History: Probably everyone knows the famous Taylor Taylor & Hobson Cooke knuckler portrait lens, its one of the most sought after lenses out there, scoring fantastic prices. But only a few know this very interesting fellow, the Graf Variable portrait Anastigmat. 

It is quite similar in some details, though not in all. The lens layout features four air spaced elements, so one more then the Cooke Triplet. The lens was very variable useable either as a photographic lens, or as a enlarging lens, with both sharp and soft focus setting. Hence the name tag 'Variable'.

has Wide open and on its sharp position, the Graf Anastigmat offers great sharpness and contrasts. While beeing moved to the most soft position the image will still be sharp, but the edges of objects/subjects will have a softer appearance, this mechanism works very similar to the Cooke Portrait lens.

The fact that the Graf Variable Anastigmat was made in two series: series A offered an open aperture of F3.8 upto F4.5 (depending on the setting), and series B offered F4.5 - F5.6. This specimen comes from the more desireable and faster series A, offering an open aperture of F3.8 - F4.5.

Graf Variable Anastigmats are quite a rare find nowadays, makes it not only a fantasting users lens, but also a nice collectible item. Take a look at the market, there are not really many, if any, Graf lenses available.

With its focal lenght of 240mm - 215mm (9.5" - 8.5") it will work great for 4x5 and 5x7 formats.

Condition: the condition is quite good here! The protective black laquere is mostly still intact. The glass looks very good, there are minimal cleaning marks here and there. But nothing, that would affect image quality.

The soft focus mechanism in the front was cleaned and is working smoothly.

A truly amazing and rare lens, which will make the new owner happy for sure.

The lens comes with its a fitting flange.




height: 6cm
width: 6cm
weight: 500gr

Insured and tracked shipping cost:

Germany - 20 eur
EU* - 30 eur
Worldwide - 80 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.