If you ask seasoned shooters what favourite lens they would name, many would say a Heliar. Those are masterpieces of german optical design and famous in the Large format community for their smooth portrait rendering and absolute stunning bokeh. Just google up the internet for sample images shot with Heliar.

But this is not a mere Heliar, it is the creme de la creme of large format portrait photography: it is the Universal Heliar. The main difference to the standard Heliar is that this version features a Soft Focus adjustment. That means you can shoot it super sharp at '0' position, but you also can apply a soft focus to it starting from '1' to '5'. Soft focus in this case means not that the image gets allover softer (like the Verito), it was manufactured in such a way, that the outlines of the objects still remain quite sharp, while the filling spaces look softer and more pleasant to the eye.  A very nice feature especially if you work with flash lights!


It is a really impressive piece. The focal lenght is 360mm (or 14") and the image circle is HUGE here. As long as i remember it was advertised to cover 8x10, but it will cover up to 11x14. I even shoot 12x15 with the 360mm version, half body portraits without vignietting or much distortion.


The condition of this specimen is absolute fantastic. The lens is in 100% working condition: the aperture mooves smoothly forth and back. The glass is in an great condition, there are very few cleaning marks, there is  no seperation, haze or any chips in the glass, it is crystal clear. The image on the groundglass is outstanding!

The soft focus adjustmet moves moothly from 0 to 5.

The best feature about this lens is still that it comes with the original flange.





height: 11cm
width: 10cm
weight: 2600gr

Insured and tracked shipping cost:

Germany - 20 eur
EU* - 50 eur
Worldwide - 100 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.