not harleys and automobilia signage. We just need a stylish tattooed retro chick telling us about which closed auctions to visit next.

I do appreciate the resource / log this contributes to, but short term, I enjoy seeing some of the auctions. Though condition is hard to judge on the Internet, some sale prices are greatly affected by ebay phenomena such as bad pictures, bad ending time, bad starting bid, poor feedback, etc... and it all figures in.

[Jim Galli]

I like following up some of the finished auction #'s. It's window shopping, or learning if you will. Sort of like being a viewer of American Pickers, except I like lenses not harleys and automobilia signage. We just need a stylish tattooed retro chick telling us about which closed auctions to visit next.

I do appreciate the resource / log this contributes to, but short term, I enjoy seeing some of the auctions. Though condition is hard to judge on the Internet, some sale prices are greatly affected by ebay phenomena such as bad pictures, bad ending time, bad starting bid, poor feedback, etc... and it all figures in.

I also use the auction number quite often. If the price surprises me, I want to go have a look to see if there were condition issues etc.

I think we may be throwing the baby out with the bath water here. Perhaps the best way forward might be to let the folks here only report offenders and not just throw out anything with a number.

[Jody_S]

I also use the auction number quite often. If the price surprises me, I want to go have a look to see if there were condition issues etc.

I think we may be throwing the baby out with the bath water here. Perhaps the best way forward might be to let the folks here only report offenders and not just throw out anything with a number.

I also go look at the auction when I see a high or low price on something I'm interested in. For example, a recent low-ball sale reported here was missing the front group or element, but that wasn't mentioned in the post that reported the sale.

[Tin Can]

Perhaps we cut and paste the description without eBay info, or is that IP theft?

May come under 'Fair Use' for educational purposes, after all this is primarily an online school...

[brandon13]

I also use the auction number quite often. If the price surprises me, I want to go have a look to see if there were condition issues etc.

I think we may be throwing the baby out with the bath water here. Perhaps the best way forward might be to let the folks here only report offenders and not just throw out anything with a number.

Agreed. I like to check on the pics and condition of completed auctions. I think the Mods should reconsider. A photography forum might realize that pics are important. :)

[Amedeus]

One more in favor of keeping the ##'s in ... We've been doing this now for over two years now and most regulars here know this is a thread about sold lenses ... the numbers are important as it allows easy verification and I for one have been corrected a few times when it comes to fears or characteristics I missed. Not sure why this has all of a sudden become an issue, as far as I can tell, this came about through a lot of confusion and a stack up ;-)

[rdenney]

I was as surprised as anyone when the when "seven" reference to a completed auction was deleted.

That was my mistake, but the ebay reference number made it an easy mistake to make--that post looked just like the one you complained about, and popped up on the same screen when I followed the link provided as a result of your report. I did not mean to imply that you had complained about Seven's post.

Rick "this is why I don't post much any more" Denney

[rdenney]

OK, will do. Rick and all mods, we all should omit eBay references anywhere? Even sold?

I was just following forum historical form that seemed to indicate this thread wanted only verifiable sales to eliminate shilling.

Now we can just make anything up?

Most of my SF lens buys are not verifiable or public and I have omitted them as not representative.

Two SF's I bought on this forum, and also did not report them...

I'm just trying to make it so that the needed information can be provided without the easy mistake that I made. Avoiding that mistake is time-consuming, and also I can't do it on my work computer, where going to ebay isn't allowed. It's just a request--not a guideline. If everyone keeps including the reference numbers for completed sales, they won't be violating the guidelines as I read them. But it may lead to future mistakes.

If I decide to research prices for certain soft-focus lenses over the last couple of years, I might search this thread. But only those posts made in the last couple of months will be resolvable in the ebay database.

But, whatever. I see your point as well.

Rick "carry on" Denney

[rdenney]

Agreed. I like to check on the pics and condition of completed auctions. I think the Mods should reconsider. A photography forum might realize that pics are important. :)

This was not a decision by "the Mods", who were not consulted. This was a suggestion by one mod, respectfully submitted. Do what you will, but if I make future mistakes of this type, go easy.

Rick "the other mods are blameless" Denney

[franeq]

Ups, sorry guys, didn`t know that we write here only complete listings.

[Steven Tribe]

1st series Port-Land 9". £488.26
Completed auction. This is the very same lens which was sold at a flawed (accepted internet bids not seen by auctioneer) SAS auction for £320 plus commisssion, a few weeks ago and mentioned here already.

Condition is as good as they get - especialy as regards the black enamel which is often flaking on these (like the early black Heliars).

[franeq]

Funny thing, complete Hermagis petzval 300mm sold for at first:
2 021 $
later for 3 909 $

[Steven Tribe]

Not a soft lens, but worthy of mention!

This a superb condition lens -" the Hermagis convertible" - far nicer than the one shown on page 341 in Corrado's book.

I can see there were 3 bids in the last 6 seconds, so you may have missed an update.
It says about £2,660 now.

[franeq]

Correct, but your currency is £ my $ :)

Very nice lens...

[Steven Tribe]

Dallmeyer 4B - 121591754119 - ended a little early with "no longer available" notice. Was an ordinary auction with a $3,000 start.

Maybe a sale, maybe a lister that lost his nerve.

[Steven Tribe]

Funny thing, complete Hermagis petzval 300mm sold for at first:
2 021 $
later for 3 909 $

OK, this was sold in February for the first price and then reappeared in March!

[robk331]

The 4B is my lens. I decided to hang on to it a little longer. There were a few offers, but mostly silly ones. I may put it up again after wet plate season is over.

Rob

[Steven Tribe]

Thanks for clearing that one up. Rob.

[Songyun]

Some lucky dude snatched a Cooke PS945 for $800 at an online store moments before I can get my hand on. Condition unknown.

[goamules]

Wow, isn't that like 1/3 what they go for?

[Hugo Zhang]

It is not a soft focus lens, but another store listed and sold a like-new Linhof version Apo-Lanther 30 cm for $250 in a few days last December. That's 5% of what this lens can fetch currently.

[Songyun]

Wow, isn't that like 1/3 what they go for?
condition is "Item works with certain malfunctions." I dont get to see the lens, so I don't know if it is a shutter problem or what. if it is a shutter problem that is very minor.

