Has there ever been a lens like Reinhold's new 790mm F:5.4 ULF Lens?

[Tin Can]

I am wondering if there has ever been such a large meniscus lens made prior?

Or any lens of that aperture and FL? I have an Artar 30" f 12.5...

I have one coming so, it's not like I plan on buying an old one, and from what I see of historic big lens prices I will never have a polished brass prize.

Just curious.

[Dan Fromm]

The VM, which is sometimes mistaken, says that Astro Gesellschaft made coated f/5 meniscus lenses in focal lengths from 300 - 1,000 mm and f/10 or f/11 at 2,000 mm.

Nearly all of the expensive big old brassies that you think you'll never be able to afford are more complex lens types.

[Tin Can]

Thanks, I forgot I had a copy. I will look there.

I do realize this new lens is a simple design, but that may be it's pleasant surprise, I am not expecting miracles.

Thanks Dan!

The VM, which is sometimes mistaken, says that Astro Gesellschaft made coated f/5 meniscus lenses in focal lengths from 300 - 1,000 mm and f/10 or f/11 at 2,000 mm.

Nearly all of the expensive big old brassies that you think you'll never be able to afford are more complex lens types.

[William Whitaker]

My first thought was the 405 Kodak Portrait. Different design and half the focal length, but still a large meniscus.

[Tin Can]

I have 305 Kodak Portrait, but the way I was trying to use it, put the sitter way too close.

My first thought was the 405 Kodak Portrait. Different design, but still a large meniscus.

[Tin Can]

http://www.exaklaus.de/astro.htm

The VM, which is sometimes mistaken, says that Astro Gesellschaft made coated f/5 meniscus lenses in focal lengths from 300 - 1,000 mm and f/10 or f/11 at 2,000 mm.

Nearly all of the expensive big old brassies that you think you'll never be able to afford are more complex lens types.

[Reinhold Schable]

Ahh Yessss...
My first real camera was an Exakta VXII.
A camera with character.
Sigh.

Reinhold

[Tin Can]

I have held a couple, I put them right back down...

Ahh Yessss...
My first real camera was an Exakta VXII.
A camera with character.
Sigh.

Reinhold

[Steven Tribe]

Zwierzine had the F4 600mm Plasticca and O.Simon had a similar 500mm (licenced?) meniscus lens.

[Mark Sawyer]

The Kodak Portrait lenses, and most of the production meniscus lenses (whether early Landscape or later soft focus) were achromatic doublets. Reinhold's is a single element (not corrected for achromatic aberration), not that it would make a big difference in soft monochrome work.