Crown Anastigmat Series I [Designation: 6 1/2 x 8 1/2]

Manufactured by the Crown Optical Co., Rochester, USA.  An f8 Rapid Rectilinear version existed alongside the

Portrait Symmetrical lenses with maximum apertures ranging from f4.5 and smaller.  

History of Lens: This lens was found in the dark corner of a basement of its previous owner’s son.  It was

attached to a carbon arc lamp projector board and sitting on top of a large carbon arc lamp projector. The lens

and shutter was literally filthy on the outside. I call it, “the dirtiest lens I ever loved”.

Maximum Aperture:     f/4.5

Focal Length:               Estimated at 270 mm (6 1/2 x 8 1/2)

Shutter:                        Compound shutter with air bulb release for Instantaneous settings; I have to manually

                                      release the shutter for the Time (or Bulb) settings.

Camera:                       Charten-like Japanese Whole Plate camera.

Lens Board:                 Custom for the camera.

Filter Threads:            There are some, but I have no way to measure them at this time.

Weight:                        1020 g in Compound Shutter (weight includes the shutter)

Summary of Visual Characteristics: Covers the whole plate format and allows for substantial movements.  The picture below was taken with this lens.  There is no mechanical vignetting.

Recommended Application: General photography, landscape

Crown Anastigmat Series I in Compound shutter mounted on Charten-like board