The lens that came with the whole plate studio camera I had taken off and put to one side, assuming it was just the usual generic f8 glass.
So I took a closer look. It’s a Taylor Taylor & Hobson Cooke 7.77 inch f6.5 lens. This is the HD Taylor patent version. HD Taylor is of no relation to the Taylor Brothers in the manufacturer name. Has its flange and lens hood.
Pre 1910 and will cover 10×8 stopped down. I’ll see if it covers whole plate at f6.5 at portrait distance. It should.
I understand that TT&H lenses are known as sharp and precise lenses, but when I checked the price of this lens on Ebay, it’s anywhere from £99 to £599?? What’s all that about?
I’ll stick it back on the camera when it goes for sale after shooting some test plates
Thats a fine old lens you have there. In my trade working with process camera and enlargers Taylor Hobson lens’s were the very best and generally eclipsed their German and Japanese options performance.
The company’s still a world leader in new technologies and thriving under US ownership.