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.
WOLLENSAK LENSES FOR COMMERCIAL STILL CAMERAS
A note on lens coating and yellow dots:
Wollensak developed a hard-coat anti-reflection magnesium fluoride coating in 1943 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: Renamed Anastigmat Series V in 1920. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.
| Lens Name | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| f/7.5 Anastigmat | N/A | 3.25×4.25″ | 5.25″ | 1916-1919 | 1916 Catalog | |
| f/7.5 Anastigmat | N/A | 4×5″ | 6.625” | 1916-1919 | 1916 Catalog |
Anastigmat Series V
Series notes: Successor to the f/7.5 Anastigmat. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.
| Name, Max Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Anastigmat Series V f/7.5 | 0 | 2.25×3.25″ | 3.5″ | 1920-1925? | 1920 Catalog | |
| Anastigmat Series V f/7.5 | 1 | 3.25×4.25″ | 5″ | 1920-1925? | 1920 Catalog | |
| Anastigmat Series V f/7.5 | 2 | 4×5″ | 5.75″ | 1920-1925? | 1920 Catalog | |
| Anastigmat Series V f/7.5 | 2a | 3.25×5.5″ | 6.75″ * | 1920-1925? | 1920 Catalog | *6.5″ after 1920 |
| Anastigmat Series V f/7.5 | 3a | 5×8″ | 8.25″ | 1920-1925? | 1920 Catalog | |
| Anastigmat Series V f/7.5 | 4 | 6.5×8.5″ | 10.5″ | 1920-1925? | 1920 Catalog | |
| Anastigmat Series V f/7.5 | 5 | 8×10″ | 13″ | 1920-1925? | 1920 Catalog |
Beach Multi-Focal
Series Notes: Available in Series A (soft focus) and Series B (sharp focus). Serial numbers follow the Beach Series.
| Name, Max Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Beach Multi-Focal f/3.3 | 4 | 6.5×8.5″ | 9.5″ | 1929-1934? | Beach Multi Focal Instructions | |
| Beach Multi-Focal f/3.3 | 5 | 8×10″ | 12″ | 1929-1934? | Beach Multi Focal Instructions | |
| Beach Multi-Focal f/3.3 | 6 | 10×12″ | 14″ | 1929-1934? | Beach Multi Focal Instructions | |
| Beach Multi-Focal f/3.3 | 7 | 11×14″ | 16″ | 1929-1934? | Beach Multi Focal Instructions |
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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Extreme Wide Angle f/16 | 3 | 5×7″ | 4″ | 1903-1921 | 1903 Catalog | |
| Extreme Wide Angle f/16 | 4 | 6.5×8.5″ | 5″ | 1903-1921 | 1903 Catalog | |
| Extreme Wide Angle f/16 | 5 | 8×10″ | 6″ * | 1903-1921 | 1903 Catalog | *6.5″ from 1916 |
| Extreme Wide Angle f/16 | 6 | 10×12″ | 7.5″ | 1906-1921 | 1906 Catalog | |
| Extreme Wide Angle f/16 | 7 | 11×14″ | 8″ | 1906-1921 | 1906 Catalog | |
| Extreme Wide Angle f/16 | 8 | 14×17″ | 10.5″ | 1909-1921 | 1909 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Extreme Wide Angle Series IIIa, f/12.5 | 2 | 4×5″ | 3.5″ | 1941-1946 | Oct. 1941 Price List | |
| Extreme Wide Angle Series IIIa, f/12.5 | 3 | 5×7″ | 4.3125″ * | 1922-1946 | 1922 Catalog | * 4.25″ from 1926; covers 6.5×8.5″ stopped down |
| Extreme Wide Angle Series IIIa, f/12.5 | 4 | 6.5×8.5″ | 5.375″ | 1922-1945 | 1922 Catalog | Covers 8×10″ stopped down |
| Extreme Wide Angle Series IIIa, f/12.5 | 5 | 8×10″ | 6.25″ | 1922-1946 | 1922 Catalog | Covers 10×12″ stopped down |
| Extreme Wide Angle Series IIIa, f/12.5 | 6 | 10×12″ | 7.875″ | 1922-1940 | 1922 Catalog | Covers 11×14″ stopped down |
| Extreme Wide Angle Series IIIa, f/12.5 | 7 | 11×14″ | 9″ | 1922-1940 | 1922 Catalog | Covers 14×17″ stopped down |
| Extreme Wide Angle Series IIIa, f/12.5 | 8 | 14×17″ | 11″ | 1922-1940 | 1922 Catalog | Covers 17×20″ stopped down |
| Extreme Wide Angle Series IIIa, f/12.5 | 9 | 17×20″ | 13″ | 1926-1940 | 1926 Catalog | Covers 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: These lenses lack serial numbers.
| Lens Name | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Orthographic | 4×5″ | 1903-1905? | 1903 Catalog | |||
| Orthographic | 5×7″ | 1903-1905? | 1903 Catalog | |||
| Orthographic | 6.5×8.5″ | 1903-1905? | 1903 Catalog | |||
| Orthographic | 8×10″ | 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 Name | Number | Size | Focal Length | Date Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Pro Raptar f/5.6 | 4×5″? | 160 mm | 1970 | 1970 B&J Brochure p. 3 | ||
| Pro Raptar f/5.6 | 5×7″? | 210 mm | 1970 | 1970 B&J Brochure p. 3 |
Rapid Rectilinear
Series Notes: Also called the Rapid Rectilinear Series VI. These lenses lack serial numbers.
