Wollensak Lens and Shutter Compendium

This page strives to comprehensively document the basic specifications and production date range of all Wollensak lenses and shutters made for commercial still cameras from 1899-1972. The information is drawn from this list of original Wollensak product catalogs, price lists, product brochures, and other resources. I am always looking to fill in missing information and correct any errors, so please do not hesitate to contact me with suggestions or additional references.

Lenses are listed alphabetically by series, followed by shutters. Use the table below to jump directly to a particular series of lens or shutter.

LensesLensesLensesShuttersShutters 
f/7.5 AnastigmatRaptar Series IIVelostigmat Series IActusPi Alphax 
Anastigmat Extreme Wide AngleRaptar Series III Wide Angle f/9.5Velostigmat Series IaAlphaxRapax
Anastigmat Series VRaptar Series IVVelostigmat Series IIAutexRegno 
Beach Multi-FocalRaptar TelephotoVelostigmat Series IIIAutoRegular 
Extreme Wide AngleRaptar Wide Angle f/6.8Velostigmat Series IVAutomaticSenior 
Extreme Wide Angle Series IIIaRoyal Anastigmat Series IVelostigmat Series VIBetaxSkyshade 
OptarRoyal Anastigmat Wide AngleVelostigmat Series VIIBionicStudio 
OrthographicRoyal Portrait LensVeritarCenturyTIB 
Pro RaptarSeries A Portrait LensVeritoDeltaxUltex 
Rapid RectilinearSingle AchromaticVersarGammaxUltro 
Rapid SymmetricalSymmetrical Wide AngleVestaGraphexVicto 
Raptar 8″ (203mm) f/7.5Three Focus SymmetricalVincoJuniorVictus 
Raptar Extreme Wide AngleVariumVitaxOptimoWinner
Raptar Series IaVelostigmat Extreme Wide AngleVoltas

WOLLENSAK LENSES FOR COMMERCIAL STILL CAMERAS

A note on lens coating and yellow dots:
Wollensak introduced a hard-coat anti-reflection magnesium fluoride coating in 1944 and began offering the coating commercially at an extra charge in 1946. Beginning in 1947, this “Wocote” lens coating was standard on all Wollensak lenses for commercial cameras and indicated by a stylized letter W-in-a-C logo (shown at right). All of Wollensak’s Raptar lenses are single coated.

Wollensak lenses marked with a yellow dot were sold on contract to the U.S. armed forces and “winterized” by using a synthetic thermosetting cement instead of Canada balsam.

f/7.5 Anastigmat

Series Notes: Tessar-type; renamed the Anastigmat Series V in 1920. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Lens NameNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
f/7.5 AnastigmatN/A3.25×4.25″5.25″1916-19191916 Catalog 
f/7.5 AnastigmatN/A4×5″6.625”1916-19191916 Catalog 

Anastigmat Series V

Series Notes: Tessar-type; successor to the f/7.5 Anastigmat. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Anastigmat Series V f/7.502.25×3.25″3.5″1920-1925?1920 Catalog
Anastigmat Series V f/7.513.25×4.25″5″1920-1925?1920 Catalog
Anastigmat Series V f/7.524×5″5.75″1920-1925?1920 Catalog
Anastigmat Series V f/7.52a3.25×5.5″6.75″ *1920-1925?1920 Catalog*6.5″ after 1920
Anastigmat Series V f/7.53a5×8″8.25″ 1920-1925?1920 Catalog
Anastigmat Series V f/7.546.5×8.5″10.5″1920-1925?1920 Catalog
Anastigmat Series V f/7.558×10″13″1920-1925?1920 Catalog

Beach Multi-Focal

Series Notes: Available in Series A (soft focus) and Series B (sharp focus). The Beach Multi-Focal lens was a collaboration between Wollensak and Buffalo inventor, photographer, and painter Howard D. Beach. The Multi-Focal lens incorporated hand-finished aspheric surfaces into a classic Tessar design decades before aspheric lenses became common in photographic lenses. Serial numbers follow the Beach Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Beach Multi-Focal f/3.346.5×8.5″9.5″1929-1933A Startling New Studio Lens 
Beach Multi-Focal f/3.358×10″12″1929-1933A Startling New Studio Lens 
Beach Multi-Focal f/3.3610×12″14″1929-1933A Startling New Studio Lens
Beach Multi-Focal f/3.3711×14″16″1929-1933A Startling New Studio Lens

Extreme Wide Angle

Series Notes: Catalogs variously describe the angle of view as 90 to 100-degrees and advise that the lens be stopped down to f/32 for “sharp definition to the extreme corners” of the plates sizes listed below. Replaced by the Extreme Wide Angle Series IIIa in 1922. These lenses lack serial numbers.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Extreme Wide Angle f/1635×7″4″1903-19211903 Catalog 
Extreme Wide Angle f/1646.5×8.5″5″1903-19211903 Catalog 
Extreme Wide Angle f/1658×10″6″ *1903-19211903 Catalog*6.5″ from 1916
Extreme Wide Angle f/16610×12″7.5″1906-19211906 Catalog
Extreme Wide Angle f/16711×14″8″1906-19211906 Catalog
Extreme Wide Angle f/16814×17″10.5″1909-19211909 Catalog

Extreme Wide Angle Series IIIa

Series Notes: 90-degree angle of view, increasing up to 100-degrees when stopped down. Convertible using single cells. Replaced both the Extreme Wide Angle and Symmetrical Wide Angle series of lenses. Not anastigmatic at f/12.5 (which is why this lens was not given the Velostigmat name), but becomes an anastigmat when stopped down to f/18. See Lensology and Shutterisms Vol. 10 No. 4 p. 5. Serial numbers followed the Series IIIa sequence until 1942, and the Anastigmat Series thereafter.

The 4/2 design was discontinued in favor of a new 4/4 design in 1946 with the advent of lens coating (see Raptar/Anastigmat/Velostigmat Extreme Wide Angle below). Although catalogs refer to this line of lenses as the “Series IIIa Extreme Wide Angle” before and after the design change, the earlier 4/2 lenses are distinguished by being uncoated and engraved as “Series IIIa EX. W.A.”