[8x10 user]

Wow, which store is giving away these fine lenses? (you can pm me)

[Hugo Zhang]

Wow, which store is giving away these fine lenses? (you can pm me)

http://beauphoto.blogspot.com/2014/12/used-voigtlander-apo-lanthar-30cm-f45.html

[Hugo Zhang]

They actually sold a 21 cm version at $250 as well.

[Jody_S]

http://beauphoto.blogspot.com/2014/12/used-voigtlander-apo-lanthar-30cm-f45.html

I offered to buy several lenses and got no response. I think they liquidated someone's collection and just put random prices on things without researching them. They must have had hundreds of messages.

[Amedeus]

PS945 typically go for $3500+ at the big store ... one sold not too long ago for well over $4k


Wow, isn't that like 1/3 what they go for?

[Steven Tribe]

Two small-size softies at the Breker auction to-day, which was full of "never to be seen again variety" of Stereo cameras and Steinheils with original flanges.

Plasticca F.4 200mm amateur CAPI version. 750 euros plus 20%.

Oscar Simon F4.5 Kronarette 250mm (Gandolfi owned type!) on a non-functioning German version of a T-P shutter. 600 euros plus 20%.

There was also a Rodenstock Monar but I am not sure this has gained entry to the "authorised" list.

[Emil Schildt]

Cool..

(My Kronarette is a 300mm (working shutter))
My Plasticca is a 28cm) so both a little larger than the ones you mention Steven...

[seven]

A Berthiot EIDOSCOPE No.1 480mm/4,5 (attached to a neat 10x12 camera) just sold for EUR 2.355,67 on the auction site...

[Steven Tribe]

This last link has been reported!

[Steven Tribe]

A couple of size 3 dallmeyers yesterday.

3B late "turn the barrel" version -171730738908 - 2524 usd.


3A a little earlier rear adjustment type - 161652282532 - 1656 usd.

Plenty of interest, although the 3A was a poor listing.

[goamules]

I'd rather have the 3A anytime, and this one was a very good looking lens. The prices are slipping downwards on even these.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

So just to update I did buy the Spencer Portland 15" F 5.6. 650 EU

[pierre506]

So just to update I did buy the Spencer Portland 15" F 5.6. 650 EU
Congratulations, Jim~
Hoping to see the great results on films ASAP.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Congratulations, Jim~
Hoping to see the great results on films ASAP.

Can't wait to put it to use

[fluidrive]

Hermagis, 300mm petzval with front cap ( and aux glass lenses that fit in front aperture?) and mounting flange:

2395.00 pounds = $ 3586 USD ebay 301578299930

[fluidrive]

I guess they are WH stops which can be inserted in the designed aperture on the lens cap?

[brandon13]

Hermagis, 300mm petzval with front cap ( and aux glass lenses that fit in front aperture?) and mounting flange:

2395.00 pounds = $ 3586 USD ebay 301578299930
Not a soft focus lens fluid. Still a very complete collectible portrait a paysage hermagis Petzval. Washer stops.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Here is the 15" Spencer Portland I got from Forum Member Claudio for 650.00 EU

[ghostcount]

Here is the 15" Spencer Portland I got from Forum Member Claudio for 650.00 EU

Salting the wound. Hehehe...

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Salting the wound. Hehehe...

Next?

[Hugo Zhang]

What a bargain!

[Jim Fitzgerald]

What a bargain!

+1

[Jim Fitzgerald]

A Laverne Gasc & Charconnet Big Brass lens Item # 171738354173. $522.00.

Looks to be in good shape with flange and hood. Just missing the focus knob.

[Steven Tribe]

Another non-softy, Jim!

This version exists with many different engravings ( like jamin and darlot), but this is the most uncommon one. G &C decided against WHS cut outs in their brass sleeves and, instead, had "bend over" tabs which could fit under the sleeve when using the tangential focus.

Someone added a rough cut through the sleeve (and the serial number!) - probably when the original WHS got lost. But a nice item, that I was following but I was too busy yesterday!

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Another non-softy, Jim!

This version exists with many different engravings ( like jamin and darlot), but this is the most uncommon one. G &C decided against WHS cut outs in their brass sleeves and, instead, had "bend over" tabs which could fit under the sleeve when using the tangential focus.

Someone added a rough cut through the sleeve (and the serial number!) - probably when the original WHS got lost. But a nice item, that I was following but I was too busy yesterday!

Well, that is what I thought about the second WHS. I had a small one that I used on my 4 x 5 when I had it and it had the bent over tab and a WHS. Regardless of the second slot it looks complete and in good shape. I have not seen this engraving either. It was hard to find very much about G&C when I was researching. Not many old posts that I could find. Still, I couldn't resist!

I'll post some pictures of it/with it when I receive the lens.

[Steven Tribe]

I think the engraving represents the precise change of ownership to Laverne. Older engraved lenses in stock got the special (ugly?) laverne engraving added.
Here is a larger version from Corrado's book - also with non-original WHS.
Oh, the photomanager doesn't like my ipad images! Perhaps tomorrow.
It is page 293 in the book if someone else has time tonight!

[Jim Fitzgerald]

I think the engraving represents the precise change of ownership to Laverne. Older engraved lenses in stock got the special (ugly?) laverne engraving added.
Here is a larger version from Corrado's book - also with non-original WHS.
Oh, the photomanager doesn't like my ipad images! Perhaps tomorrow.
It is page 293 in the book if someone else has time tonight!

Steven, thanks. Any information would be helpful. It is nice to know the history of these lenses but more importantly use them.

[pierre506]

Wollensak Verito 11.5in
brass barrel in studio shutter
161658224579
$326

[Steven Tribe]

Dallmeyer 2B £294.

No flange or WHS. Looks complete, but not enough photos to judge glass condition. 2B patent just readable on one of the photos.

221731911495.

[mdarnton]

Just bought an 11.5" Verito privately. Black enamel barrel, flange, glass and diaphragm perfect after some cleaning, but both threaded ends have multiple warps and knocks. $400.

