The Wollensak Versar comes in many flavors. It was one of the most popular lenses for big Photo and Supply houses 100+ years ago to rebrand with their name on it.
So this is every bit a Wolly Versar even though it doesn't say so. I invite you to a page here, that has some images made with an identical rebranded Versar some years back. Done on full plate the images speak for themselves, and they speak for this lens. It will produce things just as worthy.
Condition condition condition! The glass is marvelous for all practical purposes. Bright and clear with a cleaning sleak or 2 if you insist on looking through it at a bright source.
The "shutter" is another matter. Plan on using a Packard behind this. The Wollensak Series B #1 Studio Shutter of 1907 has a usable aperture, but it no longer works. In fact it's missing the piston actuator. But even if it was there, the blades and mechanism have lost their spring after 100++ years.
Aperture scale is the old US system. f16 are the same in both systems, so you count either side of '16'. Not a big deal. Flange is missing. I looked and looked through my extra's but did not find a suitable flange. Maybe with some filing the common Wolly size 4 would fit?
This lens is capable of signature images. Look again at that page of pics at my site. Sweet. $265.00 + shipping to you. Last one I sold was more like $385. The low price reflects missing pieces etc.
So this is every bit a Wolly Versar even though it doesn't say so. I invite you to a page here, that has some images made with an identical rebranded Versar some years back. Done on full plate the images speak for themselves, and they speak for this lens. It will produce things just as worthy.
Condition condition condition! The glass is marvelous for all practical purposes. Bright and clear with a cleaning sleak or 2 if you insist on looking through it at a bright source.
The "shutter" is another matter. Plan on using a Packard behind this. The Wollensak Series B #1 Studio Shutter of 1907 has a usable aperture, but it no longer works. In fact it's missing the piston actuator. But even if it was there, the blades and mechanism have lost their spring after 100++ years.
Aperture scale is the old US system. f16 are the same in both systems, so you count either side of '16'. Not a big deal. Flange is missing. I looked and looked through my extra's but did not find a suitable flange. Maybe with some filing the common Wolly size 4 would fit?
This lens is capable of signature images. Look again at that page of pics at my site. Sweet. $265.00 + shipping to you. Last one I sold was more like $385. The low price reflects missing pieces etc.