So I picked up a new lens today. A nice brass Extra Rapid Aplanat. What I know, its about 200mm and f8. It's has "Friedo Wilsenhavern - Hamburg" on it. Searching on line, I can't find anything about it. Anyone hazard a guess as to how old it is? Was Friedo a lens company, or did they just relabel and sell other companies lenses? Any info would be much appreciated.
IMG_20170213_185352 by Vance, on Flickr
Against all odds, this photo shop still exists in Hamburg!
https://www.facebook.com/fotowiesenhavern/
This would have a good reliable lens on a German 13x18cm camera in the halcyon days for amateur large format at the start of the 20th century.
Last edited by Steven Tribe; 15-Feb-2017 at 01:04.
Thanks Steven, I sent them a message and they were quick to reply that they had a couple in their museum that were dated btween 1895 and 1915.I was amazed to see that the company is still in existance.
In Denmark, there is just one photo retailer who has survived from 1900. All the really big names have gone long ago. This one were apt enough to latch onto some good import names (like Profoto!) and concentrate on the professional market.
The Hamborg shop looks appropriately "klein"! The location cannot be original (WW2) and is typical of recent Hamburg building.
Last edited by Steven Tribe; 15-Feb-2017 at 01:05.
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