Mystery lens - whatisit

[big_ben_blue]

Hi folks,

I think, I just bought something in a moment of temporary insanity on the big famous auction block .
I am fairly sure it's a B&L Unar of some sort; but that's about the extend of my knowledge. Can anyone guide me what model it is? The seller mentions a weight of about 22lbs, a length of 9" and barrel diameter of 6.5".
Here's the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=300217679000

[Stephanie Brim]

Holy God, man. At least MY mystery lens only cost me $4.

[big_ben_blue]

Holy God, man. At least MY mystery lens only cost me $4.

Oh do you have to rub it in? The credit card company has already volunteered to do just that when I get my monthly statement (can we move on to a slightly happier topic, please )

[Dan Fromm]

Ben, why do you think it is an Unar?

All kidding aside, I think the seller was more than usually confused. The lens barrel looks somewhat like an aerial lens' barrel and the range of apretures is right for one. The seller didn't post an image of the lens attached to the camera whose image he posted, and it isn't obvious that the two can be connected. The lens seems to have no shutter, and the camera seems to have no focal plane shutter.

After you have it in hand, look it over, tell us what's written on it and whether it can in fact be attached to the camera.

Stephanie, if you had more money you'd buy bigger mysteries. Save your small monetary units and sooner or later you'll be able to buy doorstops and coffee tables. Re coffee tables, see http://www.surplusshed.com/pages/item/t1524.html . I've sat next to that lens, it really would serve as a coffee table.

[big_ben_blue]

The style of the two levers is very reminiscent if not identical to the larger 14" or 18" Zeiss Portrait Unars (first version around 1908 or so). One lever for aperture, the other to dial in the degree of softness. Definitely before the age of aerial lenses. Here's a similar one: 120220089373 (notice the buyer on that one).
The camera I really don't care about. It's just a badly aged Century; but might still be good as parts donor (I got better specimen in my collection). But you are right; this lens doesn't belong to the camera, and most certainly not on the groundglass side. I do have an interesting no-name studio camera (in black) in storage, which I intend to put the lens on.

[Jim Galli]

I have this lens out in my cabinet. It is a 16" Petzval marked 3A as it was an American copy of the famous Dallmeyer 3A lens. It's gi-normous compared to the Dallmeyer.

Seth Broder just sold the same lens albeit much prettier a week ago for double what you paid, so you did fine. I was watching it too, knowing exactly what it was but I didn't have 300 shamolies to spend.

I think you may be able to completely take it apart, strip the yuccy black paint off, and have yourself a fine antique petzval there. Just a hint though. You'll need a studio camera with a 9X9 inch lens panel to hold the beastie up. No joke.

[jetcode]

I have this lens out in my cabinet. It is a 16" Petzval marked 3A ...

I really need to see your cabinet ... I really do ...

[Jim Galli]

I really need to see your cabinet ... I really do ...

...c'mon over... It's that big one at the back of the top drawer. FireKing. 1700 degrees 2 hour rating.

[Hugo Zhang]

No wonder Jim only uses a P.O. Box to keep the location of that cabinet secret.

[Stephanie Brim]

Stephanie, if you had more money you'd buy bigger mysteries. Save your small monetary units and sooner or later you'll be able to buy doorstops and coffee tables. Re coffee tables, see http://www.surplusshed.com/pages/item/t1524.html . I've sat next to that lens, it really would serve as a coffee table.

Yeah, probably. I've just decided that starting small may be a better idea. Knowing me, though, lenses will multiply like bunnies.