[Steven Tribe]

Still problems with ipad photos but this is the Corrado image of the no cut-out petzval!

I have no idea why the photo is upside down!

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Steven, thanks for image and additional info. I appreciate it. Nice to find some info on these lenses.

[anachromatic]

Maybe an adaptation work done by a french optician or camera maker.
A similar convertion made on a daguerreian era lens (1842/1844).

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/908/iIg6of.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p8iIg6ofj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/661/0AAKKS.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/id0AAKKSj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/537/18TLW1.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/ex18TLW1j)

[Steven Tribe]

A very tasteful conversion! Doing the impression to make place for the bent tab requires thought and precise workmanship.
There must have been problems in use with the average photographer which meant it didn't become a universal standard!

A unique early lens which is only enhanced by the conversion!

[Jim Fitzgerald]

A very tasteful conversion! Doing the impression to make place for the bent tab requires thought and precise workmanship.
There must have been problems in use with the average photographer which meant it didn't become a universal standard!

A unique early lens which is only enhanced by the conversion!

Well, I can't wait to use the lens. Making WHS is not a problem but I'm curious how she will look wide open. Thanks.

[goamules]

I love Lerebours Petzvals! But we should move the last few posts to their own thread, and keep it going!

[Steven Tribe]

Agree about the move. Perhaps we include both the G&C and Lerebours posting under a title like "Other Early WHS designs"? From #2630?

Jim, my comments were especialy directed at the very early Lerebours - but yours is super too!

[Steven Tribe]

Swedish saleroom/internet auction this morning.

Series 2E 380mm Cooke F4.5 - just pre-war but an uncommon size. sticky aperture. $3765 (inc. fees).

Plasticca (early barrel engraving type) F4 400mm. Original box. $800 (inc. fees).

[pierre506]

Wollensak 9in Verito with two diffused apertures
311336467116
USD 373

[goamules]

Another excellent Verito at about what they sold for 8 years ago. Amazingly cheap.

[Steven Tribe]

Thought I would add an auction photo of the Plasticca I mentioned last week as the engraving style and the original box is different from most I have seen.

[Emil Schildt]

Thought I would add an auction photo of the Plasticca I mentioned last week as the engraving style and the original box is different from most I have seen.

it looks a lot like mine.. (but not quite the same)

[evan clarke]

Thought I would add an auction photo of the Plasticca I mentioned last week as the engraving style and the original box is different from most I have seen.

Can't catch one of these to save my soul :(

[andrewch59]

Can't catch one of these to save my soul :(

MW Classics has one going at present

[Steven Tribe]

Two small-size softies at the Breker auction to-day, which was full of "never to be seen again variety" of Stereo cameras and Steinheils with original flanges.

Plasticca F.4 200mm amateur CAPI version. 750 euros plus 20%.

Oscar Simon F4.5 Kronarette 250mm (Gandolfi owned type!) on a non-functioning German version of a T-P shutter. 600 euros plus 20%.

There was also a Rodenstock Monar but I am not sure this has gained entry to the "authorised" list.


You have mentioned an on-going auction!!
Doesn't really matter in this case as it is "turn around" of items from the Breker auction some time ago!

[pierre506]

Spencer Port-land without the original flange, 11.5in
USD 867.80
261850557772

[Lachlan 717]

eBay #281669307732.

9" Verito in non-working Studio shutter.

Sold for US$199.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Spencer Port-land without the original flange, 11.5in
USD 867.80
261850557772

Makes me feel good about my 15" that I bought for less from a forum member here!

[Tin Can]

You always say that Jim.

Makes all the rest of us feel fools.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Randy, no way are any of you fools. I spend a lot of time on the hunt and just get lucky from time to time.

[pierre506]

Makes me feel good about my 15" that I bought for less from a forum member here!
Come on, Jim,
Let's see the results~

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Come on, Jim,
Let's see the results~

Give me some time. Remember I do not scan negatives but post carbon prints of my work. Takes some time. Lets keep this on lenses for now.

[seven]

what a surprise, both Plasticcas bought at the Breker auction and listed on ebay (with starting price = hammer price+buyers premium) did not sell.

[Steven Tribe]

These were both lenses that were suited to smaller formats than your average "pictorial" guy (or gal) use.

These long established auctions are places for the end-user/collector, not for dealers.

[pierre506]

Kodak portrait soft focus 305mm F4.5
USD 355.11
161687097771

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Kodak portrait soft focus 305mm F4.5
USD 355.11
161687097771

That's a nice price on a great lens.

[Mark Sawyer]

It should be noted that Kodak Portrait Lens was in a barrel, no shutter.

A "rough" ("Glass has internal dust, fungus/haze, and separation - will affect image") Ilex Photoplastic 13" f4.5 Lens (along with two other "rough" lenses) went for $124.50. 221758935533

[Amedeus]

A P&S Synthetic, No 2 Series IV #2816 (mislabeled or dyslexic paint job ... should be Series VI) with two other "sharp" lenses for $938 ... (221758897852)

A P&S Visual Quality, a big No 4, Series IV #2348 in barrel (no shutter) with flange for $2,147 ... some separation on front element and few scratches on front and rear (321735454967)

[Pete Roody]

Any opinions on this lens that sold on the auction site: 111656930754

The seller said it is an 18" fl with a maximum aperture of f4. It doesn't look long enough to be a Verito though. Just curious. I didn't bid on it.

[pierre506]

18" Verito is much longer than this one. I also don't believe that the f16 could cover 16x20.
It's more like ILEX Portrait or Photoplastic Portrait lens in the studio shutter.

[Amedeus]

Looks like a Varium to me ... not sure if the FL and aperture makes sense from a catalog perspective ...


Any opinions on this lens that sold on the auction site: 111656930754

The seller said it is an 18" fl with a maximum aperture of f4. It doesn't look long enough to be a Verito though. Just curious. I didn't bid on it.

[RawheaD]

I won the bid :) Hoping it's a Sigmar/Varium relative :) I'll report on the actual FL, aperture, and optical design once I receive it.

