I just recetly picked up a set of lens cells in barrel that I'm having difficulty finding any documentation on. The cells, which by the way have successive serial numbers (145740-145744), all have "C.P. Goerz Berlin Doppel Anastigmatlinse" plus the FL and serial # inscribed on them. The focal lengths are 208, 260, 364 and 2-416mm. My assumption is that these lenses date back to pre-1900 (I believe the earliest Dagors started with 150xxx in 1902-1903). Any information or direction to any any information would be greatly appreciated.

-- Chad Jarvis (cjarvis@nas.edu), October 23, 2001

Answers

Was that the casket set on eBay a few weeks ago? I put in a bid on that one too. I'd be very interested to hear what you think of them.

-- David Goldfarb (dgoldfarb@barnard.edu), October 23, 2001.

It was, and it looks great. I still have to either get Grimes to machine some adapters for my Copal #3 or find a budget shutter. I already own 6 Pantar cells, which I really like. I can't wait to use these.

-- Chad Jarvis (cjarvis@nas.edu), October 23, 2001.

In my opinion the lenses in the casket set are Doppel Anastigmat series IIa, each cell is f 11 so combined is f5, datet from 1895/97. It could be a 5+5 glass anastigmat, sold only in casket set with two cells at the same focus. Enjoy the casket set!

-- Daniele Tanto (dantanto@tin.it), October 23, 2001.

The Dates are about Right. According to Kingslake, "A History of the Photographic Lens" The Double Anastigmat Goerz Name was reduced to the DAGOR acronym in 1904. Hope this helps... Mike

-- Mike Phifer (Phiferm@aol.com), October 28, 2001.