| Lens Name | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Rapid Rectilinear f/11 | 3.25×4.25″ | 5″ | 1903-1911? | 1903 Catalog | ||
| Rapid Rectilinear f/11 | 4×5″ | 6.25″ | 1903-1911? | 1903 Catalog | ||
| Rapid Rectilinear f/11 | 5×7″ | 8″ | 1903-1911? | 1903 Catalog | ||
| Rapid Rectilinear f/11 | 6.5×8.5″ | 10.5″ | 1906-1911? | 1906 Catalog | ||
| Rapid Rectilinear f/11 | 8×10″ | 12.5″ | 1906-1911? | 1906 Catalog |
Rapid Symmetrical
Series Notes: Triple convertible; renamed the Three Focus Symmetrical in 1912. Also called Rapid Symmetrical Series V. These lenses lack serial numbers.
| Name, Max Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Rapid Symmetrical f/8 | 3.25×4.25″ | 5″ | 1903-1911 | 1903 Catalog | ||
| Rapid Symmetrical f/8 | 4×5″ | 6.25″ | 1903-1911 | 1903 Catalog | ||
| Rapid Symmetrical f/8 | 5×7″* | 8″ | 1903-1911 | 1903 Catalog | ||
| Rapid Symmetrical f/8 | 6.5×8.5″ | 10.5″ | 1903-1911 | 1903 Catalog | ||
| Rapid Symmetrical f/8 | 8×10″ | 12.5″ | 1903-1911 | 1903 Catalog | ||
| Rapid Symmetrical f/8 | 10×12″ | 16″ | 1906-1911 | 1906 Catalog | ||
| Rapid Symmetrical f/8 | 11×14″ | 18.5″ | 1906-1911 | 1906 Catalog | ||
| Rapid Symmetrical f/8 | 14×17″ | 21″ * | 1906-1911 | 1906 Catalog | * 22″ from 1909 | |
| Rapid Symmetrical f/8 | 17×20″ | 26″ | 1906-1911 | 1906 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Raptar 8″ (203mm) f/7.5 | n/a | 4×5″ | 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 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Raptar Extreme W.A. f/12.5 | 2 | 4×5″ | 3.5″ | 1946-1951 | Jan. 1946 Price List | 84-degree angle of view |
| Raptar Extreme W.A. f/12.5 | 3 | 5×7″ | 4.25″ * | 1946-1951 | Jan. 1946 Price List | 88-degree angle of view * 1948-49 brochures erroneously list 4.375″ |
| Raptar Extreme W.A. f/12.5 | 5 | 8×10″ | 6.25″ | 1946-1953 | Jan. 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Raptar Series Ia f/6.3 | 1 | 3.25×4.25″ | 4.75″ | 1947-1952 | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series Ia f/6.8 | 1a | 3.25×4.25″ | 5.125″ | 1947-1952 | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series Ia f/6.3 | 2 | 4×5″ | 5.75″ | 1947-1952 | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series Ia f/7.7 | 2a | 4×5″ | 5.75″ | 1947-1952 | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series Ia f/6.8 | 2b | 4×5″ | 6.5″ | 1947-1962? | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series Ia f/7.7 | 3 | 5×7″ | 7″ | 1947-1952 | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series Ia f/6.3 | 3a | 5×7″ | 7.25″ | 1947-1952 | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series Ia f/6.8 | 3b | 5×8″ | 8.25″ | 1947-1962? | April 15, 1947 Price List | Covers 7×11″ stopped down |
| Raptar Series Ia f/7.7 | 3c | 5×8″ | 8.75″ | 1947-1952 | April 15, 1947 Price List | Covers 7×11″ stopped down |
| Raptar Series Ia f/6.3 | 4 | 6.5×8.5″ | 9″ | 1947-1952 | April 15, 1947 Price List | Covers 5×12″ stopped down |
| Raptar Series Ia f/6.8 | 4a | 6.5×8.5″ | 10″ | 1947-1962? | April 15, 1947 Price List | Covers 5×12″ stopped down |
| Raptar Series Ia f/7.7 | 4b | 6.5×8.5″ | 11″ | 1947-1952 | April 15, 1947 Price List | Covers 5×12″ stopped down |
| Raptar Series Ia f/6.3 | 5 | 8×10″ | 11.5″ | 1947-1952 | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series Ia f/6.8 | 5a | 8×10″ | 13″ | 1947-1962? | April 15, 1947 Price List | Covers 7×17″ stopped down |
| Raptar Series Ia f/7.7 | 6 | 10×12″ | 14″ | 1947-1950 | April 15, 1947 Price List | Covers 8×20″ stopped down |
| Raptar Series Ia f/6.3 | 6a | 10×12″ | 14.75″ | 1947-1950 | April 15, 1947 Price List | Covers 8×20″ stopped down |
| Raptar Series Ia f/6.8 | 7 | 11×14″ | 16.25″ | 1947-1950 | April 15, 1947 Price List | Covers 12×20″ stopped down |
| Raptar Series Ia f/6.8 | 7a | 11×14″ | 17.5″ | 1947-1950 | April 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Raptar Series II f/4.5 | 000 | 1×1.5″ | 2″ | 1947-1953 | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series II f/4.5 | 00 | 1.625×2.5″ | 3″ | 1947-1953 | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series II f/4.5 | 0 | 2.25×3.25″ | 3.5″ | 1947-1972? | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series II f/4.5 | 0-1 | 2.25×3.25″ | 4″ * | 1947-1972? | April 15, 1947 Price List | * 4.5″ from 1951 |
| Raptar Series II f/4.5 | 1 | 3.25×4.25″ | 5″ | 1947-1972? | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series II f/4.7 | 1-2 | 4×5″ | 5.3125″ * | 1947-1972? | April 15, 1947 Price List | * 5.375″ from 1951 |
| Raptar Series II f/4.5 | 2 | 4×5″ | 6.375″ | 1947-1972? | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series II f/4.5 | 3 | 5×7″ | 7.5″ | 1947-1972? | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series II f/4.5 | 3a | 5×8″ | 8.25″ | 1947-1972? | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series II f/4.5 | 4 | 6.5×8.5″ | 9.5″ | 1947-1972? | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series II f/4.5 | 5 | 8×10″ | 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 mid-1953.