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Extreme Wide Angle Series IIIa, f/12.524×5″3.5″1941-1946Oct. 1941 Price List 
Extreme Wide Angle Series IIIa, f/12.535×7″4.3125″ *1922-19461922 Catalog * 4.25″ from 1926;
covers 6.5×8.5″ stopped down
Extreme Wide Angle Series IIIa, f/12.546.5×8.5″5.375″1922-19451922 CatalogCovers 8×10″ stopped down
Extreme Wide Angle Series IIIa, f/12.558×10″6.25″1922-19461922 CatalogCovers 10×12″ stopped down
Extreme Wide Angle Series IIIa, f/12.5610×12″7.875″1922-19401922 CatalogCovers 11×14″ stopped down
Extreme Wide Angle Series IIIa, f/12.5711×14″9″1922-19401922 CatalogCovers 14×17″ stopped down
Extreme Wide Angle Series IIIa, f/12.5814×17″11″1922-19401922 CatalogCovers 17×20″ stopped down
Extreme Wide Angle Series IIIa, f/12.5917×20″13″1926-19401926 CatalogCovers 20×24″ stopped down

Optar

Series Notes: Wollensak began producing Optar lenses for Graflex in 1942. Optar was a Graflex trade name, but Optar lenses in Graphex shutters are essentially the same as Wollensak’s own Velostigmat and, later, Raptar lenses in Rapax shutters. Optar Serial numbers followed the Anastigmat Series from 1942-1953, and the separate Optar Series from late 1953 onward.

Orthographic

Series Notes: Design unknown. These lenses lack serial numbers.

Lens NameNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Orthographic4×5″1903-1905?1903 Catalog 
Orthographic5×7″1903-1905?1903 Catalog 
Orthographic6.5×8.5″1903-1905?1903 Catalog
Orthographic8×10″1903-1905?1903 Catalog

Pro Raptar

Series Notes: These Plasmat-design lenses were Wollensak’s final major consumer product innovation. Produced in 1970 and possibly adapted from the earlier, eponymous line of enlarging lenses, Pro Raptar lenses were single-coated (despite the absence of the “Wocote” symbol) and factory mounted in blue-faced Rapax #3 shutters. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Lens NameNumberSizeFocal LengthDate ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Pro Raptar f/5.64×5″?160 mm19701970 B&J Brochure p. 3 
Pro Raptar f/5.65×7″?210 mm19701970 B&J Brochure p. 3 

Rapid Rectilinear

Series Notes: Also called the Rapid Rectilinear Series VI. These lenses lack serial numbers.

Lens NameNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Rapid Rectilinear f/113.25×4.25″5″1903-1911?1903 Catalog
Rapid Rectilinear f/114×5″6.25″1903-1911?1903 Catalog 
Rapid Rectilinear f/115×7″8″1903-1911?1903 Catalog 
Rapid Rectilinear f/116.5×8.5″10.5″1906-1911?1906 Catalog
Rapid Rectilinear f/118×10″12.5″1906-1911?1906 Catalog

Rapid Symmetrical

Series Notes: Triple convertible rapid rectilinear design; renamed the Three Focus Symmetrical in 1912. Also called the Rapid Symmetrical Series V. These lenses lack serial numbers.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Rapid Symmetrical f/83.25×4.25″5″1903-19111903 Catalog
Rapid Symmetrical f/84×5″6.25″1903-19111903 Catalog 
Rapid Symmetrical f/85×7″*8″1903-19111903 Catalog
Rapid Symmetrical f/86.5×8.5″10.5″1903-19111903 Catalog
Rapid Symmetrical f/88×10″12.5″1903-19111903 Catalog
Rapid Symmetrical f/810×12″16″1906-19111906 Catalog
Rapid Symmetrical f/811×14″18.5″1906-19111906 Catalog
Rapid Symmetrical f/814×17″21″ *1906-19111906 Catalog* 22″ from 1909
Rapid Symmetrical f/817×20″26″1906-19111906 Catalog

Raptar 8″ (203mm) f/7.5

Series Notes: Designed in 1950 and produced as late as 1971, yet not assigned to a lens series and notably absent from Wollensak catalogs except for a glancing reference in the 1968 3M Wollensak Lens and Shutter Guide. Focal length, aperture, and coated 4/4 design suggest the lens was a competitor to Kodak’s 203mm Ektar. Mounted in a #2 Rapax shutter. Also rebadged as the 203mm f/7.5 Optar and sold by Graflex mounted in a #2 Graphex shutter. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Raptar 8″ (203mm) f/7.5n/a4×5″8″1950-1971?n/a

Raptar Extreme Wide Angle (also called the Velostigmat Extreme Wide Angle, Anastigmat Extreme Wide Angle, and the Raptar Series IIIa Wide Angle)

Series Notes: Design and stated coverage are similar to the Raptar Wide Angle f/6.8 lens, but the Extreme Wide Angle is lower-priced due to the smaller maximum aperture of f/12.5. Replaced the 4/2 Series IIIa Extreme Wide Angle lens in 1946 with a new 4/4 design. Although catalogs continued to refer to this line of lenses as the “Series IIIa Extreme Wide Angle” before and after the design change, the later 4/4 lenses are distinguished by being coated and engraved first “Velostigmat Extreme W.A.”, then “Raptar Extreme W.A.” and later “Anastigmat Extreme W.A.” Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Raptar Extreme W.A. f/12.524×5″3.5″1946-1951Jan. 1946 Price List 84-degree angle of view
Raptar Extreme W.A. f/12.535×7″4.25″ *1946-1951Jan. 1946 Price List 88-degree angle of view
* 1948-49 brochures erroneously list 4.375″
Raptar Extreme W.A. f/12.558×10″6.25″1946-1952Jan. 1946 Price List 90-degree angle of view

