E. Suter Aplanat B No.7 / (20x16) ULF / Serienummer: 3485 Brass lens
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€ 75
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Selected by Edwin Molenaar
Over 30 years experience in photography and camera building.
Estimate € 400 - € 450
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E. Suter Aplanat B No.7 lens for 20x16 inch ULF (serial 3485), in very good condition but not tested, dating from circa 1885.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Rare E. Suter Basle Aplanat B No.7 Brass Lens (20x16) ULF / Wet Plate – approx. 1885
A beautiful and very rare piece of 19th-century Swiss optical craftsmanship is being offered: an E. Suter Basel Aplanat B No. 7 brass portrait-and-landscape lens.
This objective dates from around 1885–1886 (serial number: 3485) and was built by the famous Optical Institute E. Suter in Basel, Switzerland. The "No. 7" was the largest standard size in their catalog, specially designed to illuminate gigantic 20x16 inch (approx. 50x40 cm) glass plates or flat films. This makes the lens an absolute dream for today’s Ultra Large Format (ULF) photographers and passionate Wet Plate (collodion) artists seeking that authentic, ultra-pure 19th-century image quality.
The Aplanat B (a Rapid Rectilinear design) has a maximum aperture of f/8 and features the central insert slot for Waterhouse-stopped blades (not included).
Condition report
• Optics & Glass: The glass is in remarkably good condition for a lens nearly 140 years old! The elements are very clear and free from deep scratches.
• Note on balsem separation: there is a very small spot of light balsam separation (the drying of the natural Canada balsam glue over the decades) at the outer edge of the rear lens group (see photo). It shows a small, stable, gleaming pattern that remains strictly limited to the outer periphery. Because this spot sits right at the outer edge of the rear element, it lies completely outside the active image circle. It therefore has no impact on photographic performance or sharpness.
• Casing & Tubus: The barrel retains its beautiful historic character. The lens still bears the original dark lacquer on the body, combined with a splendid old patina on the brass lens hood and mounting ring. There is normal, light surface wear that perfectly suits the age and contributes to the authentic vintage look.
• Mechanics: The central slot for the Waterhouse stops is intact and clean.
Specifications:
• Manufacturer: E. Suter, Basle (Switzerland)
• Model: Aplanat B No. 7 (Rapid Rectilinear type)
• Serial number: 3485 (approx. 1885)
• Format coverage: 20 x 16 inches (Ultra Large Format / ULF)
• Maximum aperture: f/8
• Aperture system: Waterhouse-stops (insert plates not included)
• Included accessories: Includes the original square metal mounting flange/plate
The shown photos are an explicit part of the description.
The set is carefully packaged and insured for shipping.
Rare E. Suter Basle Aplanat B No.7 Brass Lens (20x16) ULF / Wet Plate – approx. 1885
A beautiful and very rare piece of 19th-century Swiss optical craftsmanship is being offered: an E. Suter Basel Aplanat B No. 7 brass portrait-and-landscape lens.
This objective dates from around 1885–1886 (serial number: 3485) and was built by the famous Optical Institute E. Suter in Basel, Switzerland. The "No. 7" was the largest standard size in their catalog, specially designed to illuminate gigantic 20x16 inch (approx. 50x40 cm) glass plates or flat films. This makes the lens an absolute dream for today’s Ultra Large Format (ULF) photographers and passionate Wet Plate (collodion) artists seeking that authentic, ultra-pure 19th-century image quality.
The Aplanat B (a Rapid Rectilinear design) has a maximum aperture of f/8 and features the central insert slot for Waterhouse-stopped blades (not included).
Condition report
• Optics & Glass: The glass is in remarkably good condition for a lens nearly 140 years old! The elements are very clear and free from deep scratches.
• Note on balsem separation: there is a very small spot of light balsam separation (the drying of the natural Canada balsam glue over the decades) at the outer edge of the rear lens group (see photo). It shows a small, stable, gleaming pattern that remains strictly limited to the outer periphery. Because this spot sits right at the outer edge of the rear element, it lies completely outside the active image circle. It therefore has no impact on photographic performance or sharpness.
• Casing & Tubus: The barrel retains its beautiful historic character. The lens still bears the original dark lacquer on the body, combined with a splendid old patina on the brass lens hood and mounting ring. There is normal, light surface wear that perfectly suits the age and contributes to the authentic vintage look.
• Mechanics: The central slot for the Waterhouse stops is intact and clean.
Specifications:
• Manufacturer: E. Suter, Basle (Switzerland)
• Model: Aplanat B No. 7 (Rapid Rectilinear type)
• Serial number: 3485 (approx. 1885)
• Format coverage: 20 x 16 inches (Ultra Large Format / ULF)
• Maximum aperture: f/8
• Aperture system: Waterhouse-stops (insert plates not included)
• Included accessories: Includes the original square metal mounting flange/plate
The shown photos are an explicit part of the description.
The set is carefully packaged and insured for shipping.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Brand
E. Suter
Model/type nr
Aplanat B No.7 / (20x16) ULF / Serienummer: 3485
Physical condition
Very good
Functional condition
Not tested
Estimated period
1850-1900
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