Voigtlander
Rare! 1935 Accessory Tele-Dynar lens and shutter for the Voigtlander Bergheil camera.
This lovely item is a very desirable and very rare Tele-Dynar lens which was sold as an accessory lens for the 6.5x9 Voigtlander Bergheil camera. The serial number of this lens indicates that it was produced in 1935. Not many were produced or sold and very few of them have survived to the modern day.
The Tele-Dynar lens was a special variation of the Heliar design, optimized to work as at longer distances. It was often used on the Bergheil camera as a portrait lens but also excelled at general photography.
The lens is a superb design with five elements in three groups. It was a top quality lens of its day. What photographers and artists loved about this lens is the beautiful rendition in the fore and back ground. In other words this lens has an absolutely gorgeous bokeh. Open up the lens or narrow the depth of field by getting closer and the focus rolls on and off silky smooth as cream… Soft out of focus foreground moves lovingly into sharp focus on your subject matter and then off again into gently blurred background. There are few lenses that do it as nicely as this. If you’ve seen it, you know what I mean. If you haven’t, well then you’re in for a treat….
This lens comes with a lens mount plate which will allow it to be attached quickly and easily to the small 6x9 Voigtlander Bergheil plate camera. (The one with the “S” curved folding struts and the quick release lever over the shutter.) Alternatively it’s possible to remove the lens mount plate and mount it onto other cameras using just the lock ring on the rear of the shutter.
The lens is exceptionally clean and clear. The glass looks like new. There are no scratches, no cleaning marks and it’s capable of beautiful results with modern color & B&W film.
Additionally the Compur shutter has been carefully cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. The shutter works well and all speeds (T,B & 1 sec- 1/250th) are appropriate. The slow speeds buzz along smoothly and the fast speeds are clean and snappy
All in all, a very fine rare vintage lens. Keep it handy for that perfect shot you’ve been looking for. You know the one... the one with the perfect Ansel Adams light breaking through the dark storm clouds that leaves you wishing that you had a classic Heliar with you...