This very rare lens is currently for sale. I recently sold my 16×20, and I no longer have a camera to use it with, and there is no sense in holding on to this masterpiece when another photographer could be enjoying it. If you see this page, then the lens is for sale. The moment that it sells, the page will be taken down. I am selling the lens for $3500.00 USD and that includes shipping. Send payment via PayPal to my email address [email protected]

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I affectionally call this difficult-to-find and unique ultra large format lens “Little Bertha” because it’s the little sister to the Schneider 47 1/2″ lens.

This lens is rare because it carries the Schneider badge and is in an aluminum barrel, making it significantly lighter. I purchased this lens from John Quicksilver in New Mexico, and he got it brand new from the personal collection of the USA president of Schneider Optics. The serial number is 056, and it still looks brand new to this day.

This lens also has huge coverage: 1:10 (20″x24″), 1:5 (22″x28″), 1:2 (28″x36″), and 1:1 (36″x45″). Artar lenses cover approximately 46 degrees. 

It is reasonable to find the Goerz version on eBay if you watch for it, but the Schneider version is very rare and much lighter because it is in an aluminum barrel at about 3 pounds. This focal length is good as a long lens on 16×20 and 14×17.

I don’t need to install my extension board to use this on my 16×20 camera, making it much more user-friendly in the field. No extension board, shorter bellows draw, and lighter weight make this lens a top choice when I need a longer focal length on the 16×20.

If you are a photographer or interested in learning about analog photography, I have an Analog Photography Membership Community that is the only community of its kind where you can learn and explore analog photography in depth. I also have an extensive training library of video workshops and guidebooks if you prefer to download the videos and books for offline use.