| Name, Max Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Raptar Series III Wide Angle f/9.5 | N/A | 8×10″ | 6.25″ | 1953-1962? | 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Raptar Series IV f/6.3 | 000 | 1×1.5″ | 2″ | 1947-1951? | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series IV f/6.3 | 00 | 1.625×2.5″ | 3″ | 1947-1951? | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series IV f/6.3 | 0 | 2.25×3.25″ | 3.5″ | 1947-1951? | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series IV f/6.3 | 0-1 | 2.25×3.25″ | 4″ | 1947-1951? | December 1, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series IV f/6.3 | 1 | 3.25×4.25″ | 5″ | 1947-1951? | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series IV f/6.3 | 1-2 | 4×5″ | 5.3125″ | 1949-1951? | July 1, 1949 Price List | |
| Raptar Series IV f/6.3 | 2 | 4×5″ | 6.5″ * | 1947-1951? | April 15, 1947 Price List | * 6.5″ from 1949 |
| Raptar Series IV f/6.3 | 3 | 5×7″ | 7.25″ * | 1947-1951? | April 15, 1947 Price List | * 7.5″ from 1950 |
| Raptar Series IV f/6.3 | 3a | 5×8″ | 8.25″ | 1949-1951? | Brochure 20M-1-49 | |
| Raptar Series IV f/6.3 | 4 | 6.5×8.5″ | 9.5″ | 1947-1951? | April 15, 1947 Price List | |
| Raptar Series IV f/6.3 | 5 | 8×10″ | 12″ * | 1947-1951? | April 15, 1947 Price List | * 11.875″ from 1949 |
Raptar Telephoto
Series Notes: Wollensak’s first telephoto lens for still cameras. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.
| Name, Max Aperture | Number | Size | Equivalent Focus | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Raptar Telephoto f/5.6 | 1 | 3.25×4.25″ | 8″ | 1946-1972? | April 15, 1947 Price List | 5″ flange focus at inf. |
| Raptar Telephoto f/5.6 | 2 | 4×5″ | 10″ | 1943-1972? | Catalog No. 44 | 6.125″ flange focus at inf. |
| Raptar Telephoto f/5.6 | 3 | 5×7″ | 15″ | 1943-1972? | Catalog No. 44 | 9.3125″ 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Raptar Wide Angle f/6.8 | 1 | 3.25×4.25″ | 2.5625″ | 1946-1972? | Catalog No. 44 | 88.5-degree field of view (given as 92.6 in 1957 guide |
| Raptar Wide Angle f/6.8 | 2 | 4×5″ | 3.5″ | 1943?-1972? | Catalog No. 44 | 84-degree angle of viee |
| Raptar Wide Angle f/6.8 | 3 | 5×7″ | 4.25″ | 1946-1972? | Catalog No. 44 | 88-degree field of view (given as 90.6 in 1957 guide |
| Raptar Wide Angle f/6.8 | 5 | 8×10″ | 6.25″ | 1946-1947 | Catalog No. 44 | 90-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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Royal Anastigmat Series I f/6.8 | 1 | 3.25×4.25″ | 5″ | 1906-1908 | 1906 Catalog | |
| Royal Anastigmat Series I f/6.8 | 2 | 4×5″ | 6″ | 1906-1908 | 1906 Catalog | |
| Royal Anastigmat Series I f/6.8 | 3 | 5×7″ | 7″ | 1906-1908 | 1906 Catalog | |
| Royal Anastigmat Series I f/6.8 | 4 | 6.5×8.5″ | 10″ | 1906-1908 | 1906 Catalog | |
| Royal Anastigmat Series I f/6.8 | 5 | 8×10″ | 13″ | 1906-1908 | 1906 Catalog | |
| Royal Anastigmat Series I f/6.8 | 6 | 10×12″ | 15″ | 1906-1908 | 1906 Catalog | |
| Royal Anastigmat Series I f/6.8 | 7 | 11×14″ | 16.5″ | 1906-1908 | 1906 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Royal Anastigmat Wide Angle f/9.5 | 2 | 4×5″ | 3.25″ | 1906-1908 | 1906 Catalog | |
| Royal Anastigmat Wide Angle f/9.5 | 3 | 5×7″ | 4.5″ | 1906-1908 | 1906 Catalog | |
| Royal Anastigmat Wide Angle f/9.5 | 4 | 6.5×8.5″ | 5.5″ | 1906-1908 | 1906 Catalog | |
| Royal Anastigmat Wide Angle f/9.5 | 5 | 8×10″ | 6.25″ | 1906-1908 | 1906 Catalog | |
| Royal Anastigmat Wide Angle f/9.5 | 6 | 10×12″ | 8″ | 1906-1908 | 1906 Catalog | |
| Royal Anastigmat Wide Angle f/9.5 | 7 | 11×14″ | 9″ | 1906-1908 | 1906 Catalog |
Royal Portrait Lens
Series Notes: Petzval-type with curved field and adjustable diffusing device. Renamed Vitax in 1909. Serial numbers follow the Vitax/Vesta Series.
| Name, Max Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Royal Portrait Lens f/3.8 | 1 | N/A | 10″ | 1906-1908 | 1906 Catalog | |
| Royal Portrait Lens f/3.8 | 2 | N/A | 13″ | 1906-1908 | 1906 Catalog | |
| Royal Portrait Lens f/3.8 | 3 | N/A | 16″ | 1906-1908 | 1906 Catalog |
Series A Portrait Lens
Series notes: 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Series A Portrait Lens f/5 | 1 | 3.25×4.25″ | 6″ | 1906-1911 | 1906 Catalog | |
| Series A Portrait Lens f/5 | 2 | 4×5″ | 7″ | 1906-1911 | 1906 Catalog | |
| Series A Portrait Lens f/5 | 3 | 5×7″ | 10″ | 1906-1911 | 1906 Catalog | |
| Series A Portrait Lens f/5 | 4 | 6.5×8.5″ | 12″ | 1906-1911 | 1906 Catalog | |
| Series A Portrait Lens f/5 | 5 | 8×10″ | 14″ | 1906-1911 | 1906 Catalog |
Single Achromatic
Series Notes: Possibly Wollensak’s first lens. These lenses lack serial numbers.
