Lifespan of the Vitax?

**Tim Layton** · 23-Dec-2011, 18:56

From what I can gather the Vitax as we know it via Wollensak started in 1908. Does anyone have a source for how long the lens was made under this name? I found it in the 1919 Wollensak catalog so I know it ran for that long at least, but looking for an end date. Also, does anyone know if there is a way to use the serial number for anything such as production, date, etc?

Thanks,

Tim

**Jim Graves** · 23-Dec-2011, 20:51

It appears in the 1906-07 Wollensak catalog as the Royal Portait Lens (Link ) ... don't know how much earlier it appeared.

**Tim Layton** · 23-Dec-2011, 20:59

Originally Posted by Jim Graves

It appears in the 1906-07 Wollensak catalog as the Royal Portait Lens (Link ) ... don't know how much earlier it appeared.

I read on Dan's site that it was marketed as the "Vitax" in 1908 so that gives me a starting date. I can't seem to find a definitive answer on how long they were produced. I am sure someone will know.

Thanks,

Tim

**Jim Graves** · 23-Dec-2011, 21:17

On the Camera Eccentric site ... it shows up in the 1935 catalog (Link) but not in the "1940s" catalog (Link).

So we're getting closer.

**Paul Fitzgerald** · 23-Dec-2011, 22:40

As legend has it , Wollensak bought this from another company as the 'Royal Portrait lens' and carried it as such for the first years, changing to 'Vitax' afterwards.