Importent Notice: I will be travelling through Europe starting from September. The shop will be open for orders in the meantime. Just take into account that i shipping will not be possible untill late fall.

Last shipping window before we leave is 28.08.2024.

History: This is the most reknowed and known US lens maker of the early photographic era. Holmes, Booth & Haydens started to make photographic lenses as early as the 1850ies and was one of the first to manufacture lenses outside of europe at that time. They adopted the portrait petzval layout and manufactured lenses throughout the 1860ies. This specimen is a fine example of his workmanship. Lenses made by Harrison rarely show up on the free market especially here in europe.

The engraving reads:

'No 6251 - Holmes, Booth & Haydens - New York'

Condition: This lens comes in a very good and authentic condition. The brass now shows its golden laquere which is still original. The overall design looks like the very first lenses that were made for the Daguerotype era. Stunningly the radial drive is complete and working. The glass  comes in a good condition, there are some cleaning marks here and there but nothing that would impact the image quality of this time capsule.

With its fast open aperture of F3.6 and a focal lengh of 200mm (or 8"), this lens will work for 4x5 and 5x7 formats best, showing some fine character at portrait range.


It comes with a flange and one original waterhouse stop!



height: 160cm
width: 7cm
weight: 1000gr

Insured and tracked shipping cost:

Germany - 20 eur
EU* - 40 eur
Worldwide - 80 eur

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.