| Name, Max Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Single Achromatic | N/A | 3.25×4.25″ | 10″ | 1903-1911? | 1903 Catalog | |
| Single Achromatic | N/A | 4×5″ | 13″ | 1906-1911? | 1906 Catalog | |
| Single Achromatic | N/A | 5×7″ | 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Symmetrical Wide Angle f/16 | 2 | 4×5″ | 4″ | 1903-1921 | 1903 Catalog | |
| Symmetrical Wide Angle f/16 | 3 | 5×7″ | 5.25″ | 1903-1921 | 1903 Catalog | |
| Symmetrical Wide Angle f/16 | 4 | 6.5×8.5″ | 6.5″ | 1903-1921 | 1903 Catalog | |
| Symmetrical Wide Angle f/16 | 5 | 8×10″ | 7.5″ | 1903-1921 | 1903 Catalog | |
| Symmetrical Wide Angle f/16 | 6 | 10×12″ | 9″ | 1912-1921 | 1912 Catalog | |
| Symmetrical Wide Angle f/16 | 7 | 11×14″ | 10.5″ | 1903-1921 | 1903 Catalog | |
| Symmetrical Wide Angle f/16 | N/A | 14×17″ | 13″ | 1912-1915 | 1912 Catalog |
Three Focus Symmetrical
Series Notes: Successor to the Rapid Symmetrical; renamed the Voltas in 1914. These lenses lack serial numbers.
| Name, Max Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Three Focus Symmetrical f/8 | 1 | 3.25×4.25″ | 5″ | 1912-1913 | 1912 Catalog | |
| Three Focus Symmetrical f/8 | 2 | 4×5″ | 6.25″ | 1912-1913 | 1912 Catalog | |
| Three Focus Symmetrical f/8 | 3 | 5×7″ | 8″ | 1912-1913 | 1912 Catalog | |
| Three Focus Symmetrical f/8 | 4 | 6.5×8.5″ | 10.5″ | 1912-1913 | 1912 Catalog | |
| Three Focus Symmetrical f/8 | 5 | 8×10″ | 12.5″ | 1912-1913 | 1912 Catalog | |
| Three Focus Symmetrical f/8 | 6 | 10×12″ | 16″ | 1912-1913 | 1912 Catalog | |
| Three Focus Symmetrical f/8 | 7 | 11×14″ | 18.5″ | 1912-1913 | 1912 Catalog | |
| Three Focus Symmetrical f/8 | 8 | 14×17″ | 22″ | 1912-1913 | 1912 Catalog | |
| Three Focus Symmetrical f/8 | 9 | 17×20″ | 26″ | 1912-1913 | 1912 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Varium f/3.5 | 4 | 6.5×8.5″ | 14″ | 1926-1934? | 1926 Catalog | |
| Varium f/3.5 | 5 | 8×10″ | 16″ | 1926-1934? | 1926 Catalog | |
| Varium f/4 | 7 | 11×14″ | 19″ | 1926-1934? | 1926 Catalog |
Velostigmat Series I
Series Notes: Successor to the Royal Anastigmat lens, both cells consisting of two air-spaced cemented doublets. 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Velostigmat Series I f/6.3 | 0 | 2.25″x3.25″ | 3.5″ | 1916-1923 | 1916 Catalog | |
| Velostigmat Series I f/6.3 + | 1 | 3.25×4.25″ | 5″ | 1908-1923 | 1909 Catalog | + f/6.8 1909-1910 |
| Velostigmat Series I f/6.3 + | 2 | 4×5″ | 6″ * | 1908-1923 | 1909 Catalog | + f/6.8 1909-1910 *5.75″ from 1922 |
| Velostigmat Series I f/6.3 | 2a | 3.25×4.25″ | 6.5″ | 1912-1923 | 1912 Catalog | |
| Velostigmat Series I f/6.3 + | 3 | 5×7″ | 7″ * | 1908-1923 | 1909 Catalog | + f/6.8 1909-1910 *7.25″ from 1920 |
| Velostigmat Series I f/6.3 | 3a | 5×8″ | 8.25″ | 1920-1923 | 1920 Catalog | |
| Velostigmat Series I f/6.3 + | 4 | 6.5×8.5″ | 10″ * | 1908-1923 | 1909 Catalog | + f/6.8 1909-1910 *9.5″ from 1920 |
| Velostigmat Series I f/6.3 + | 5 | 8×10″ | 13″ * | 1908-1923 | 1909 Catalog | + f/6.8 1909-1910 *12.5″ from 1914 |
| Velostigmat Series I f/6.8 | 6 | 10×12″ | 15″ | 1908-1910 | 1909 Catalog | |
| Velostigmat Series I f/6.3 + | 7 (1909-1910) 6 (1911-1919) (7 from 1920) | 11×14″ | 16.5″ * | 1908-1923 | 1909 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.3 | 1 | 3.25×4.25″ | 4.75″ | 1923-1946 | 1923 Supplement | |
| Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.8 | 1a | 3.25×4.25″ | 5.125″ | 1923-1946 | 1923 Supplement | |
| Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.3 | 2 | 4×5″ | 5.75″ | 1923-1946 | 1923 Supplement | |
| Velostigmat Series Ia f/7.7 | 2a | 4×5″ | 5.75″ | 1923-1946 | 1923 Supplement | |
| Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.8 | 2b | 4×5″ | 6.5″ | 1923-1946 | 1923 Supplement | |
| Velostigmat Series Ia f/7.7 | 3 | 5×7″ | 7″ | 1923-1946 | 1923 Supplement | |
| Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.3 | 3a | 5×7″ | 7.25″ | 1923-1946 | 1923 Supplement | |
| Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.8 | 3b | 5×8″ | 8.25″ | 1923-1946 | 1923 Supplement | Covers 7×11″ stopped down |
| Velostigmat Series Ia f/7.7 | 3c | 5×8″ | 8.75″ | 1923-1946 | 1923 Supplement | Covers 7×11″ stopped down |
| Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.3 | 4 | 6.5×8.5″ | 9″ | 1923-1946 | 1923 Supplement | Covers 5×12″ stopped down |
| Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.8 | 4a | 6.5×8.5″ | 10″ | 1923-1946 | 1923 Supplement | Covers 5×12″ stopped down |
| Velostigmat Series Ia f/7.7 | 4b | 6.5×8.5″ | 11″ | 1923-1946 | 1923 Supplement | Covers 5×12″ stopped down |
| Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.3 | 5 | 8×10″ | 11.5″ | 1923-1946 | 1923 Supplement | |
| Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.8 | 5a | 8×10″ | 13″ | 1923-1946 | 1923 Supplement | Covers 7×17″ stopped down |
| Velostigmat Series Ia f/7.7 | 6 | 10×12″ | 14″ | 1923-1946 | 1923 Supplement | Covers 8×20″ stopped down |
| Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.3 | 6a | 10×12″ | 14.75″ | 1923-1946 | 1923 Supplement | Covers 8×20″ stopped down |
| Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.8 | 7 | 11×14″ | 16.25″ | 1923-1946 | 1923 Supplement | Covers 12×20″ stopped down |
| Velostigmat Series Ia f/6.8 | 7a | 11×14″ | 17.5″ | 1923-1946 | 1923 Supplement |
Velostigmat Series II
Series notes: Tessar-type; renamed Raptar Series II in 1947. The five largest Velostigmat Series II lenses were available with on optional diffusing device through about 1934. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.
| Name, Max Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Velostigmat Series II f/4.5 | 000 | 1×1.5″ | 2″ | 1946 | Catalog No. 44 | |
| Velostigmat Series II f/4.5 | 00 | 1.625×2.5″ | 3″ | 1946 | Catalog No. 44 | |
| Velostigmat Series II f/4.5 | 0 | 2.25×3.25″ | 3.5″ | 1916-1946 | 1916 Catalog | |
| Velostigmat Series II f/4.5 | 0-1 | 2.25×3.25″ | 4″ | 1946 | Catalog No. 44 | |
| Velostigmat Series II f/4.5 | 1 | 3.25×4.25″ | 5″ | 1911-1946 | 1911 Brochure | |
| Velostigmat Series II f/4.7 | 1-2 | 4×5″ | 5.3125″ | 1946 | Catalog No. 44 | |
| Velostigmat Series II f/4.5 | 2 | 4×5″ | 6″ * | 1911-1946 | 1911 Brochure | *6.5″ from 1935 *6.375″ in 1946 |
| Velostigmat Series II f/4.5 | 3 | 5×7″ | 7″ * | 1911-1946 | 1911 Brochure | *7.25″ from 1920 *7.5″ from 1935 |
| Velostigmat Series II f/4.5 | 4 (3a from 1920) | 5×8″ | 8.25″ | 1912-1946 | 1912 Catalog | |
| Velostigmat Series II f/4.5 | 4 (1911) 5 (1911-1919) 4 (from 1920) | 6.5×8.5″ | 9.5″ | 1911-1946 | 1911 Brochure | |
| Velostigmat Series II f/4.5 | 5 (1911) 6 (1911-1919) 5 (from 1920) | 8×10″ | 12″ * | 1911-1946 | 1911 Brochure | *11.825″ in 1946 |
| Velostigmat Series II f/4.5 | 6 | 10×12″ | 14″ | 1922-1940 | 1922 Catalog | |
| Velostigmat Series II f/4.5 | 6 (1911) 7 (from 1912) | 11×14″ | 15.5″ * | 1911-1940 | 1911 Brochure | *16″ from 1922 |
| Velostigmat Series II f/4.5 | 8 | 14×17″ | 19.5″ | 1922-1936? | 1922 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Velostigmat Wide Angle Series III f/9.5 | 3 (1909-1911) 1 (1912-1919) 3 (from 1920) | 5×7″ | 4.75″ * | 1909-1945 | 1909 Catalog | *4.3″ from 1914 *4.3125″ from 1940 |
| Velostigmat Wide Angle Series III f/9.5 | 4 (1909-1911) 2 (1912-1919) 4 (from 1920) | 6.5×8.5″ | 5.875″ * | 1909-1940 | 1909 Catalog | *5.4″ from 1914 *5.375″from 1940 |
| Velostigmat Wide Angle Series III f/9.5 | 5 (1909-1911) 3 (1912-1919) 5 (from 1920) | 8×10″ | 6.875″ * | 1909-1945 | 1909 Catalog | *6.25″ from 1914 |
| Velostigmat Wide Angle Series III f/9.5 | 6 | 10×12″ | 8.625″ | 1909-1910 | 1909 Catalog | |
| Velostigmat Wide Angle Series III f/9.5 | 6 (1909-1911) 4 (1912-1919) 7 (from 1920) | 11×14″ | 9.75″ * | 1909-1940 | 1909 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Velostigmat Series IV f/6.3 | 000 | 1×1.5″ | 2″ | 1946 | Catalog No. 44 | |
| Velostigmat Series IV f/6.3 | 00 | 1.625×2.5″ | 3″ | 1946 | Catalog No. 44 | |
| Velostigmat Series IV f/6.3 | 0 | 2.25×3.25″ | 3.5″ | 1920-1946 | 1920 Catalog | |
| Velostigmat Series IV f/6.3 | 1 | 3.25×4.25″ | 5″ | 1920-1946 | 1920 Catalog | |
| Velostigmat Series IV f/6.3 | 2 | 4×5″ | 5.75″ * | 1920-1946 | 1920 Catalog | *6.5″ from 1946 |
| Velostigmat Series IV f/6.3 | 2a | 3.25×4.25″ | 6.75″ * | 1920-1936? | 1920 Catalog | *6.5″ from 1920 |
| Velostigmat Series IV f/6.3 | 3 | 5×7″ | 7.25″ | 1920-1946 | 1920 Catalog | |
| Velostigmat Series IV f/6.3 | 4 | 6.5×8.5″ | 9.5″ | 1920-1946 | 1920 Catalog | |
| Velostigmat Series IV f/6.3 | 5 | 8×10″ | 12″ | 1920-1946 | 1920 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Velostigmat Series VI f/2 | n/a | 3″ | 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Velostigmat Series VII f/3.5 | n/a | 3″ | 1937?-1946? | n/a | ||
| Velostigmat Series VII f/3.5 | n/a | 5″ | 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Portrait Veritar f/6 | 3 | 5×7″ | 10″ | 1949-1963? | 1949 Price List | |
| Portrait Veritar f/6 | 5 | 8×10″ | 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 until 1915, 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 f/6 Verito A and B, as well as the Verito Motion Picture lenses, are a different 2/2 periscopic design. Serial numbers followed the Verito Series until 1942, and the Anastigmat Series thereafter.