Raptar Series Ia

Series Notes: Double Protar-type; successor to the Velostigmat Series Ia. Triple convertible, with single cells recommended for use behind the aperture diaphragm. See page 4 of 1949 Raptar Lenses for Commercial Photography brochure for details on focal lengths of single cells. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Raptar Series Ia f/6.313.25×4.25″4.75″1947-1952April 15, 1947 Price List
Raptar Series Ia f/6.81a3.25×4.25″5.125″1947-1952April 15, 1947 Price List
Raptar Series Ia f/6.324×5″5.75″1947-1952April 15, 1947 Price List 
Raptar Series Ia f/7.72a4×5″5.75″1947-1952April 15, 1947 Price List
Raptar Series Ia f/6.82b4×5″6.5″1947-1962?April 15, 1947 Price List
Raptar Series Ia f/7.735×7″7″1947-1952April 15, 1947 Price List
Raptar Series Ia f/6.33a5×7″7.25″1947-1952April 15, 1947 Price List
Raptar Series Ia f/6.83b5×8″8.25″1947-1962?April 15, 1947 Price ListCovers 7×11″ stopped down
Raptar Series Ia f/7.73c5×8″8.75″1947-1952April 15, 1947 Price ListCovers 7×11″ stopped down
Raptar Series Ia f/6.346.5×8.5″9″1947-1952April 15, 1947 Price ListCovers 5×12″ stopped down
Raptar Series Ia f/6.84a6.5×8.5″10″1947-1962?April 15, 1947 Price List Covers 5×12″ stopped down
Raptar Series Ia f/7.74b6.5×8.5″11″1947-1952April 15, 1947 Price ListCovers 5×12″ stopped down
Raptar Series Ia f/6.358×10″11.5″1947-1952April 15, 1947 Price List
Raptar Series Ia f/6.85a8×10″13″1947-1962?April 15, 1947 Price ListCovers 7×17″ stopped down
Raptar Series Ia f/7.7610×12″14″1947-1950April 15, 1947 Price ListCovers 8×20″ stopped down
Raptar Series Ia f/6.36a10×12″14.75″1947-1950April 15, 1947 Price ListCovers 8×20″ stopped down
Raptar Series Ia f/6.8711×14″16.25″1947-1950April 15, 1947 Price ListCovers 12×20″ stopped down
Raptar Series Ia f/6.87a11×14″17.5″1947-1950April 15, 1947 Price List

Raptar Series II

Series notes: Tessar-type; successor to the Velostigmat Series II. See 1947 Raptar Series II f4.5 Lenses brochure for details. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Raptar Series II f/4.50001×1.5″2″1947-1953April 15, 1947 Price List
Raptar Series II f/4.5001.625×2.5″3″1947-1953April 15, 1947 Price List
Raptar Series II f/4.502.25×3.25″3.5″1947-1972?April 15, 1947 Price List
Raptar Series II f/4.50-12.25×3.25″4″ *1947-1972?April 15, 1947 Price List* 4.5″ from 1951
Raptar Series II f/4.513.25×4.25″5″1947-1972?April 15, 1947 Price List
Raptar Series II f/4.71-24×5″5.3125″ *1947-1972?April 15, 1947 Price List* 5.375″ from 1951
Raptar Series II f/4.524×5″6.375″1947-1972?April 15, 1947 Price List 
Raptar Series II f/4.535×7″7.5″1947-1972?April 15, 1947 Price List
Raptar Series II f/4.53a5×8″8.25″1947-1972?April 15, 1947 Price List
Raptar Series II f/4.546.5×8.5″9.5″1947-1972?April 15, 1947 Price List
Raptar Series II f/4.558×10″11.875″1947-1972?April 15, 1947 Price List

Raptar Series III Wide Angle

Series Notes: Updated, coated revival of the Royal Anastigmat Wide Angle/Velostigmat Series III Wide Angle 8/4 lens design. 91.2-degree angle of view. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series. Named the “Anastigmat Wide Angle” when first introduced until changed to Raptar in June 1953.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Raptar Series III Wide Angle f/9.5N/A8×10″6.25″1952-1962?1953 Brochure

Raptar Series IV

Series Notes: Same tessar-type as the Series II, but more affordable with a smaller maximum aperture of f/6.3. Successor to the Velostigmat Series IV. See page 7 of 1949 Raptar Lenses for Commercial Photography brochure for details. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Raptar Series IV f/6.30001×1.5″2″1947-1951?April 15, 1947 Price List
Raptar Series IV f/6.3001.625×2.5″3″1947-1951?April 15, 1947 Price List
Raptar Series IV f/6.302.25×3.25″3.5″1947-1951?April 15, 1947 Price List
Raptar Series IV f/6.30-12.25×3.25″4″1947-1951?December 1, 1947 Price List
Raptar Series IV f/6.313.25×4.25″5″1947-1951?April 15, 1947 Price List
Raptar Series IV f/6.31-24×5″5.3125″1949-1951?July 1, 1949 Price List

Raptar Series IV f/6.324×5″6.5″ *1947-1951?April 15, 1947 Price List* 6.5″ from 1949
Raptar Series IV f/6.335×7″7.25″ *1947-1951?April 15, 1947 Price List* 7.5″ from 1950
Raptar Series IV f/6.33a5×8″8.25″1949-1951?Brochure 20M-1-49
Raptar Series IV f/6.346.5×8.5″9.5″1947-1951?April 15, 1947 Price List
Raptar Series IV f/6.358×10″12″ *1947-1951?April 15, 1947 Price List* 11.875″ from 1949

Raptar Telephoto

Series Notes: Wollensak’s first telephoto lens for still cameras; the 15″ was used extensively by the Army Signal Corps during World War II. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeEquivalent FocusDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Raptar Telephoto f/5.613.25×4.25″8″1946-1972? April 15, 1947 Price List5″ flange focus at inf.
Raptar Telephoto f/5.624×5″10″1943-1972?Catalog No. 446.125″ flange focus at inf.
Raptar Telephoto f/5.635×7″15″1943-1972?Catalog No. 449.3125″ flange focus at inf.

Raptar Wide Angle

Series Notes: Wollensak literature recommended that the lens be stopped down to f/11 or smaller to give acceptable definition. The design and stated coverage of the f/6.8 are similar to the lower-priced f/12.5 versions engraved “Velostigmat Extreme W.A.”, “Anastigmat Extreme W.A.” and, later, “Raptar Extreme W.A.” on the lens. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Raptar Wide Angle f/6.813.25×4.25″2.5625″1946-1972?Catalog No. 4488.5-degree field of view
(given as 92.6 in 1957 guide
Raptar Wide Angle f/6.824×5″3.5″1943?-1972?Catalog No. 4484-degree angle of viee
Raptar Wide Angle f/6.835×7″4.25″1946-1972?Catalog No. 4488-degree field of view
(given as 90.6 in 1957 guide
Raptar Wide Angle f/6.858×10″6.25″1946-1947Catalog No. 4490-degree angle of view

