Rare 1927 Voigtlander 210mm Heliar lens.

Pentax NOT included.

This lovely item is a very desirable and hard to find large format f4.5/21cm (210mm) Voigtlander Heliar lens. The serial number of this lens, 2499944 indicates that it was produced in 1927.  

This lens is exceptionally clean and clear. There are no scratches, just very light cleaning marks and it’s capable of beautiful results with modern color & B&W film.

Period literature seems to indicate that it was fitted on 13x18cm format European cameras. This is approximately 5x7 inches. The lens is mounted in an old Compound shutter. Due to its age and the fact that I don’t stock parts for Compound shutters, the shutter has not been serviced. The multi-leafed aperture works as it should. The shutter fires pretty at speed settings but not surprising the slower speeds are a bit too slow. BTW the ”B” setting is sticky.  I Personally I’d recommend remounting this fine lens in a modern shutter. However I’m sure with a bit patience and goodwill you can still get some lovely results from it.

A mounting ring is included. (Not shown.)

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….

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...

You can find more info on Heliar lenses at this website:

https://www.antiquecameras.net/heliarlenses.html