| Name, Max Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Verito f/6 | A | 3.25×4.25″ | 5″ | 1914-1946 | 1914 Catalog | 2/2 periscopic design |
| Verito f/6 | B | 4×5″ | 6.5″ | 1914-1946 | 1914 Catalog | 2/2 periscopic design |
| Verito f/4 | 1 | 3.25×4.25″ | 6.125″ | 1922-1946 | 1922 Catalog | |
| Verito f/4 | 0 (2 from 1920) | 4×5″ | 7″ * | 1916-1946 | 1914 Catalog | *7.25″ from 1920 |
| Verito f/4 + | 1 (3 from 1920) | 5×7″ | 9″ * | 1911-1946 | 1911 Brochure | + f/5 pre-1912 *8.75″ from 1920 |
| Verito f/4 + | 2 (4 from 1920) | 6.5×8.5″ | 11.5″ | 1911-1946 | 1911 Brochure | + f/5 pre-1912 |
| Verito f/4 + | 3 (5 from 1920) | 8×10″ | 14.5″ * | 1911-1946 | 1911 Brochure | + f/5 pre-1912 * 15″ pre-1912 |
| Verito f/4 + | 4 (7 from 1920) | 11×14″ | 18″ * | 1911-1946 | 1911 Brochure | + f/5 pre-1912 * 19″ pre-1912 |
| Verito Extension Lens f/5.3 | Extension | 22.5″ | 1922-1946 | 1922 Catalog | Replaces 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 from 1908 until 1915, and in black enamel thereafter. These lenses lack serial numbers.
| Name, Max Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Versar f/6 | 1 (2 from 1922) | 4×5″ | 6.5″ | 1908-1925? | 1909 Catalog | |
| Versar f/6 | 2 (3 from 1922) | 5×7″ | 8.75″ | 1908-1925? | 1909 Catalog | |
| Versar f/6 | 3 (4 from 1922) | 6.5×8.5″ | 9.75″ * | 1908-1925? | 1909 Catalog | *9.5 from 1914 |
| Versar f/6 | 4 (5 from 1922) | 8×10″ | 11.75″ * | 1908-1925? | 1909 Catalog | *11.625″ from 1914 |
| Versar f/6 | 5 (6 from 1922) | 10×12″ | 14.75″ * | 1908-1925? | 1909 Catalog | *15″ from 1914 |
| Versar f/6 | 6 (7 from 1922) | 11×14″ | 16.5″ | 1908-1925? | 1909 Catalog | |
| Versar f/6 | 7 (8 from 1922) | 14×17″ * | 18.25″ | 1908-1925? | 1909 Catalog | *18″ from1914 |
| Versar f/6 | 8 (9 from 1922) | 17×20″ | 22.5″ | 1908-1925? | 1909 Catalog |
Vesta
Series notes: Successor to the Series A Portrait Lens; modified Petzval-type with curved field. Sold as less expensive alternative to the Vitax portrait lens. 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Vesta f/5 | 1 | 3.25×4.25″ | 6″ | 1912-1925? | 1912 Catalog | |
| Vesta f/5 | 2 | 4×5″ | 7″ | 1912-1925? | 1912 Catalog | |
| Vesta f/5 | 3 | 5×7″ | 10″ | 1912-1925? | 1912 Catalog | |
| Vesta f/5 | 4 | 6.5×8.5″ | 12″ * | 1912-1925? | 1912 Catalog | *11.5 from 1914 |
| Vesta f/5 | 5 | 8×10″ | 14″ | 1912-1925? | 1912 Catalog |
Vinco-Anastigmat
Series notes: Also called just the Vinco. Re-named the Velostigmat Series IV in 1920. Serial numbers follow the Anastigmat Series.