[goamules]

Here is what my Varium looks like. They're very nice F3.5 lenses. Note the name is engraved around the glass rim. The sold one is not.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/6915107528_af15c55f04_b.jpg

[RawheaD]

Of course :) But the lens in question has no name engraved on it, period, so by that logic the lens is equal to no other lens on the planet, as pretty much all lenses have some engraving somewhere. I think it's more likely that the unmarked lens *is* equivalent to an extant lens, but sans engraving for one reason or another, than it being a one-of-a-kind item.

Personally, I think the external dimensions look most similar to a Sigmar. Indeed, that's why I was pretty determined to grab the lens, as I've been wanting a Sigmar for a few years now.

[jp]

That does resemble my 19" sigmar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAjyYixKXm8 . No writing on the front ring. Gently engraved on the barrel which could be painted over or just not shown in the auction photo. Curious what you find out when you get it. If it is, then you have shopped well.

[RawheaD]

Ah, Jason, howdy! I've watched that video of yours many times in the past :D I was very close to start working on a modified Speed Graphic shutter for barrel lenses (even have a beater SG lying here on the floor), until I came across a Graflex 8x10 focal plane shutter.

The seller does mention that the lens belonged to a Bausch & Lomb employee. Another hint at a possible Sigmar. I'm not getting my hopes up too high though! :)


That does resemble my 19" sigmar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAjyYixKXm8 . No writing on the front ring. Gently engraved on the barrel which could be painted over or just not shown in the auction photo. Curious what you find out when you get it. If it is, then you have shopped well.

[goamules]

Yeah, that ring that holds the front glass looks a lot like a Sigmar. I bet you got what you wanted!

[Jim Galli]

Any opinions on this lens that sold on the auction site: 111656930754

The seller said it is an 18" fl with a maximum aperture of f4. It doesn't look long enough to be a Verito though. Just curious. I didn't bid on it.

I think it may be a Gundlach Radar.

[RawheaD]

Well, I've seen some beautiful images from the 18" Radar, so if it's that, I won't complain :D

[RawheaD]

Well I received the lens. For sure, no engraving anywhere to be seen. The parts screw off easily and I see that there are indeed only three lenses in three groups. The configuration and placement of the lenses and aperture follow exactly this diagram; thus i'm 99% convinced the lens is a Sgimar (woot)

133513


Everything about the lens is in wonderful condition. I shopped well :)

One problem (I know it doesn't belong here), while I was trying to check to see the if the middle lens is indeed concave/concave, I was dumb enough to get it stuck in the barrel (the lens is tilted with respect to the perpendicular axis). If anybody can help me fix this without cracking the lens, either in a separate thread to by DM, I would be eternally grateful. Thanks all for your input, and please look forward to some images from this lens elsewhere soon!

[goamules]

By the way, the Wollensak Varium is the exact same triplet design, I believe. As are Cookes, and a few others. It's going to be hard to ID with no writing anywhere.

[RawheaD]

By the way, the Wollensak Varium is the exact same triplet design, I believe. As are Cookes, and a few others. It's going to be hard to ID with no writing anywhere.


With the Cooke design, though, doesn't the diaphragm come between the second and last lens? Also, I always thought Cooke triplets have two convex/convex and one concave/concave in the middle. The front element of the lens I got is a convex/concave, as in the optical design diagram above.

And if it's a Varium, well then, I won't complain at all, as i've heard they're pretty much the same lens. I'm really not worried about the brand/label or even the resale value (don't plan to resale it), as long as it's going to give me the look I've been looking for for the past several years :)

[Mark Sawyer]

The layout shown is a bit different than the Cooke Triplet, especially in the front element and the aperture placement:

[RawheaD]

The layout shown is a bit different than the Cooke Triplet, especially in the front element and the aperture placement:

Yeah, that is what I thought a Cooke looked like. My lens is arranged like the diagram I pasted. Convex/Concave element in front, then diaphragm, then )( then () . --- (( | )( () --->

[Mark Sawyer]

Looking more and more like a Sigmar! :)

[Amedeus]

Some one got a steal on this one ... never saw the listing in the first place ...

P&S Synthetic #2 Series V, with yellow filter, for $89 ... (BIN, 261829924711)

[goamules]

Wow, talk about the deal of a century.

[Tin Can]

I thought you guys were on this stuff?

I'm not looking for any lenses, but I know some of you are, or were, or...not.

:(

[Amedeus]

I thought you guys were on this stuff?

I'm not looking for any lenses, but I know some of you are, or were, or...not.

:(

Sometimes a BIN is picked up within minutes of being posted ... more of a lucky find ...

Quite a few Universal Heliars sold recently ...

Voigtlander Universal Heliar 360mm, f4.5 in very nice shape on lensboard for $4,151 (BIN, 201341205847)

Voigtlander Universal Heliar 300mm, f4.5, no flange for $2,500 (BIN, 191492889484)

Voigtlander Universal Heliar 360mm, f4.5, in very nice shape on lensboard, original caps for $2,390 (BIN, 131499199263)

Voigtlander Universal Heliar 420mm, f4.5, no flange for $3,500 (BIN, 380942659181)

Voigtlander Universal Heliar 300mm, f4.5, no flange, original box for $1,650 (261831922058)

and another steal ...

Voigtlander Universal Heliar 300mm, f4.5, no flange (but who cares) for $225 (201296182660)

[brandon13]

That 300mm that sold for $225 was just a regular heliar (if you can call any heliar regular) Seller had it incorrectly listed as a universal. Still a pretty nice price.

[8x10 user]

A B&L 3A sold on ebay for 2800, and a 480mm Nicola Percheid sold for 3400 as a private sale.

Someone got a nice deal on that struss, wish it was me.

[Amedeus]

A B&L 3A sold on ebay for 2800, and a 480mm Nicola Percheid sold for 3400 as a private sale.

Someone got a nice deal on that struss, wish it was me.

Karl Struss, 12" Pictorial lens on Graflex lens board for $2,500 (BIN,261888597984)

Kodak Portrait, 12" in shutter for $610 (141659381335)

Kodak Portrait, 405mm for $1,695 (BIN, 371323380535)

Objectif d'artiste, 400mm for $1,055 (231533948507)

[goamules]

I never would have thought this Bausch & Lomb 15" Petzval with Soft Focus adjustment would go for half this much. 201272835811 $3750.

