Emil Busch Aplanat 10" f8.0 [rapid rectilinear type] lens

Busch Aplanat shown on a Speed Graphic lens panel

Background:

Founded in the 1800's and refounded in 1845 by E Dunders, Emil Busch' optics competed against the Voigtlander portrait lenses before Dunder's nephew, Emil Busch, redefined the company's ethos.   Lenses are often not engraved, whereas lens flanges bore the factory's name.  The earlier portrait Aplanat lenses began at f6.0 from 5" to 18" with production starting around 1909.   In contrast, the Rapid Aplanat (shown here) was manufactured in 6", 8", 10", 13", 18" and 24" as well as 150mm, 200mm and 300mm for plate cameras.  Rapid Aplanats typically cover 70 - 75 degrees and the 10" focal length was designated for whole plate format.   It is known that the 8" is capable of covering 8x10" format at working apertures. A Type D variant of the Rapid Aplanat f8.0 also existed in focal lengths from approximately 4" to 9 1/4" in before the first world war.  

Metaplanats and periplanats are best avoided due to insufficient covering power for whole plate format.  Similarly the Detective Aplanat at f6.0 offers insufficient coverage however the 9.5" version may at smaller working apertures, if found detached from its original stereo pair. The optical properties of the Aplanats rivallled smaller anastigmatically corrected lenses which were to come into fashion.

- From the Lens Vade Mecum

Features: 

The classic rapid rectilinear design has a modest size and weight and is suitable for travel when a compact travel lens is required.  Although 10", the Aplanat offers full whole plate format coverage with room for minor movements.   Shutter mounting via a Thornton Pickard shutter is perhaps the most simple route especially if a mounting flange is not available.

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