| Name, Max Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Vinco Anastigmat f/6.3 | 00 | 2.25×3.25″ | 3.5″ | 1916-1919 | 1916 Catalog | |
| Vinco Anastigmat f/6.3* | 0 | 3.25×4.25″ | 5.25″ | 1912-1919 | 1914 Catalog | *f/6.8 from 1912-1914 |
| Vinco Anastigmat f/6.3* | 1 | 4×5″ | 6″ | 1912-1919 | 1914 Catalog | *f/6.8 from 1912-1914 |
| Vinco Anastigmat f/6.3* | 1a | 3.25×5.5″ | 6.75″ | 1912-1919 | 1914 Catalog | *f/6.8 from 1912-1914 |
| Vinco Anastigmat f/6.8 | 2 | 5×7″ | 7″ | 1912-1919 | 1914 Catalog | |
| Vinco Anastigmat f/6.8 | 3 | 6.5×8.5″ | 9.5″ | 1912-1919 | 1914 Catalog | |
| Vinco Anastigmat f/6.8 | 4 | 8×10″ | 12″ | 1912-1919 | 1914 Catalog |
Vitax
Series notes: Successor to the Royal Portrait Lens; modified Petzval-type with curved field. Sold as a flagship portrait lens. Included adjustable diffusing device. The Vitax barrel was finished in polished brass with black trim from 1909-1915, 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Vitax f/3.8 | 1 (3 from 1920) | 10″ | 1909-1937? | 1909 Catalog | ||
| Vitax f/3.8 | 2 (4 from 1920) | 13″ * | 1909-1937? | 1909 Catalog | *13.5″ from 1914 | |
| Vitax f/3.8 | 3 (5 from 1920) | 16″ | 1909-1937? | 1909 Catalog | ||
| Vitax f/5 | 7 | 20″ | 1923-1937? | 1923 Supplement | ||
| Vitax Extension Lens | N/A | 20″ | 1923-1937? | 1923 Supplement | Replaces front cell of 16″ Vitax to extend focal length |
Voltas
Series notes: 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 Aperture | Number | Size | Focal Length | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Notes |
| Voltas f/8 | 1 | 3.25×4.25″ | 5″ | 1914-1945? | 1914 Catalog | |
| Voltas f/8 | 2 | 4×5″ | 6.5″ | 1914-1945? | 1914 Catalog | |
| Voltas f/8 | 3 | 5×7″ | 8″ | 1914-1945? | 1914 Catalog | |
| Voltas f/8 | 4 | 6.5×8.5″ | 10.5″ | 1914-1945? | 1914 Catalog | |
| Voltas f/8 | 5 | 8×10″ | 12.5″ | 1914-1945? | 1914 Catalog | |
| Voltas f/8 | 6 | 10×12″ | 16″ | 1914-1940 | 1914 Catalog | |
| Voltas f/8 | 7 | 11×14″ | 18.5″ | 1914-1936? | 1914 Catalog | |
| Voltas f/8 | 8 | 14×17″ | 22″ | 1914-1925? | 1914 Catalog | |
| Voltas f/8 | 9 | 17×20″ | 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.
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds | Notes |
| Alphax | 0 | 0.53125″ | 1939?-1972 | Catalog No. 44 | T, B, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10 | Also called Alphax Jr. |
| Alphax | 1 | 0.734″ | 1940?-1972 | Catalog No. 44 | T, B, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10 | |
| Alphax | 2 | 1″ | 1949-1972 | Price List No. 16 | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, 1 | |
| Alphax | 3 | 1.375” | 1941-1972 | Alphax #3 Care and Instructions | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, 1 | Preview lever optional |
| Alphax | 4 | 1.6875” | 1948-1972 | Aug. 1948 Price List | T, B, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, 1* | Preview lever optional * 1 second optional |
| Alphax | 5 | 2.21875” | 1948-1972 | Aug. 1948 Price List | T, B, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 | Preview 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.
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds |
| Autex | 1 | 0.75″ | 1908-1913 | 1909 Catalog | O, T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Autex | 2 | 1″ | 1908-1913 | 1909 Catalog | O, T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Autex | 3 | 1.375” | 1908-1913 | 1909 Catalog | O, T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Autex | 4 | 1.75” | 1908-1913 | 1909 Catalog | O, T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
Auto
Series Notes: Successor to the Autex. Self-cocking. Replaced by the Betax in 1921.
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds |
| Auto | 1 | 0.75″ | 1914-1921 | 1914 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Auto | 2 | 1″ | 1914-1921 | 1914 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Auto | 3 | 1.375” | 1914-1921 | 1914 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Auto | 4 | 1.75” | 1914-1921 | 1914 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Auto | 5 | 2.25″ | 1920-1921 | 1920 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
Automatic
Series Notes: Self-cocking. Replaced by the Autex in 1908.
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds |
| Automatic | 3.25″x4.25″ | ? | 1903-1908 | 1903 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Automatic | 4×5″ | ? | 1903-1908 | 1903 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Automatic | 6.5×8.5″ | ? | 1903-1908 | 1903 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Automatic | 8×10″ | ? | 1903-1908 | 1903 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Automatic | 11×14″ | ? | 1906-1908 | 1906 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Automatic | 17×20″ | ? | 1906-1908 | 1906 Catalog | T, 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.
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds |
| Betax | 0 | 0.5625″ | 1921-1945 | Just Arrived Shutters | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 |
| Betax | 1 | 0.75″ | 1921-1945 | Just Arrived Shutters | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 |
| Betax | 2 | 1″ | 1921-1949 | Just Arrived Shutters | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 |
| Betax | 3 | 1.375” | 1921-1945 | Just Arrived Shutters | T, B, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 |
| Betax | 4 | 1.75” | 1921-1948 | Just Arrived Shutters | T, B, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 |
| Betax | 5 | 2.25” | 1921-1948 | Just Arrived Shutters | T, 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.
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds |
| Deltax | 0 | 0.5625″ | 1921-1940 | Just Arrived Shutters | T, B, 100, 50, 25 |
| Deltax | 1 | 0.75″ | 1921-1940 | Just Arrived Shutters | T, B, 100, 50, 25 |
Gammax
Series Notes: Self-cocking. Replaced the Victo shutter.