Royal Anastigmat Series I

Series Notes: Both cells consist of two air-spaced cemented doublets. Modified and renamed Velostigmat Series I in 1908. Convertible. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Royal Anastigmat Series I f/6.813.25×4.25″5″1906-19081906 Catalog
Royal Anastigmat Series I f/6.824×5″6″1906-19081906 Catalog 
Royal Anastigmat Series I f/6.835×7″7″1906-19081906 Catalog
Royal Anastigmat Series I f/6.846.5×8.5″10″1906-19081906 Catalog
Royal Anastigmat Series I f/6.858×10″13″1906-19081906 Catalog
Royal Anastigmat Series I f/6.8610×12″15″1906-19081906 Catalog
Royal Anastigmat Series I f/6.8711×14″16.5″1906-19081906 Catalog

Royal Anastigmat Wide Angle

Series Notes: Renamed Velostigmat Series III in 1909. 90-degree field of view. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Royal Anastigmat Wide Angle f/9.524×5″3.25″1906-19081906 Catalog 
Royal Anastigmat Wide Angle f/9.535×7″4.5″1906-19081906 Catalog
Royal Anastigmat Wide Angle f/9.546.5×8.5″5.5″1906-19081906 Catalog
Royal Anastigmat Wide Angle f/9.558×10″6.25″1906-19081906 Catalog
Royal Anastigmat Wide Angle f/9.5610×12″8″1906-19081906 Catalog
Royal Anastigmat Wide Angle f/9.5711×14″9″1906-19081906 Catalog

Royal Portrait Lens

Series Notes: Petzval-type with adjustable diffusing device. Renamed Vitax in 1909. Serial numbers follow the Vitax/Vesta Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Royal Portrait Lens f/3.81N/A10″1906-19081906 Catalog 
Royal Portrait Lens f/3.82N/A13″1906-19081906 Catalog
Royal Portrait Lens f/3.83N/A16″1906-19081906 Catalog

Series A Portrait Lens

Series notes: Dallmeyer modified Petzval-type with curved field. Sold as less expensive alternative to the Royal Portrait lens. Also called Portrait Lens Series A. Renamed the Vesta in 1912. Serial numbers follow the Vitax/Vesta Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Series A Portrait Lens f/513.25×4.25″6″1906-19111906 Catalog
Series A Portrait Lens f/524×5″7″1906-19111906 Catalog
Series A Portrait Lens f/535×7″10″1906-19111906 Catalog
Series A Portrait Lens f/546.5×8.5″12″1906-19111906 Catalog
Series A Portrait Lens f/558×10″14″1906-19111906 Catalog

Single Achromatic

Series Notes: Possibly Wollensak’s first lens. These lenses lack serial numbers.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Single AchromaticN/A3.25×4.25″10″1903-1911?1903 Catalog 
Single AchromaticN/A4×5″13″1906-1911?1906 Catalog
Single AchromaticN/A5×7″16″1906-1911?1906 Catalog

Symmetrical Wide Angle

Series Notes: Catalogs describe the angle of view as 80 to 85-degrees and advises that the lens be stopped down to f/32 for “sharp definition to the extreme corners” of the plates sizes listed below. Replaced by the Extreme Wide Angle Series IIIa lenses in 1922. These lenses lack serial numbers.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Symmetrical Wide Angle f/1624×5″4″1903-19211903 Catalog 
Symmetrical Wide Angle f/1635×7″5.25″1903-19211903 Catalog
Symmetrical Wide Angle f/1646.5×8.5″6.5″1903-19211903 Catalog
Symmetrical Wide Angle f/1658×10″7.5″1903-19211903 Catalog
Symmetrical Wide Angle f/16610×12″9″1912-19211912 Catalog
Symmetrical Wide Angle f/16711×14″10.5″1903-19211903 Catalog
Symmetrical Wide Angle f/16N/A14×17″13″1912-19151912 Catalog

Three Focus Symmetrical

Series Notes: Rapid Rectilinear design successor to the Rapid Symmetrical; renamed the Voltas in 1914. These lenses lack serial numbers.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Three Focus Symmetrical f/813.25×4.25″5″1912-19131912 Catalog
Three Focus Symmetrical f/824×5″6.25″1912-19131912 Catalog 
Three Focus Symmetrical f/835×7″8″1912-19131912 Catalog
Three Focus Symmetrical f/846.5×8.5″10.5″1912-19131912 Catalog
Three Focus Symmetrical f/858×10″12.5″1912-19131912 Catalog
Three Focus Symmetrical f/8610×12″16″1912-19131912 Catalog
Three Focus Symmetrical f/8711×14″18.5″1912-19131912 Catalog
Three Focus Symmetrical f/8814×17″22″1912-19131912 Catalog
Three Focus Symmetrical f/8917×20″26″1912-19131912 Catalog

Varium

Series Notes: Cooke triplet-type portrait lens. Described by Wollensak as offering “a very moderate but not extreme softness” and “the ability to obtain sharpness by slightly stopping down.” Available only in Studio shutter. First ~50 Varium lenses were mounted in brass lens barrels, replaced by lighter aluminium barrels thereafter. For an overview of the Varium properties, see Lensology and Shutterisms Vol. 14 No. 1. Serial numbers follow the Varium Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Varium f/3.546.5×8.5″14″1926-19331926 Catalog 
Varium f/3.558×10″16″1926-19331926 Catalog
Varium f/4711×14″19″1926-19331926 Catalog

Velostigmat Series I

Series Notes: Successor to the Royal Anastigmat lens, both cells consisting of two air-spaced cemented doublets similar to the Cooke Series XV. Early production models were described as convertible, and in the 1916-1917 catalog as “now triple-convertible.” Maximum aperture increased from f/6.8 to f/6.3 in 1911. See individual catalogs for details on focal lengths of single cells. Redesigned and named the Velostigmat Series 1a in 1923. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Velostigmat Series I f/6.302.25″x3.25″3.5″1916-19231916 Catalog
Velostigmat Series I f/6.3 +13.25×4.25″5″1908-19231909 Catalog+ f/6.8 1909-1910
Velostigmat Series I f/6.3 +24×5″ 6″ *1908-19231909 Catalog+ f/6.8 1909-1910
*5.75″ from 1922
Velostigmat Series I f/6.32a3.25×5.5″6.5″1912-19231912 Catalog
Velostigmat Series I f/6.3 +35×7″ 7″ *1908-19231909 Catalog+ f/6.8 1909-1910
*7.25″ from 1920
Velostigmat Series I f/6.33a5×8″8.25″1920-19231920 Catalog
Velostigmat Series I f/6.3 +46.5×8.5″ 10″ *1908-19231909 Catalog+ f/6.8 1909-1910
*9.5″ from 1920
Velostigmat Series I f/6.3 +58×10″ 13″ *1908-19231909 Catalog+ f/6.8 1909-1910
*12.5″ from 1914
Velostigmat Series I f/6.8610×12″15″1908-19101909 Catalog
Velostigmat Series I f/6.3 +7 (1909-1910)
6 (1911-1919)
(7 from 1920)
11×14″16.5″ *1908-19231909 Catalog+ f/6.8 1909-1910
*16″ from 1914

