Goerz 19" (480mm) f/11 Lens
The Goerz 19" f/11 is a lens from Goerz. Used copies start from $479.4 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Goerz 19" (480mm) f/11 Lens
Used Goerz 19" f/11 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Goerz 19" f/11
Key Features — Goerz 19" f/11
480mm f/11 Large Format Optic: A long focal length well-suited to portraiture, copy work, and field photography on large format systems.
Pre-1950 Manufacture: Represents classic optical craftsmanship from an era of precision hand-assembled lens construction.
Multi-Format Sheet Film Coverage: Covers 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10 sheet film formats, offering flexibility across a range of large format cameras.
Lens Board Mount: Mounts to a standard technical camera lens board, making it compatible with most large format field and studio cameras.
Mechanical Shutter: Operates without any electronic components, allowing controlled exposures in any shooting environment.
Manual Focus Operation: Focus is set by hand on the camera's rail or standard, consistent with traditional large format technique.
Lens Specifications — Goerz 19" f/11
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Landscape, Architecture |
| Lens Mount | Lens Board (Technical Camera) |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Description — Goerz 19" f/11
The Goerz 19" (480mm) f/11 lens is a pre-1950 vintage optic built for large format photography using sheet film. Designed to mount on a lens board for use with technical cameras, it is compatible with sheet film formats including 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10, offering flexibility across the large format system. The lens features manual focus and a mechanical shutter, delivering the hands-on, deliberate shooting experience that defines large format photography.
With a focal length of 480mm, it is well-positioned for subjects that benefit from longer working distances within the large format workflow. Flash compatibility is listed as none. As a piece of pre-war optical manufacturing, this Goerz lens is of interest to both working large format photographers seeking a usable vintage optic and collectors preserving photographic history.
It is categorized as a large format barrel lens compatible with standard lens board technical camera systems.
Pros — Goerz 19" f/11
- ✓Long 480mm focal length well-suited to large format portrait and field work
- ✓Compatible with multiple sheet film formats including 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10
- ✓Mounts via standard lens board, fitting a wide range of technical cameras
Cons — Goerz 19" f/11
- ✗Maximum aperture of f/11 limits use in lower light conditions
- ✗No flash compatibility, restricting artificial lighting options
- ✗Pre-1950 age means condition and shutter reliability can vary significantly between examples
Videos — Goerz 19" f/11
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Frequently Asked Questions — Goerz 19" f/11
What film formats is this Goerz lens compatible with?+
The lens is compatible with sheet film formats including 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10. It is designed for large format film photography using sheet film.
What mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses a lens board mount designed for technical cameras, which is the standard mounting system for large format lenses. It falls within the category of large format barrel lenses.
Does this lens support flash?+
No. Flash compatibility is listed as none for this lens, so photographers will need to work with available light or plan alternative lighting setups that do not rely on direct flash synchronization.
What is the maximum aperture of this lens?+
The maximum aperture is f/11. This is a characteristic of many longer focal length large format lenses and reflects the optical design of this pre-1950 optic.
When was this lens manufactured?+
The lens is classified as pre-1950, meaning it was manufactured before 1950. Buyers should inspect individual examples carefully, as age can affect shutter function and optical condition.
Does this lens have autofocus?+
No. The focus type is manual focus only, which is standard for large format lenses of this era. Focusing is performed by adjusting the camera's bellows and ground glass as with all large format systems.