[jp]

6" Spencer Port-land 936.82 + $46 shipping 171794940743 If it was a little longer, I'd have been coveting it.

[Paul Ewins]

I'm waiting for an 8 3/4 Verito to arrive - 111670714076 for $202. Looks scruffy so may not be much of a bargain but we'll see how it cleans up.

[lucaas]

I never would have thought this Bausch & Lomb 15" Petzval with Soft Focus adjustment would go for half this much. 201272835811 $3750.

Me either. I got mine at $720 last year.

[8x10 user]

The B&L went for 2800 - best offer.

[Pete Roody]

Some one got a steal on this one ... never saw the listing in the first place ...

P&S Synthetic #2 Series V, with yellow filter, for $89 ... (BIN, 261829924711)

I paid 10x that price for the same lens a few weeks ago and thought I got a steal.

[Jim Galli]

I paid 10x that price for the same lens a few weeks ago and thought I got a steal.

You did. There's always going to be anomalies. I've gotten lucky once or twice too. But percentage wise it's way less than 1%.

[Tin Can]

I don't mind paying reasonable prices for excellent anything.

Just like restoring antiques, far cheaper to buy 'object of desire' in cherry condition than restore. A lesson learned restoring vehicles.

Of course we all love bargain, but I bought my lenses from a friend. We remain friends. :)

[brandon13]

Dallmeyer 5d aluminum complete with working iris and flange. Glass looked really clean. $1259.00 271885529002

[DrTang]

Dallmeyer 5d aluminum complete with working iris and flange. Glass looked really clean. $1259.00 271885529002

did I pay too much? hahahah IDk.. I needed that size lens and that one had iris and flange

we'll see if I like it or it goes back up for sale

[Amedeus]

Beach Multi Focal Series B, 14" lens in shutter (no flange) for $566 (291477091289) ... (I regret being in the air without WiFi ... )

Hermagis No 1 for $3,000 (BIN, 191585980666)

Spencer (Port-Land) Lens Co. 6", f4.5 for $623 (181757077573)

Ilex Paragon 12", F45 in Universal shutter for $290 (301641033651)

Gundlach Achromatic Meniscus Portrait Lens 9", F/6 for $752 (281700808307)

Verito 11.5" in Studio Shutter for $369 (141666513197)

Wollensak Verito 14.5" on lens board for $875 (BIN, 251518450897)

Wollensak Verito 9" at the end of a camera, in Alphax shutter for $1,350 (361283423564)

Spencer (Port-Land) 11.5" for $868 (261850557772)

Dallmeyer 3D with few WHS and flange for $733 (271834474418)

Wollensak Verito 7" on lens board for $630 (BIN, 111309659801)

Vitax Portrait#3 in Studio Shutter for $2,625 (161660864275)

Wollensak Verito 14.5" on lens board with Packard shutter for $687 (271829846156)

Wollensak Verito 11.5", brass, for $326 (161658224579)

Cooke Portrait Lens Series VI, 13" and Wollensak Velostigmat for $560 ... (221750300229)

Cooke Portrait Lens Series IIa, 9.5" f3.5 for $1,296 (161710803677)

Hermagis Eidoscope #4 lens at the end of a camera for $700 (371294645898)

Berthiot Eidoscope #1 at the end of a camera for $2,617 (301560781070)

Sorry if I duplicated a previously covered listing ...

[cdholden]

Is the Beach B lens soft focus? I thought A was soft and B was a tessar or similar.

[Mark Sawyer]

Is the Beach B lens soft focus? I thought A was soft and B was a tessar or similar.

Correct, the A is soft, with concentric rings like a Duto filter in the lens. The B is sharp.

[Amedeus]

Is the Beach B lens soft focus? I thought A was soft and B was a tessar or similar.

I went went with the description of the concentric rings on the inside ... third party literature indeed states A was soft focus and B was "sharp" (Kingslake)

However, from "The Focus", June 1930, page 5

" THE FOCUS for JUNE, 1930 }



NEW ENTHUSIASTIC BOOSTERS--DAILY



Photographers are uncovering the hid-
den possibilities of this wonder lens daily
and proclaim it their choice because the



SERIES B BEACH MULTI-FOCAL LENS




works at a greater speed and
has more depth of focus than
any other lens of equal speed
or focal length, is remarkably
free from distortion and pro-
duces a mellowness that les-
sons retouching". It is unex-
celled for group, studio and
home portraiture, and can be
used advantageously in com-
mercial, copying and enlarg-
ing work.



Let your dealer place one with
you on a trial basis.



Made by



WOLLENSAK OPTICAL COMPANY

Hudson Avenue, Rochester, N. Y.

Manufacturers of quality shullers and lenses
for all pliases of pliotography. "

So, not described as soft focus but there's reference to "mellowness" and "lessening retouching"

Not sure if anyone has a description of Beach himself. There was some literature published in 1929 in Photo-Era but I don't have that year and Google books doesn't have it either, only a reference ...

[alex from holland]

did I pay too much? hahahah IDk.. I needed that size lens and that one had iris and flange

we'll see if I like it or it goes back up for sale

You will lke it for sure. One of my favourits.
Very compact and lightweight.

[Geoffrey_5995]

Here's a tintype taken with a Beach Series A 12" f4.5. Shot wide open. Format is 5x7.135084

[Steven Tribe]

Additional to Rudi's recent update:


281695471086

Cooke series VI f5.6 13".
Needs work and non- original flange, but spectacle version. Best offer, under £800 BIN.

1516866241555

Darlot/Pulligny Adjustable landscape - early version. Condition difficult to judge but minus flange. Small 7.5" version.
winning bid £609.

[brandon13]

did I pay too much? hahahah IDk.. I needed that size lens and that one had iris and flange

we'll see if I like it or it goes back up for sale

Great lens. My favorite on 11x14 for WPC portraits. I paid about the same a year ago, but it was the brass version with one waterhouse stop at f22. I think you paid a very fair price. congrats.

[desertrat]

Not technically a soft focus lens, but a monster 500mm Goerz Dogmar f4.5 in barrel went for USD 669. The seller states the diaphragm mounts separately, but from the photos it looks like it may not be there.

