Considering our long-running obsession with objectives, how could anyone resist this little gem? Optical expert Charles C. Minor of Chicago attained a patent for it by placing a convex crescent lens over the front end of a triplet to form four elements and four groups. The Gundlach company then manufactured a set at focal lengths of 40mm, 50mm and 75mm. Considering it was developed in 1916, that’s a fast piece of glass. And I know it’s just yearning to deliver some amazing images when mated with the right digital sensor.
There aren’t many of them left, but they’re not exactly rare. Prices range in the four-to-five-thousand-dollar range, so with Christmas a scant four months and two days away, anyone who’s feeling generous knows where to find me…
“Its All In The Lens”; true then as now.
Considering motion picture film speed ca. 1915 was probably the equivalent of ASA 12, @ 18 FPS,
you’d still need approximately 400 FC @ 1.9!
“It’s All In The Lens’!