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds |
| Gammax | 0 | 0.5625″ | 1921-1940 | Just Arrived Shutters | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 10 |
| Gammax | 1 | 0.75″ | 1921-1940 | Just Arrived Shutters | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 10 |
| Gammax | 2 | 1″ | 1921-1940 | Just Arrived Shutters | T, 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.
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds |
| Junior | 1 | 0.625″ | 1903-1911 | 1903 Catalog | T, 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.
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds |
| Optimo | 0 | 0.6875″ | 1916-1927? | 1916 Catalog | T, B, 300, 200, 100, 50, 25, 5, 2, 1 |
| Optimo | 1 | 0.75″ | 1909-1931? | 1909 Catalog | T, B, 300, 200, 100, 50, 25, 5, 2, 1 |
| Optimo | 1a | 0.875″ | 1911-1931? | 1911 Brochure | T, B, 300, 200, 100, 50, 25, 5, 2, 1 |
| Optimo | 2 | 1” | 1909-1931? | 1909 Catalog | T, B, 300, 200, 100, 50, 25, 5, 2, 1 |
| Optimo | 3 | 1.375” | 1909-1931? | 1909 Catalog | T, B, 300, 200, 100, 50, 25, 5, 2, 1 |
| Optimo | 4 | 1.75” | 1909-1931? | 1909 Catalog | T, 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.
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds |
| Pi Alphax | 3 | 1.375” | 1965-1972? | 1965 Focal Points Vol. 1 No. 2 | T, 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.
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds |
| Rapax | 0 | 0.6875″ | 1945-1953 | Brochure 10M-7-49 | T, B, 400, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 |
| Rapax | 1 | 0.78125″ | 1940-1972 | Catalog No. 44 | T, B, 400, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, 1* |
| Rapax | 2 | 1″ | 1944-1972 | Catalog No. 44 | T, B, 400, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, 1 |
| Rapax | 3 | 1.2656” | 1942-1972 | Catalog No. 44 | T, B, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, 1 |
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.
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds |
| Regno | 1 | 0.75″ | 1908-1913 | 1909 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Regno | 2 | 1″ | 1908-1919 | 1909 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Regno | 3 | 1.375″ | 1908-1919 | 1909 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Regno | 4 | 1.75” | 1908-1919 | 1909 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Regno | 5 | 2.25″ | 1908-1919 | 1909 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Regno | 6 | 2.75″ | 1908-1910? | 1909 Catalog | T, 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.
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds |
| Regular | 3.25″x4.25″ | 0.75″ | 1903-1908 | 1903 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Regular | 4×5″ | 1″ | 1903-1908 | 1903 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Regular | 6.5×8.5″ | 1.375″ | 1903-1908 | 1903 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Regular | 8×10″ | 1.75″ | 1903-1908 | 1903 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Regular | 11×14″ | 2.25″ | 1906-1908 | 1906 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Regular | 17×20″ | 2.75″ | 1906-1908 | 1906 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
Senior
Series Notes:
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds |
| Senior | ? | 1903-1911? | 1903 Catalog | T, 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.
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds |
| Skyshade | No. 1 | 1.1875″ | 1905-1913? | 1906 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Skyshade | No. 2 | 1.5625″ | 1903-1913? | 1906 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Skyshade | No. 3 | 2.0625″ | 1905-1913? | 1906 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 5, 1 |
| Skyshade | No. 4 | ? | 1905-1908? | 1906 Catalog | T, 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.
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds |
| Studio | No. 1 | 2.0625″ | 1906-1940 | 1906 Catalog | Bulb |
| Studio | No. 2 | 2.4375″ | 1906-1940 | 1906 Catalog | Bulb |
| Studio | No. 3 | 2.9375″ | 1906-1940 | 1906 Catalog | Bulb |
| Studio | No. 4 | 3.5″ | 1906-1940 | 1906 Catalog | Bulb |
| Studio | No. 5 | 4.125″ | 1906-1940 | 1906 Catalog | Bulb |
TIB
Series Notes: Successor to the Junior shutter. Renamed the Ultro in 1914.
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds |
| TIB | 1 | 0.5″ | 1912-1913 | 1912 Catalog | T, B, I |
| TIB | 2 | 0.625″ | 1912-1913 | 1912 Catalog | T, 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.
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds |
| Ultro | 0 | 0.5625″ | 1914-1921 | 1914 Catalog | T, B, I |
| Ultro | 1 | 0.75″ | 1914-1921 | 1914 Catalog | T, 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.
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds |
| Victo | 0 | 0.5625″ | 1914-1921 | 1914 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 10 |
| Victo | 1 | 0.75″ | 1914-1921 | 1914 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25, 10 |
| Victo | 2 | 1″ | 1914-1921 | 1914 Catalog | T, 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.
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds |
| Victus | 1 | 0.75″ | 1908-1913 | 1909 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25 |
| Victus | 2 | 1″ | 1908-1913 | 1909 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25 |
| Victus | 3 | 1.1875″ | 1908-1910? | 1909 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25 |
| Victus | 4 | 1.5625″ | 1908-1910? | 1909 Catalog | T, B, 100, 50, 25 |
Winner
Series Notes: Self-cocking.
| Name | Size | Max. Aperture | Dates Produced | Earliest Publication | Speeds |
| Winner | 3.25×4.25″ | ? | 1903-1908 | 1903 Catalog | T, B, three instant speeds |
| Winner | 4×5″ | ? | 1903-1908 | 1903 Catalog | T, B, three instant speeds |
| Winner | 6.5×8.5″ | ? | 1903-1908 | 1903 Catalog | T, B, three instant speeds |
| Winner | 8×10″ | ? | 1903-1908 | 1903 Catalog | T, B, three instant speeds |
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