This type has been used for portraiture according to the seller.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dogmar-f-4-5-500mm-D-R-P-C-P-Goerz-Berlin-No-413492-/171813262413?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=LXzzz88qlOxgsRimcOIn4D7g8wI%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

[brandon13]

Dallmeyer 3d with working iris complete with flange. Glass looked decent. $789.00 301665281151

[Mark Sawyer]

12" P&S Visual Quality, reworked by Burke & James (barrel painted black and lens probably coated), $2457. (171826427228)

[Steven Tribe]

Quote a lot of the more unusual types to-day at the SAS auction!

The prices quoted are in UK Pounds and I have not added the commission.
This was a very extensive sale with 100's of mahaogany/brass cameras - including scores of stereo etc. I have never heard of!

Dallmeyer SF lens (single rear lens type?). F 4.5 6".
£210

Cooke IIE coated.£720.

Eidoscope F.4.5 no. 4. £460.

Kershaw Soft. F4.5 9" No iris but with imagon disk. £170.
F4.5 11.5". £300.

Oscar Zwierzina Plasticca F4 400mm. £580.

Imagon 250mm in .Copal 3. £170.

Spencer Portland 6". £220 and 9" , £340

Verito 18" in /studio shutter no. 5, £550. 8.75" in copal 3, £220.

Wray, diffused image (2 cell version - see lens VM) )8". £160.

Struss (serial number 721) plus extra lens in a bag! F3.5 9" in aluminium. £420.

Not a lot of real bargains, but again some good offers for buyer/users.

I could only afford 2!

there were also 2 Dalmeyer 2b's but I havn't had time to check the Dallmeyer archives to see if these were the diffusion versions or not.

[Mark Sawyer]

Quote a lot of the more unusual types to-day at the SAS auction!

Oscar Zwierzina Plasticca F4 400mm. £580.


For comparison, a nice (but flange-less) Oscar Zwierzina Plasticca F4 450mm just sold on ebay for $1598. 261938815295

[Steven Tribe]

The buyers' commision to SAS is 15%.

Both Dallmeyers are the patent versions.

So:
Dallmeyer 2B 25232 £620.
Dalmeyer 2B (aluminium ex UK military - engraved as being mounted with an iris later by Dallmeyer). 51380. Also, £620.

Either SAS valuers are incredibly good - or bidders were influenced by valuations. I have never followed an auction where so many closing bids were within the given range.
Uations.

[Amedeus]

Thanks for the list Steven ... I would say there were quite a few bargains in light of even the current "low" auction site numbers ...

Also thanks for picking up that Struss serial number ... Struss did sell "extra" lenses with different focal length to fit the same barrel


Quote a lot of the more unusual types to-day at the SAS auction!

The prices quoted are in UK Pounds and I have not added the commission.
This was a very extensive sale with 100's of mahaogany/brass cameras - including scores of stereo etc. I have never heard of!

Dallmeyer SF lens (single rear lens type?). F 4.5 6".
£210

Cooke IIE coated.£720.

Eidoscope F.4.5 no. 4. £460.

Kershaw Soft. F4.5 9" No iris but with imagon disk. £170.
F4.5 11.5". £300.

Oscar Zwierzina Plasticca F4 400mm. £580.

Imagon 250mm in .Copal 3. £170.

Spencer Portland 6". £220 and 9" , £340

Verito 18" in /studio shutter no. 5, £550. 8.75" in copal 3, £220.

Wray, diffused image (2 cell version - see lens VM) )8". £160.

Struss (serial number 721) plus extra lens in a bag! F3.5 9" in aluminium. £420.

Not a lot of real bargains, but again some good offers for buyer/users.

I could only afford 2!

there were also 2 Dalmeyer 2b's but I havn't had time to check the Dallmeyer archives to see if these were the diffusion versions or not.

[Steven Tribe]

The SAS site has all the serial numbers in their listings. There 2 main lot series with lenses. The non-soft are quite interesting too and attracted more competitive bidding than "ours". There was a very active woman (women?) bidding on lots.
The Struss was quite a rare bird in Europe, but I ran out of funding before it came up due to the 2 small Port-Lands which came up just before it.

I forgot to write that the Series 2E was the usual 270mm version.

[Amedeus]

Yeah ... I would have gone for the Portlands as well ;-) .. especially the 6" ..


The SAS site has all the serial numbers in their listings. There 2 main lot series with lenses. The non-soft are quite interesting too and attracted more competitive bidding than "ours". There was a very active woman (women?) bidding on lots.
The Struss was quite a rare bird in Europe, but I ran out of funding before it came up due to the 2 small Port-Lands which came up just before it.

I forgot to write that the Series 2E was the usual 270mm version.

[Amedeus]

Getting back to the Struss at the SAS auction Steve reported on ... first one I see with two aperture scales ... one for 6" and one for 9" ... Since this auction included an additional lens, safe to assume both lenses were there.


136376


The SAS site has all the serial numbers in their listings. There 2 main lot series with lenses. The non-soft are quite interesting too and attracted more competitive bidding than "ours". There was a very active woman (women?) bidding on lots.
The Struss was quite a rare bird in Europe, but I ran out of funding before it came up due to the 2 small Port-Lands which came up just before it.

I forgot to write that the Series 2E was the usual 270mm version.

[goamules]

We only see a Karl Struss lens about once every year or two. With everyone watching closely. I'd say a Struss is the epitome of a rare lens.

[Steven Tribe]

This was an auction with a lot of similar lenses, the Kershaws, the Port-lands, the convertible Struss and the SF Dallmeyer, which perhaps influenced bidding results.

I'll try and get some information about the sources of these ( a collector or user) from Hugo Marsh - respecting client confidentiality, of course!