Velostigmat Series Ia

Series Notes: Double Protar-type; re-designed successor to the Velostigmat Series I with all four elements now cemented in each cell. Renamed Raptar Series Ia in 1947. Triple convertible. See individual catalogs for details on focal lengths of single cells. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.313.25×4.25″4.75″1923-19461923 Supplement
Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.81a3.25×4.25″5.125″1923-19461923 Supplement
Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.324×5″5.75″1923-19461923 Supplement 
Velostigmat Series Ia f/7.72a4×5″5.75″1923-19461923 Supplement
Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.82b4×5″6.5″1923-19461923 Supplement
Velostigmat Series Ia f/7.735×7″7″1923-19461923 Supplement
Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.33a5×7″7.25″1923-19461923 Supplement
Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.83b5×8″8.25″1923-19461923 SupplementCovers 7×11″ stopped down
Velostigmat Series Ia f/7.73c5×8″8.75″1923-19461923 SupplementCovers 7×11″ stopped down
Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.346.5×8.5″9″1923-19461923 SupplementCovers 5×12″ stopped down
Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.84a6.5×8.5″10″1923-19461923 Supplement Covers 5×12″ stopped down
Velostigmat Series Ia f/7.74b6.5×8.5″11″1923-19461923 SupplementCovers 5×12″ stopped down
Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.358×10″11.5″1923-19461923 Supplement
Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.85a8×10″13″1923-19461923 SupplementCovers 7×17″ stopped down
Velostigmat Series Ia f/7.7610×12″14″1923-19461923 SupplementCovers 8×20″ stopped down
Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.36a10×12″14.75″1923-19461923 SupplementCovers 8×20″ stopped down
Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.8711×14″16.25″1923-19461923 SupplementCovers 12×20″ stopped down
Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.87a11×14″17.5″1923-19461923 Supplement

Velostigmat Series II

Series notes: Tessar-type; renamed Raptar Series II in 1947. The five largest Velostigmat Series II lenses were available with an optional diffusing device through about 1938. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Velostigmat Series II f/4.50001×1.5″2″1946Catalog No. 44
Velostigmat Series II f/4.5001.625×2.5″3″1946Catalog No. 44
Velostigmat Series II f/4.502.25×3.25″3.5″1916-19461916 Catalog
Velostigmat Series II f/4.50-12.25×3.25″4″1946Catalog No. 44
Velostigmat Series II f/4.513.25×4.25″5″1911-19461911 Brochure
Velostigmat Series II f/4.71-24×5″5.3125″1946Catalog No. 44
Velostigmat Series II f/4.524×5″6″ *1911-19461911 Brochure*6.5″ from 1935
*6.375″ in 1946
Velostigmat Series II f/4.535×7″7″ *1911-19461911 Brochure*7.25″ from 1920
*7.5″ from 1935
Velostigmat Series II f/4.54
(3a from 1920)
5×8″8.25″1912-19461912 Catalog
Velostigmat Series II f/4.54 (1911)
5 (1911-1919)
4 (from 1920)
6.5×8.5″9.5″1911-19461911 Brochure
Velostigmat Series II f/4.55 (1911)
6 (1911-1919)
5 (from 1920)
8×10″12″ *1911-19461911 Brochure*11.825″ in 1946
Velostigmat Series II f/4.5610×12″14″1922-19401922 Catalog
Velostigmat Series II f/4.56 (1911)
7 (from 1912)
11×14″15.5″ *1911-19401911 Brochure*16″ from 1922
Velostigmat Series II f/4.5814×17″19.5″1922-19361922 Catalog

Velostigmat Series III

Series notes: Formerly the Royal Anastigmat Wide Angle, renamed the Velostigmat in 1909; 90-degree angle of view. Coated and revived as the Raptar Wide Angle f/9.5 in 1953. Convertible using single cells. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Velostigmat Wide Angle Series III f/9.53 (1909-1911)
1 (1912-1919)
3 (from 1920)
5×7″4.75″ *1909-19451909 Catalog*4.3″ from 1914
*4.3125″ from 1940
Velostigmat Wide Angle Series III f/9.54 (1909-1911)
2 (1912-1919)
4 (from 1920)
6.5×8.5″5.875″ *1909-19401909 Catalog*5.4″ from 1914
*5.375″from 1940
Velostigmat Wide Angle Series III f/9.55 (1909-1911)
3 (1912-1919)
5 (from 1920)
8×10″6.875″ *1909-19451909 Catalog*6.25″ from 1914
Velostigmat Wide Angle Series III f/9.5610×12″8.625″1909-19101909 Catalog
Velostigmat Wide Angle Series III f/9.56 (1909-1911)
4 (1912-1919)
7 (from 1920)
11×14″9.75″ *1909-19401909 Catalog*9″ from 1914

Velostigmat Series IV

Series notes: Successor to the Vinco Anastigmat. Same tessar-type as the Series II, but more affordable with a smaller maximum aperture of f/6.3. Renamed Raptar Series IV in 1947. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Velostigmat Series IV f/6.30001×1.5″2″1946Catalog No. 44
Velostigmat Series IV f/6.3001.625×2.5″3″1946Catalog No. 44
Velostigmat Series IV f/6.302.25×3.25″3.5″1920-19461920 Catalog
Velostigmat Series IV f/6.313.25×4.25″5″1920-19461920 Catalog
Velostigmat Series IV f/6.324×5″5.75″ *1920-19461920 Catalog*6.5″ from 1946
Velostigmat Series IV f/6.32a3.25×5.5″6.75″ *1920-19361920 Catalog*6.5″ from 1920
Velostigmat Series IV f/6.335×7″7.25″ 1920-19461920 Catalog
Velostigmat Series IV f/6.346.5×8.5″9.5″1920-19461920 Catalog
Velostigmat Series IV f/6.358×10″12″1920-19461920 Catalog

