What the heck did I buy?

[coriana6jp]

Hi All,

Spent a good part of the weekend, rumaging through old pawn shops in Tokyo. I came across a huge Dallmeyer 3a lens with a complete set of waterhouse stops, I think. The little information I have been able to find is, it was probably made sometime in the mid to late 1800s, and it probably covers up to 11x14. Beyond that I will admit, I know nothing about this monster, and my searches have pretty much come up empty. At this point, I am not sure weather to keep it or get rid of it. But, if anybody has information on this thing I would be greatly appreciated. Attached below are a couple of pictures.

Thanx!

Gary

 

[JG Motamedi]

The 3A is a 16" f4 portrait lens (a Petzval variant) designed to cover whole plate, although it will do just fine on 8x10. With 11x14 the corners will vignette a bit. I have a number of the Dallmeyer Patent lenses and absolutely love them, I find that for the most part they are significantly sharper and have less coma than the other Petzvals.

I would recommend using it if you have a camera which can carry it. If not, you could easily resell it as these lenses are in pretty high demand right now.

You can look up the serial numbers here: http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/sn.htm

 

[smieglitz]

Good score! I have a 3A and it is my favorite lens. (Actually had two but sold the older one from around 1870 when I bought a newer one. They would have made one heck of a stereo pair.)

Here's a pic from my Dallmeyer 3A taken on a 10" x 12" purple glass plate: ruby ambrotype- it is a nude so be forewarned. I don't think the lens will cover 11x14 except at portrait distances.

I only have one waterhouse stop for mine but have access to a machine shop. Any chance you could measure the diameters of the stops (in mm preferably) so I can make a set? I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks,

Joe

 

[coriana6jp]

Thank you both for the very helpful information.

Joe, I will send you a pm.

Regards!


Gary