History: A very rare Portrait petzval for the 8x10 and 10x12 format which comes in a fantastic condition. E. Suter was one of the earliest and most reknowed optical makers in the early years of photography in Switzerland. He was well known and respected for his well built Aplanat series, and also for the Rapid Portrait series which had a portrait petzval layout. The lens features the engraving:

' E. SUTER Basel - No 27661 - Rapid Portrait Lens No 5 bis'

The Rapid Portrait series featured a portrat petzval layout with a starting aperture of F3.75. The No 5 bis indicates that this is the slightly longer version of the No 5.

Condition: The lens is in an absolute collectors condition! The brass of the lens comes with a golden patina, showing only minimal wear. The glass is in a really beautifull condition, only very minimal cleaning marks and a very tiny edge seperation in the front, otherwise the glass elements are very clear!

The lens is in such a remarkable condition that i almost want to keep it myself, but im not a collector, so you get the chance here.

This lens has about 350mm focal lenght (13 3/4") and an open aperture of F4.3. It will cover 8x10 and 10x12 format with a nice petzval character especially at portrait distance.

Lens comes with the original flange and a very well made leather lenscap (which is alone worth around 100 bucks).

height: 22cm
width: 10cm
weight: 2200gr

Insured and tracked shipping cost:

Germany - 10 eur
EU* - 30 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.