For the lens gurus: Need Info on Ross Universal Portrait Lenses

[JasonC]

Wanted to know what focal lengths are made, year of manufacture, construction. Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

Jason.

 

[medform-norm]

I'm no lens guru, but my LVM tells me this:
Universal Lenses for Portraits and Groups, in Studio, Interiors, Views etc. These were made in a back focus of the following: 7.5in (2.0in), 10.75in (2.25in), 13.5in (2.75in), 16.5in (3.25in), 20in (4.0in), 24in (5.0in), 30in (6.0in) where the diameter in inches is in parenthesis, and corresponding to about an f6.0*, possibly a Portrait RR, since they were "flat field". They covered 40-50° and 13.5in was suggested for 10x8in. (*It is likely that internal baffles would actually limit the useful aperture to about f8."

But as usual one has to be careful with the LVM info, never take it for granted. HTH

 

[JasonC]

medform-norm,

I think the lenses are numbered as Ross Universal No.1, No.2 and so on. Do you know which focal length corresponds to which number? Thanks.

Jason.

 

[medform-norm]

Jason,
as I said, I'm no expert, but I would think they number from small to big, meaning a no.1 could possibly be a 7.5 inch if (big IF) the LVM is right on this point. No other info on the web? We may have to wait for Ole on his s-l-o-w c-o-n-n-e-c-t-i-o-n in the middle of the sea to be set right about this assumption.

 

[rrankin]

I have a Ross Universal 3, and the rear focus would be about 14". So, I think medform-norm is probably correct on the numbering scheme. A beaut of a piece of glass.

Cheers,
Richard

 

[JasonC]

Where are Ole and Jim?