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Dallmeyer Triple Achromatic Lens 460mm F10

€1100.00 EUR

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History: The Dallmeyer lenses are very well known and respected, especially the  Portrait Series are among the fines optics ever made. This specimen is not a portrait lens, but is still very fascinating, or maybe even more because of that. The Achromatic Triplet layout was introduced by Dallmeyer in 1860. It features a non asymmetrical layout with 6 elements in 3 optical cells. It was quite well corrected for most aberrations, but not as well as the later introduced Aplanats. That is the reason that Dallmeyer stopped the production later on in favor of the Rapid Rectilinear design. The fact of beeing not completly corrected was a weakness back then, but its rather what makes the lens more interesting today. There are plenty of overcorrected apo lenses or aplanats around, but this lens will not only offer a wide angle view, but also some character of its own.


It is also good to know that the middle element could be removed, which reduces not only the focal lenght by 1/2 but also the F stop, making it an interesting portrait lens for 5x7 formats. It also offered an even more curved field, which again benefits portraiture work.


In 1864 G.W. Wilson made a landscape Series with the Triple Achromatic lens, which became quite famous in those times. You can see one of the images taken with the lens (Loch Katrine, Boat House) above.



Condition: The lens comes in a nice and authentic condition. It comes unpolished, since the patina adds to the authencity and most of the protective laquere is still present to prevent the brass from oxidation.

The glass is mostly in a nice condition. The glass elements show some tiny scratches and cleaning marks in the back, but not nearly enaugh to affect the image quality here.


With its focal lenght of about 460mm (18"). The image circle of this specimen is very big, i think it is safe to say that it will cover at least 10x12 and probably even 11x14 formats.



The lens comes with a fitting flange and even the authentic leather lenscap!



height: 15cm
width: 10cm
weight: 1400gr




Insured and tracked shipping cost:

Germany - 20 eur
EU* - 40 eur
Worldwide - 90 eur


*(the site offers only 2 shipping variations, DE and worldwide. buyers from EU please either contact me beforehand for a reduced EU cost, or after buying so i can send a refund over the difference)






Importent Note: This item comes from my private collection and is around 100 years old (antique). I try my best to describe all the faults and major damage which are relevant for the function of this item. But the actuall item can show signs of wear and also some cosmetic blemishes/damage which is not described in the auction text! When buying this item the buyer agrees to this terms.


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