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Thread: Wollensak Reflex Lens & Parts; Help with Camera Identification

  1. #1

    Wollensak Reflex Lens & Parts; Help with Camera Identification

    I recently purchased a Graflex Century camera from the estate of a press photographer. Included in the case were a Wollensak "Reflex" lens and lens parts which do not belong to the camera, and which I would greatly appreciate help identifying which camera they belong to. I have seen very similar lenses for the Graflex 3A, but nothing identical.

    1. IMAGES 1-2. Wollensak Reflex Lens (top left), Focus Lens Part 1 (top right), Lens Part 2 (bottom left), Sepia Filter Part 3 (bottom right),
    2. IMAGES 3-4. Wollensak Reflex Lens close-ups


    MARKINGS:
    Wollensak "Reflex" Lens. This lens has the following markings on the side of the housing:
    3 1/4 x 5 1/2 Planatograph Bausch & Lomb Optical Co.
    Wollensak Rochester
    "Reflex"
    6.3f 8 11 16 22 32

    Focus Lens Part 1. This part has the following markings:
    2 1 + 0 - 1 2 3 4 (on the knurled focus ring)
    35 (on back of part)
    DIMENSIONS: 2" front to back. The screw mount at back is 2-5/8" in diameter. The glass measures approximately 1" in diameter.
    Lens Part 2. This part has no markings anywhere. The glass has a centering cross etched into its surface. The brass housing has a flange soldered to its side. It does not seem to integrate with any of the lens parts shown, but was in the same box as the other parts.
    DIMENSIONS: 2-1/4" OD, 1/2" front to back, Glass 1-5/8" Dia.
    Sepia Filter Part 3. This part has no markings anywhere. The housing measures 2-1/16" OD, and the filter, which can be pulled out of the housing by means of a hinged wire handle, measures 1-3/8". It may be designed to insert into the back of Focus Lens Part 1.

    Any information would be greatly appreciated.

    Click image for larger version. 

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  2. #2

    Join Date
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    Re: Wollensak Reflex Lens & Parts; Help with Camera Identification

    I don't think the heavy duty lens is a photographic item.
    The postcard format Planatograph lens was a standard item for this short-lived size. Perhaps someone can think of a reflex camera that used that size?

  3. #3
    ic-racer's Avatar
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    Re: Wollensak Reflex Lens & Parts; Help with Camera Identification

    Perhaps from a reflex postcard camera like this:
    Click image for larger version. 

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  4. #4

    Re: Wollensak Reflex Lens & Parts; Help with Camera Identification

    Thanks. The lens in your photo certainly looks like the same one. Which manufacturer made the camera?

  5. #5

    Re: Wollensak Reflex Lens & Parts; Help with Camera Identification

    You may be right. As I recall there was an enlarger at the estate where I bought the Graflex that these lenses were sitting with.

  6. #6
    ic-racer's Avatar
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    Re: Wollensak Reflex Lens & Parts; Help with Camera Identification

    Quote Originally Posted by icollectvintagecameras View Post
    Thanks. The lens in your photo certainly looks like the same one. Which manufacturer made the camera?
    That is a Graflex 3A

  7. #7
    Jac@stafford.net's Avatar
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    Re: Wollensak Reflex Lens & Parts; Help with Camera Identification

    For future interest www.surplusshed has a large CDROM of Wollensak lenses here.

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