unknown 20inch f6.3 lens, looking for info

[boyooso]

Hi,

I have this lens and would like to find out more about it.

http://www.coreyallen.net/sell/20-4.jpg

http://www.coreyallen.net/sell/20-1.jpg

http://www.coreyallen.net/sell/20-3.jpg



The lens does not have any manufaturer info except an emblem oh barrel...

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You In Advance,

Corey

[Ole]

The "A (crown) M" means "Air Ministry".

The serial number looks like it might be one of Kodak's, in which case the "EExxx" indicates that it was made in 1944.

Both of these point to its being a WWII aerial lens.

[boyooso]

Can you guess what it might cover?

Also, the lens also has another serial number that was stamped out and painted over with the original paint job. Interesting...

Thanks Again,

Corey

[Dan Fromm]

Corey, Ole was right that y'r 20"/6.3 is a UK aerial camera lens. I think he's mistaken about it having been made by Kodak. Per the VM, EE is the Second World War-vintage Air Ministry code for "Aldis made it."

The Air Ministry bought a couple of designs of 20/6.3 lenses and contracted with several manufacturers to make them. Dallmeyer and Ross supplied the designs. Telephotos from Dallmeyer and Ross, also a Ross Xpres. Count reflections, the Xpres will have a pair of singlets in front of the diaphragm and a cemented doublet behind. Your lens is probably a telephoto, if so the back focus (distance from the rear of the lens to the film when the lens is focused at infinity) will be considerably less than 20". All of the Air Ministry's 20" lenses were made for cameras that shot 9"x9" on 10" roll film.

[boyooso]

Thanks Guys!

Corey