Velostigmat Series VI

Series notes: No known references in Wollensak catalogs. Optical design drawings indicate “for Mutoscope” and these lenses have been found in Mutoscope’s “Photomatic” photo booths. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Velostigmat Series VI f/2n/a3″1937?-1946?n/a

Velostigmat Series VII

Series notes: No known references in Wollensak catalogs. The 5″ lens is usually seen mounted in a #3 Alphax or Betax shutter. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Velostigmat Series VII f/3.5n/a3″1937?-1946?n/a
Velostigmat Series VII f/3.5n/a5″1937?-1946?n/a

Veritar

Series notes: Soft focus portrait lens, successor to the Verito. The Veritar is the same 3/2 construction as the Verito, but with coated elements and designed to offer softness at f/6 comparable to the Verito at f/4. Convertible using rear lens cell alone. For Veritar lighting and focus suggestions, see ~1952 Portrait Veritar Lenses brochure. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Portrait Veritar f/635×7″10″ 1949-1963?1949 Price List
Portrait Veritar f/658×10″14″1949-1963?1949 Price List

Verito

Series notes: Likely the best-selling and most widely used soft focus lens of all time. The Verito was adapted from the Bodine Pictorial Lens around 1911 and remained in production until 1946. Updated, coated, and replaced by the Veritar in 1950. The rear cell can be used alone at nearly twice the original focal length. The Verito barrel was finished in polished brass with black trim through 1913, and in black enamel thereafter. The Verito was redesigned in 1920 to reduce halation and align visual focus with chemical focus, as well as to offer softness at f/4 equal to the prior design’s softness at f/6. The redesigned Verito eliminated diffusion stops for enlarging (which had been introduced in 1917), and controlled image softness solely by means of aperture adjustment; see page 11-13 of Lensology and Shutterisms Vol. 8 No. 4 for details. Wollensak’s later production f/6 Verito A and B, as well as the Verito Motion Picture lenses, are a different 2/2 periscopic design, thought it is unclear when this change occurred. Serial numbers followed the Verito Series until 1942, and the Anastigmat Series thereafter.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Verito f/6A3.25×4.25″5″1914-19461914 Catalog2/2 periscopic design
Verito f/6B4×5″6.5″1914-19461914 Catalog2/2 periscopic design
Verito f/413.25×4.25″6.125″1922-19461922 Catalog
Verito f/40
(2 from 1920)
4×5″7″ *1916-19461914 Catalog*7.25″ from 1920
Verito f/4 +1
(3 from 1920)
5×7″9″ *1911-19461911 Brochure+ f/5 pre-1912
*8.75″ from 1920
Verito f/4 +2
(4 from 1920)
6.5×8.5″11.5″1911-19461911 Brochure+ f/5 pre-1912
Verito f/4 +3
(5 from 1920)
8×10″14.5″ *1911-19461911 Brochure+ f/5 pre-1912
* 15″ pre-1912
Verito f/4 +4
(7 from 1920)
11×14″18″ *1911-19461911 Brochure+ f/5 pre-1912
* 19″ pre-1912
Verito Extension Lens f/5.3Extension22.5″1922-19461922 CatalogReplaces the original front cell of the 18″ Verito; f/5.3 speed is from L&S Vol. X No. 2 p.2

Versar

Series notes: Extra Rapid Rectilinear-type. Also listed as the Versar Portrait and View. Catalogs advise that the Versar should be stopped down to f/11 for “fine definition to the extreme corners” of plate sizes listed below. Convertible using rear lens cell alone. The Versar barrel was finished in polished brass with black trim through 1913, and in black enamel thereafter. These lenses lack serial numbers.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Versar f/61
(2 from 1922)
4×5″6.5″1908-1925?1909 Catalog
Versar f/62
(3 from 1922)
5×7″8.75″1908-1925?1909 Catalog
Versar f/63
(4 from 1922)
6.5×8.5″9.75″ *1908-1925?1909 Catalog*9.5 from 1914
Versar f/64
(5 from 1922)
8×10″11.75″ *1908-1925?1909 Catalog*11.625″ from 1914
Versar f/65
(6 from 1922)
10×12″14.75″ *1908-1925?1909 Catalog*15″ from 1914
Versar f/66
(7 from 1922)
11×14″16.5″1908-1925?1909 Catalog
Versar f/67
(8 from 1922)
14×17″ *18.25″1908-1925?1909 Catalog*18″ from1914
Versar f/68
(9 from 1922)
17×20″22.5″1908-1925?1909 Catalog

Vesta

Series notes: Successor to the Series A Portrait Lens; Dallmeyer modified Petzval-type with curved field. Sold as less expensive alternative to the Vitax portrait lens, lacking diffusion adjustment. Front lens cell may be used alone at approximately 1.5 times the original focal length. Serial numbers follow the Vitax/Vesta Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Vesta f/513.25×4.25″6″1912-1925?1912 Catalog
Vesta f/524×5″7″1912-1925?1912 Catalog
Vesta f/535×7″10″1912-1925?1912 Catalog
Vesta f/546.5×8.5″12″ *1912-1925?1912 Catalog*11.5 from 1914
Vesta f/558×10″14″1912-1925?1912 Catalog

Vinco-Anastigmat

Series notes: Tessar-type; also called just the Vinco. Re-named the Velostigmat Series IV in 1920. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Vinco Anastigmat f/6.3002.25×3.25″3.5″1916-19191916 Catalog
Vinco Anastigmat f/6.3*03.25×4.25″5.25″1912-19191914 Catalog*f/6.8 from 1912-1914
Vinco Anastigmat f/6.3*14×5″6″1912-19191914 Catalog*f/6.8 from 1912-1914
Vinco Anastigmat f/6.3*1a3.25×5.5″6.75″1912-19191914 Catalog*f/6.8 from 1912-1914
Vinco Anastigmat f/6.825×7″7″1912-19191914 Catalog
Vinco Anastigmat f/6.836.5×8.5″9.5″1912-19191914 Catalog
Vinco Anastigmat f/6.848×10″12″1912-19191914 Catalog

