Wollensak Velostigmat 9 1/2" Focus Series II f4.5 #308706

[tmborman]

I would appreciate any information on this lens. It's in barrel, not

sure if it's worth mounting in shutter. I'll be using it on a 5 x 7

camera. Thanks in advance.

[hugh_crawford1]

Aren't those variable soft focus lenses ?

It depends on whether you want soft focus or not.

[chauncey_walden]

Terry, the Wollensak guide says that the Series II is a Tessar-type for general purpose photography and that the 9 1/2" is intended for up to 6 1/2 x 8 1/2 film and came, at least in later times, in a number 4 Alphax shutter or a number 6 barrel.

[tmborman]

Thanks very much for the information

[william_whitaker1]

I've seen the Velostigmat Series II both as a variable soft focus and as a "straight" anastigmat. If the former, it will have a front ring which can be rotated to vary the diffusion. According to the <a href=http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/wollensakcath/p6.html>1922 Wollensak catalog</a>, the 9 1/2" version was the shortest focal length which offered that feature. Again, however, yours may not have it. Either way, it's a useful lens. But the cost of having it mounted in a shutter would probably increase your investment beyond what a more modern lens of comparable focal length already mounted in a shutter would cost. Check Ebay's past listings along with the usual suppliers for going prices on the used market and compare to the cost of having this one mounted in a shutter.<P>

Best

[tmborman]

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