230 - Carl Zeiss Jena | Anastigmat 9/690mm

Carl Zeiss Jena | Anastigmat 9/690mm Estimate: €5,000–6,000 Year: 1895 Serial No.: 11637 Condition: B/A English: Large early Carl Zeiss Anastigmat Series IIIa, designed by Dr. Paul Rudolph, in magnificent original condition. An impressive and historically significant early photographic lens manufactured by Carl Zeiss Jena. The lens belongs to the pioneering Anastigmat Series IIIa, introduced in 1891 and among the earliest commercially successful anastigmatic photographic lens designs. With its extraordinary focal length of 690 mm and maximum aperture of f/9, this example represents one of the largest versions of the Series IIIa, an important milestone in the development of photographic optics. The original massive brass barrel features beautifully engraved markings “Carl Zeiss, Jena,” “Anastigmat 1:9,” “F = 69 cm,” and “D.R.P. 56109,” referring to the historic Zeiss patent. It is equipped with its original large multi-bladed iris diaphragm, which is complete and operates smoothly throughout its range. The glass elements are exceptionally clean and clear, free of scratches, haze, or fungus. Includes the original mounting ring. According to Hartmut Thiele, only 16 of these impressive lenses with an iris diaphragm were manufactured between 1893 and 1895. Provenance: Deutsches Fotomuseum, Markkleeberg German: Large early Carl Zeiss Anastigmat Series IIIa, designed by Dr. Paul Rudolph, in magnificent original condition. An impressive and historically significant early lens from Carl Zeiss Jena. It belongs to the groundbreaking Anastigmat Series IIIa, introduced in 1891, one of the first commercially successful anastigmatic lens designs. With its extraordinary focal length of 690 mm and maximum aperture of 1:9, it is one of the largest versions of the Series IIIa and marks an important milestone in the development of photographic optics. The original solid brass barrel bears engraved inscriptions reading “Carl Zeiss, Jena,” “Anastigmat 1:9,” “F = 69 cm,” and “D.R.P. 56109,” referring to the Zeiss patent. It features the original, smooth-operating iris diaphragm. The glass elements are exceptionally clean and clear, free of scratches, haze, or mold. It comes with the original mounting ring. According to Hartmut Thiele, only 16 of these impressive lenses with iris diaphragms were manufactured between 1893 and 1895. Provenance: German Museum of Photography, Markkleeberg.