Vitax

Series notes: Successor to the Royal Portrait Lens. Dallmeyer modified Petzval-type with adjustable diffusing device. Curved field of focus. The Vitax barrel was finished in polished brass with black trim through 1913, and in black enamel thereafter. Wollensak’s catalogs do not describe the size of film or plate covered by Vitax lenses, but see page 6 of Lensology and Shutterisms Vol. 8 No. 2 for a discussion of Vitax covering power. Serial numbers follow the Vitax/Vesta Series.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Vitax f/3.81
(3 from 1920)
10″1909-1937?1909 Catalog
Vitax f/3.82
(4 from 1920)
13″ *1909-1937?1909 Catalog*13.5″ from 1914
Vitax f/3.83
(5 from 1920)
16″1909-1937?1909 Catalog
Vitax f/5720″1923-1937?1923 Supplement
Vitax Extension LensN/A20″1923-1937?1923 Supplement
Replaces front cell of 16″ Vitax to extend focal length

Voltas

Series notes: Rapid Rectilinear successor to the Three Focus Symmetrical lens; triple convertible.
Catalogs advise that the Voltas should be stopped down to f/11 for “fine definition in the extreme corners” of plate sizes listed below. Voltas lenses made before approximately 1942 lack Serial numbers, and follow the Anastigmat Series thereafter.

Name, Max ApertureNumberSizeFocal LengthDates ProducedEarliest PublicationNotes
Voltas f/813.25×4.25″5″1914-1945?1914 Catalog
Voltas f/824×5″6.5″1914-1945?1914 Catalog
Voltas f/835×7″8″1914-1945?1914 Catalog
Voltas f/846.5×8.5″10.5″1914-1945?1914 Catalog
Voltas f/858×10″12.5″1914-1945?1914 Catalog
Voltas f/8610×12″16″1914-19401914 Catalog
Voltas f/8711×14″18.5″1914-19361914 Catalog
Voltas f/8814×17″22″1914-1925?1914 Catalog
Voltas f/8917×20″26″1914-1925?1914 Catalog

WOLLENSAK COMMERCIAL SHUTTERS FOR STILL CAMERAS

Actus

Series Notes: Appears to be identical to Victo shutters, but re-badged for sale to Ansco and used on folding cameras.

Alphax

Series Notes: Successor to Betax shutters; self-cocking. Flash synchronization optional. Lens cells can be swapped directly between Alphax and Betax shutters of the same size, with the exception of sizes 0 and 1. Detailed Alphax shutter specifications are available here. Additional information is available in the 1948 Alphax Synchromatic brochure and the 1949 Wollensak Shutters brochure. Final production models (1970-1972) have blue speed plate with redesigned font.

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeedsNotes
Alphax00.53125″1939?-1972Catalog No. 44T, B, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10Also called Alphax Jr.
Alphax10.734″1940?-1972Catalog No. 44T, B, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10
Alphax21″1949-1972Price List No. 16T, B, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, 1
Alphax31.375”1941-1972Alphax #3 Care and InstructionsT, B, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, 1Preview lever optional
Alphax41.6875”1948-1972 Aug. 1948 Price ListT, B, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, 1*Preview lever optional
* 1 second optional
Alphax52.21875”1948-1972 Aug. 1948 Price ListT, B, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2Preview lever optional

Autex

Series Notes: Self-cocking successor to the Automatic. Significantly modified in 1912 with more a efficient five-blade shutter design and the old release lever replaced with a push button. Replaced by the Auto in 1914.

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeeds
Autex10.75″1908-19131909 CatalogO, T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Autex21″1908-19131909 CatalogO, T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Autex31.375”1908-19131909 CatalogO, T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Autex41.75”1908-19131909 CatalogO, T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1

Auto

Series Notes: Successor to the Autex. Self-cocking. Replaced by the Betax in 1921.

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeeds
Auto10.75″1914-19211914 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Auto21″1914-19211914 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Auto31.375”1914-19211914 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Auto41.75”1914-19211914 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Auto52.25″1920-19211920 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1

Automatic

Series Notes: Self-cocking. Replaced by the Autex in 1908.

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeeds
Automatic3.25″x4.25″?1903-19081903 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Automatic4×5″?1903-19081903 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Automatic6.5×8.5″?1903-19081903 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Automatic8×10″?1903-19081903 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Automatic11×14″?1906-19081906 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Automatic17×20″?1906-19081906 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1

Betax

Series Notes: Self-cocking; successor to the Auto shutter. Later succeeded by the Alphax shutters between 1945 and 1949. Lens cells can be swapped directly between Alphax and Betax shutters of the same size, with the exception of sizes 0 and 1. Detailed Alphax shutter specifications are available here.

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeeds
Betax00.5625″1921-1945Just Arrived ShuttersT, B, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5
Betax10.75″1921-1945Just Arrived ShuttersT, B, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2
Betax21″1921-1949Just Arrived ShuttersT, B, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2
Betax31.375”1921-1945Just Arrived ShuttersT, B, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2
Betax41.75”1921-1948Just Arrived ShuttersT, B, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2
Betax52.25”1921-1948Just Arrived ShuttersT, B, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2

Bionic

Series Notes: Appears to be identical to Victo shutters, but re-badged for sale to Ansco and used on folding cameras.

Century

Series Notes: See Alphax shutters above. Century shutters were Wollensak’s Alphax shutters re-badged for sale to and distribution by Graflex, inc.

Deltax

Series Notes: Self-cocking. Replaced the Ultro shutter.

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeeds
Deltax00.5625″1921-1940Just Arrived ShuttersT, B, 100, 50, 25
Deltax10.75″1921-1940Just Arrived ShuttersT, B, 100, 50, 25

Gammax

Series Notes: Self-cocking. Replaced the Victo shutter.

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeeds
Gammax00.5625″1921-1940Just Arrived ShuttersT, B, 100, 50, 25, 10
Gammax10.75″1921-1940Just Arrived ShuttersT, B, 100, 50, 25, 10
Gammax21″1921-1940Just Arrived ShuttersT, B, 100, 50, 25, 10

Graphex

Series Notes: See Rapax shutters below. Graphex shutters were Wollensak’s Rapax shutters re-badged for sale to and distribution by Graflex, inc.

Junior

Series Notes: Renamed the TIB shutter in 1912.

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeeds
Junior10.625″1903-19111903 CatalogT, B, I

Optimo

Series Notes: Wollensak’s flagship shutter before the introduction of the Betax. Operated by both pneumatic bulb and mechanical cable release. When sold concurrently with Betax (1921-1931?), the Optimo was promoted for high speed applications.

