Taylor Hobson Series III [6 1/2 x 8 1/2 inch] 10.5 inch or 270mm f7.7 lens (whole plate designation)

Background:

The classic British standard Series III has an illustrious history which still continues its legacy in the modern Cooke optics. 

The Lens Vade Mecum seems to document every Series with a reference to Series III process lenses as well as f6.5 or

f6.8 variants, often pre-mounted on shuttered Graflex cameras.  The Series III range was made available for a breadth of

formats including 4x5", half plate and whole plate format.  The series was eclipsed by the classic Aviar series of lenses

which offered a crisp rendition unavailable from the triplet design however despite this, the Series III lens was a successfully

marketed triplet design of longevity with many variations including front cell focussing.  Shuttered versions were commonly

found in Compur or Compound shutters with unscrewed front or rear elements to adjust the focal lengths.  The wider f6.8

variant is more abundantly removed from Newman & Guardia or similar press type cameras, in addition to Series III process

types being adapted for portraiture work.

This diminutive brass barrelled lens is also small enough to mount in a Thornton Pickard shutter for flexible shutter control:

A telephoto extension adapter was originally available for this lens, multiplying its focal length to less than 400mm.  

Covering power is acceptable at full aperture with a soft creamy image which sharpens substantially by f16.    

Summary:   This is an ideal classic vintage lens from an illustrious optical lens designer offering excellent optical properties

                     depending on its age and condition. 

See also:     www.f32.net Cooke Triplet Quality?