The Scientific Lens Co.

[Flexnib]

Hello All,
I purchased this wonderful little lens today and would like to learn more about it.
On the brass rim it says-
The Scientific Lens Co.
Extr W.A. Anastigmat No.5
With front and rear glass in place it measures about a 8-9 inch focal length and with either the rear or front element removed it has an amazing 22 inch focal length.
How can I tell what size film the lens will cover?
I assume that if it is an extra W.A. lens and the focal length is 8-9 inches it is made for at least an 8x10 camera?
Any info would be a great help.

[Chauncey Walden]

I have a 5.5 inch that is marked for whole plate (and does cover 6.5x8.5) so an 8 or 9 inch ought to be good for more than 8x10. Maybe 11x14?

[Gene McCluney]

Slap that puppy on a cardboard lensboard, or put it in an iris mount and lets see what she'll do. Thats your homework assignment for tomorrow.

[CCHarrison]

Attached is an ad from 1907. I assume the # 5 is the 10x12 inch model

Dan

[Jim Jones]

My EXTREME W. A. ANASTIGMAT made by the Scientific Lens Co. New York, serial 13006, is marked for 11x14 and has a focal length of about 10". It has the remains of an iris diaphram. This would agree with the data that Dan provided.

[wfwhitaker]

I also have the 11x14 version as well as the 8x10 lens and the focal lengths agree with Dan's chart.

[Chauncey Walden]

Dan, the "on hand" numbers are interesting. If they equate to popularity of sizes at that time, everything up through 8x10 is equal and 10x12, while only half as popular as the 8x10, is twice as popular as the 11x14. It doesn't seem like 10x12 is mentioned much today.

[Flexnib]

Thank you all for your help. I will try it out and get back to you all.
Arthur

[Mark Sawyer]

I bet these get confused with the Wide Angle Rectilinears a lot, though the Anastigmats came later. Interesting to see on the table CCHarrison posted, that even back then, the price on the Net was much lower than the list price!

[evan clarke]

I have a little Lens drom the Scientific Lens Co. called the artistic. 2 elements, no iris. It' about 7", covers 4x5 and is fairly soft. Nothing on line anywhere..Ideas?