[Andrew Plume]

fwiw

SAS have literally 'coined' the UK market, it's the current hot place to sell, they have three very experienced guys there, two solely dealing with Cameras and are able to put far more resources into their sales, whereas other Auctioneer's have staff that have to be able to deal across the board with the entire 'collectible' range, i.e. they have to be "jacks of all trades"

the Struss was cheap - I understand that the initial chunk of wood and brass including the stereo ones all came from the same collector (who unusually isn't dead) - overall the sale prices were pretty well what I was expecting - I wasn't at the auction, the saleroom gets incredibly hot, I knew what to expect and it happened to be on the hottest ever recorded day in the UK

having taken in so many Cameras from one seller, I expect that there was a deal on the seller's commission, i.e. less than 15%

there was also a second day, which pretty well comprised leica only

andrew

[Andrew Plume]

Steven

I've dealt with your last post

andrew

[brandon13]

Plasticca Kunst portrait objectiv. 450mm f4 $2225.00 321794470334

[Mark Sawyer]

No, $1225 on that Plasticca...

[Steven Tribe]

All but one of the soft lenses in the SAS sales last week were indeed from a single collector.

SAS did join up here and posted details about this auction, but had their posting promptly removed!

[brandon13]

No, $1225 on that Plasticca...
yes sorry all. That was a typo. I should proof my posts better. Mark is correct on price.

[Amedeus]

I've published a first stab at the serial numbers associated with Pinkham & Smith Soft Focus lenses. IT's a start ...

Much thanks to all who contributed and I'm looking forward to receive more info as times goes on. I also have a list in the works for Karl Struss lenses and it shouldn't be a surprise that this list is significantly shorter at this point.

http://amedeusphoto.zenfolio.com/blog/2015/7/pinkham-smith-serial-number-project

[brandon13]

Dallmeyer 5d Brass lens ca. 1868 Glass had a little separation on edge of front elements. otherwise nice glass. $1500.00 BIN # 131566754916

[pierre506]

Wolly Verito 18in f4 in shutter with 22.25in rear extension group
USD 780
400969424459
Who is the lucky guy?

[Jim Galli]

The elephant in the room.

Pinkham and Smith Semi Achromatic Doublet 14" sold for 6688.88 Item number: 171880681749

[cdholden]

Wolly Verito 18in f4 in shutter with 22.25in rear extension group
USD 780
400969424459
Who is the lucky guy?

I saw this yesterday and was gritting my teeth because I didn't have the funds available to bid on it.

[Tin Can]

The elephant in the room.

Pinkham and Smith Semi Achromatic Doublet 14" sold for 6688.88 Item number: 171880681749

Seller first listed as BIN $15K.

[brandon13]

Wolly Verito 18in f4 in shutter with 22.25in rear extension group
USD 780
400969424459
Who is the lucky guy?
Not me but unghh. If I wasn't in the process of buying another ULF camera I would have Bid.

[Jim Galli]

Seller first listed as BIN $15K.

Believe it or not there was some precedent for that. A friend of mine, Jonathan Brewer had one, either 16" or 18", I can't remember now. We didn't know a third party (seller) had us bidding against each other. I was offering $1100 (10+, years ago? a good bit of change then.) Jonathan got it for around $1500. He did a nice job of restoring it. It was brother to this lens in the sale. Painted black with the same paint brush the guy painted his model T with it seems. It looked just like the one just sold, but bigger. J was kind enough to let me have it for a couple of months and I made some images that are on my web pages somewhere. J was in a bad accident and had to sell some of his things to pay for doctors. He got 15 large for that lens. Timing was perfect. But that's no doubt why Rob gave it a shot. These serious collector types lurk then devour and they return to their silence. Sean Connery stopped by the studio one day while I had it and posed -

http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/Pinkham-Smith/SAiiiJB/SeanConnery_2ss.jpg

with apologies to the real sean c

[Bisbee233]

Its never hurts to ask right?

Im suprised my copy didnt bring nearly as much. It was the better of the 2 I think.

Oh well.....

[brandon13]

Another Dallmeyer 5d serial#54404 Brass complete with a packard shutter on board. A little separation on front glass but otherwise very nice lens. $1650.00 BIN 121725666307 That's 2 5d's within a 2 week span.

[Jim Galli]

sorry for the double entry

[Jim Galli]

Its never hurts to ask right?

Im suprised my copy didnt bring nearly as much. It was the better of the 2 I think.

Oh well.....

No, longer focal length always trumps- and his was restored to excellent usable shape.

[pierre506]

Dallmeyer 4D
USD 1390
# 291539248506

Dallmeyer 5D
USD 2379.15
# 400702784705

[andrewch59]

Pinkham Smith Series V Synthetic #2 Soft Focus US$2,225
Kershaw 11.5" f5.6 Soft Focus US$720

[goamules]

That pinkham sure ran up fast, in the last 10 min it went from $400 to $2,000....

[andrewch59]

That pinkham sure ran up fast, in the last 10 min it went from $400 to $2,000.... Yep, I thought perhaps they had both been overlooked by the soft focus fraternity, but no they were lurking in the shadows. Its a real art trying to hit that confirm button in the last five seconds or so.

[Steven Tribe]

First a couple of ebay results which I don't think have been noted.

Dallmeyer Patent Portrait 3B, "turn the barrel" version. Needs work on the adjustment, otherwise good.
171865253128. 1875 usd.

Dallmeyer Bergheim size no. 2 - up to 15x12", but only F8. Very good cosmetics. 171879267671. 2075 usd.

Now a rare softy in a very large lot which makes it impossible to have an objective value. But the separate values of the other items could give a zero price!

Koristka (Milano) Large Ars.
The various sizes of the Ars lens could be fitted with lenses of different focal length. This is why the front iris shows aperture in mm. I have included the extra auctioneer photos as I think images are as rare as the lens!

The lot included:
Century bipost stand.
AOC 5x7 (1890's?) studio camera with sliding back. The AOC camera almost fills the width of the Century stand so perhaps it was a larger format originally.
An UK Tailboard 15x12" with a full set of 3 double plate holders
Ross no. 3 Cabinet (a common UK alternative to the Dallmeyer 3B), the Large Ars and other lenses.

Total, including 20% fees, was 1264 usd.

There were Gandolfi cameras in other lots which attracted more interest
Auction was in Perth, Scotland by Lindsay, Burns.

[Geoffrey_5995]

Steve, I have two Ars lenses. One is a "Little Ars" the other seems to be a prototype as it does not have the aperture scale but I don't completely remember. It's 456mm I think. I'll need to dig it out.

