Robot WOII Luftwaffe Tele-set: Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 7,5cm f/4 (~1944) & Schneider-Kreuznach Tele-Xenar Analogue camera

Rare WWII Luftwaffe Tele-set for Robot

An exceptional and historically very valuable set of two telephoto lenses with the iconic Robot screw mount, specifically produced during the war years for military use by the German Luftwaffe. Robot cameras with this type of focal lengths were used at the time as Trefferkamers (gun cameras) in combat aircraft.

• Lens 1: Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 1:4 f=7.5 cm. Serial number 2778670 (dating: ca. 1944). Executed in the characteristic lightweight aluminum housing that Zeiss introduced toward the end of the war due to material shortages and weight saving for the air force. Extremely rare (Rarity Scale 4/5).

• Lens 2: Schneider-Kreuznach Tele-Xenar 1:3.8 f=7.5 cm D.R.P. Serial number 1711981 (dating: ca. 1940/1941). The early silver-colored brass/aluminum variant and the absolute standard equipment for military reconnaissance and combat applications in the early stage of World War II.

Condition of the lenses:
• Cosmetic: In nice, used vintage condition with normal signs of aging consistent with military use (see photos).
• Mechanical: The diaphragm and focusing of both lenses operate as they should.
• Optical condition Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar: The glass is very clean. There are very minimal cleaning scratches that are hardly noticeable. On the rear lens element there is a scratch at the outer edge; this is entirely outside the image field and has no impact on image quality.
• Optical condition Schneider-Kreuznach Tele-Xenar: This lens shows clear signs of age and intensive use. There are cleaning scratches on both the front and rear lenses. Additionally, there is a very noticeable, deeper scratch on the rear element. This scratch is clearly depicted in the accompanying detail photos.

A unique opportunity for WWII militaria collectors and historical Robot optics to acquire two complementary war-time telephoto lenses in one lot.