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeeds
Optimo00.6875″1916-1927?1916 CatalogT, B, 300, 200, 100, 50, 25, 5, 2, 1
Optimo10.75″1909-1931?1909 CatalogT, B, 300, 200, 100, 50, 25, 5, 2, 1
Optimo1a0.875″1911-1931?1911 BrochureT, B, 300, 200, 100, 50, 25, 5, 2, 1
Optimo21”1909-1931?1909 CatalogT, B, 300, 200, 100, 50, 25, 5, 2, 1
Optimo31.375”1909-1931?1909 CatalogT, B, 300, 200, 100, 50, 25, 5, 2, 1
Optimo41.75”1909-1931?1909 CatalogT, B, 300, 200, 100, 50, 25, 5, 2, 1

Pi Alphax

Series Notes: Pi is for Photo Instrumentation, Wollensak’s most heavy duty shutter engineered for rugged scientific, industrial, surveillance and other applications. Though the same thread mount dimensions as the Alphax #3 shutter, the Pi Alphax has a modified case and internal design. The Pi Alphax is designed to withstand a minimum of 100,000 cycles while resistant to shock and accurate to within 1/5 stop at any altitude.

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeeds
Pi Alphax31.375”1965-1972?1965 Focal Points Vol. 1 No. 2T, B, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, 1

Rapax

Series Notes: Wollensak’s high-speed shutter; expanded and developed during World War II for the U.S. armed forces and made available commercially beginning in 1946. Also produced under contract to Graflex, Inc. and sold under the name Graphex. Additional information is available in the 1949 Wollensak Shutters brochure, as well as individual Rapax Standard, X-Synchronization, and Full Synchronization brochures. Wollensak designed a #4 size Rapax shutter, but it is unclear if any were ever produced. Final production models (1970-1972) have blue speed plate with redesigned font.

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeeds
Rapax00.6875″1945-1953Brochure 10M-7-49T, B, 400, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2
Rapax10.78125″1940-1972Catalog No. 44T, B, 400, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, 1*
Rapax21″1944-1972Catalog No. 44T, B, 400, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, 1
Rapax31.2656”1942-1972Catalog No. 44T, B, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, 1
*The 1 second speed appears to have been optional on some very early Rapax #1 shutters

Regno

Series Notes: Successor to the Regular shutter. Significantly modified in 1912 with more a efficient five-blade shutter design and the old release lever replaced with a push button.

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeeds
Regno10.75″1908-19131909 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Regno21″1908-19191909 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Regno31.375″1908-19191909 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Regno41.75”1908-19191909 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Regno52.25″1908-19191909 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Regno62.75″1908-1910?1909 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1

Regular

Series Notes: Nearly identical to the Automatic shutter, but not self-cocking. Replaced by the Regno shutter in 1908.

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeeds
Regular3.25″x4.25″0.75″1903-19081903 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Regular4×5″1″1903-19081903 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Regular6.5×8.5″1.375″1903-19081903 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Regular8×10″1.75″1903-19081903 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Regular11×14″2.25″1906-19081906 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
Regular17×20″2.75″1906-19081906 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1

Senior

Series Notes:

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeeds
Senior?1903-1911?1903 CatalogT, B, I

Skyshade

Series Notes: An interesting and apparently unique device, the Skyshade attaches to the front of a lens barrel and exposes the upper portion of the subject for less time than the lower portion, thus avoiding overexposure of bright sky areas in landscape photography.

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeeds
SkyshadeNo. 11.1875″1905-1913?1906 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
SkyshadeNo. 21.5625″1903-1913?1906 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
SkyshadeNo. 32.0625″1905-1913?1906 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1
SkyshadeNo. 4?1905-1908?1906 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1

Studio

Series Notes: Wollensak’s solution to shuttering very large portrait lenses, the Studio shutter was designed in Style “A”, which attached behind the lens, and Style “B”, which screwed in place of the original lens diaphragm to offer both aperture and shutter control. The Studio shutter’s only speed is Bulb, with instant exposures as short as approximately one-fifth of a second. A cable release attachment replaced the bulb-and-hose pneumatic actuator in 1916. Around 1926, the cable release attachment on the No. 5 shutter was replaced with a dual cable release/bulb release attachment.

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeeds
StudioNo. 12.0625″1906-19401906 CatalogBulb
StudioNo. 22.4375″1906-19401906 CatalogBulb
StudioNo. 32.9375″1906-19401906 CatalogBulb
StudioNo. 43.5″1906-19401906 CatalogBulb
StudioNo. 54.125″1906-19401906 CatalogBulb

TIB

Series Notes: Successor to the Junior shutter. Renamed the Ultro in 1914.

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeeds
TIB10.5″1912-19131912 CatalogT, B, I
TIB20.625″1912-19131912 CatalogT, B, I

Ultex

Series Notes: Appears to be identical to Victo shutters, but re-badged for sale to Ansco and used on folding cameras.

Ultro

Series Notes: Successor to the TIB shutter. Replaced by the Deltax shutter in 1921.

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeeds
Ultro00.5625″1914-19211914 CatalogT, B, I
Ultro10.75″1914-19211914 CatalogT, B, I

Victo

Series Notes: Successor to the Victus shutter; replaced by the Gammax shutter in 1921. Misspelled in some catalogs as the Vico shutter.

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeeds
Victo00.5625″1914-19211914 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 10
Victo10.75″1914-19211914 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 10
Victo21″1914-19211914 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25, 10

Victus

Series Notes: Significantly modified in 1912 with more a efficient five-blade shutter design and the old release lever replaced with a push button. Replaced by the Victo shutter in 1914.

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeeds
Victus10.75″1908-19131909 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25
Victus21″1908-19131909 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25
Victus31.1875″1908-1910?1909 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25
Victus41.5625″1908-1910?1909 CatalogT, B, 100, 50, 25

Winner

Series Notes: Self-cocking.

NameSizeMax. ApertureDates ProducedEarliest PublicationSpeeds
Winner3.25×4.25″?1903-19081903 CatalogT, B, three instant speeds
Winner4×5″?1903-19081903 CatalogT, B, three instant speeds
Winner6.5×8.5″?1903-19081903 CatalogT, B, three instant speeds
Winner8×10″?1903-19081903 CatalogT, B, three instant speeds

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