Geoff



First a couple of ebay results which I don't think have been noted.

Dallmeyer Patent Portrait 3B, "turn the barrel" version. Needs work on the adjustment, otherwise good.
171865253128. 1875 usd.

Dallmeyer Bergheim size no. 2 - up to 15x12", but only F8. Very good cosmetics. 171879267671. 2075 usd.

Now a rare softy in a very large lot which makes it impossible to have an objective value. But the separate values of the other items could give a zero price!

Koristka (Milano) Large Ars.
The various sizes of the Ars lens could be fitted with lenses of different focal length. This is why the front iris shows aperture in mm. I have included the extra auctioneer photos as I think images are as rare as the lens!

The lot included:
Century bipost stand.
AOC 5x7 (1890's?) studio camera with sliding back. The AOC camera almost fills the width of the Century stand so perhaps it was a larger format originally.
An UK Tailboard 15x12" with a full set of 3 double plate holders
Ross no. 3 Cabinet (a common UK alternative to the Dallmeyer 3B), the Large Ars and other lenses.

Total, including 20% fees, was 1264 usd.

There were Gandolfi cameras in other lots which attracted more interest
Auction was in Perth, Scotland by Lindsay, Burns.

[Steven Tribe]

Eastbourne Auctions yesterday.

T,T & H Cooke series IIa , F3.5, 12.5". Very clean early barrel turn model with leather case.
£600 basic. With 20% fees, this comes to 1,111 usd.

In 1927, this cost twice as much as the equivalent Nicola Perscheid and 50% more than the F4.5 series II version.

[pierre506]

Voigtlander Universal Heliar 300mm
331629421282
USD 895

[jesse]

Voigtlander Universal Heliar 300mm
331629421282
USD 895

Missing rear element!

[ekta55]

First a couple of ebay results which I don't think have been noted.

Dallmeyer Patent Portrait 3B, "turn the barrel" version. Needs work on the adjustment, otherwise good.
171865253128. 1875 usd.

Dallmeyer Bergheim size no. 2 - up to 15x12", but only F8. Very good cosmetics. 171879267671. 2075 usd.

Now a rare softy in a very large lot which makes it impossible to have an objective value. But the separate values of the other items could give a zero price!

Koristka (Milano) Large Ars.
The various sizes of the Ars lens could be fitted with lenses of different focal length. This is why the front iris shows aperture in mm. I have included the extra auctioneer photos as I think images are as rare as the lens!

The lot included:
Century bipost stand.
AOC 5x7 (1890's?) studio camera with sliding back. The AOC camera almost fills the width of the Century stand so perhaps it was a larger format originally.
An UK Tailboard 15x12" with a full set of 3 double plate holders
Ross no. 3 Cabinet (a common UK alternative to the Dallmeyer 3B), the Large Ars and other lenses.

Total, including 20% fees, was 1264 usd.

There were Gandolfi cameras in other lots which attracted more interest
Auction was in Perth, Scotland by Lindsay, Burns.




Hi
Could you tell me about the Large ARS lens- use and cost etc
Thanks
ekta55

[Mark Sawyer]

Eastbourne Auctions yesterday.

T,T & H Cooke series IIa , F3.5, 12.5". Very clean early barrel turn model with leather case.
£600 basic. With 20% fees, this comes to 1,111 usd.

In 1927, this cost twice as much as the equivalent Nicola Perscheid and 50% more than the F4.5 series II version.

Now available at twice the price!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-TAYLOR-HOBSON-BRASS-12-5-f3-5-COOKE-PORTRAIT-ANASTIGMAT-SERIES-IIa-CASED-/231689344831?hash=item35f1c2d73f

[Steven Tribe]

Yes indeed - so I was bidding against a local lad in Sussex! Very optimistic listing.

There is some info about the ARS series in the Lens VM. Uncorrected achromat until stopped down. Best compared with The Spencer Port-Land, I think. I wish I had won the auction so I could have said more. The large ars is so infrequently available that there is no established market value - unlike the Dallmeyer 3B, for example.

Loosing quite a lot of auctions in a row does mean I havn't lost my all sense!

[Emil Schildt]

Now available at twice the price!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-TAYLOR-HOBSON-BRASS-12-5-f3-5-COOKE-PORTRAIT-ANASTIGMAT-SERIES-IIa-CASED-/231689344831?hash=item35f1c2d73f

wow - maybe I should sell mine... :D

[pierre506]

Missing rear element!
Yes.
Hoping the buyer noticed it.

[Steven Tribe]

Missing rear element!

This was a best offer - so less than 895 usd.

There is no way the buyer could have bought this by mistake.
Unless I am very much mistaken, the missing rear element can be taken from a ordinary 30cm Heliar, although I am not sure that the flange size is the same. The donor 30cm has to be from the original optical Heliar design not from the Dynar version. The Universal kept the old Heliar design even post-war and coated.

[Steven Tribe]

Now a rare softy in a very large lot which makes it impossible to have an objective value. But the separate values of the other items could give a zero price!

Koristka (Milano) Large Ars.
The various sizes of the Ars lens could be fitted with lenses of different focal length. This is why the front iris shows aperture in mm. I have included the extra auctioneer photos as I think images are as rare as the lens!

The lot included:
Century bipost stand.
AOC 5x7 (1890's?) studio camera with sliding back. The AOC camera almost fills the width of the Century stand so perhaps it was a larger format originally.
An UK Tailboard 15x12" with a full set of 3 double plate holders
Ross no. 3 Cabinet (a common UK alternative to the Dallmeyer 3B), the Large Ars and other lenses.

Total, including 20% fees, was 1264 usd.



More information to-day!

Included in the lot was a Dallmeyer 4D.
The large ars has an U/S iris and been sent for repairs!

[Paul Ewins]

305mm Kodak Portrait Lens in Ilex 5 (111752355688) for $371. I bought this at the start of September but it only arrived this week s I've been slow reporting it. As you can probably tell from the listing photos one of the shutter blades is catching against the blade next to it and not closing properly. The shutter also appears stuck on 1/50 although B & T still work. I'll probably set it up to work with a Sinar shutter unless I can find somebody locally who can repair it.