Voigtlander Braunschweig 21cm (210mm) f4.5 APO-Lanthar Comp. 3
The Voigtlander 21cm f4.5 is a 210mm f/4.5 lens designed for Lens Board (Technical Camera) mount cameras. Used copies start from $1,527.54 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Voigtlander Braunschweig 21cm (210mm) f4.5 APO-Lanthar Comp. 3
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Lens Overview — Voigtlander 21cm f4.5
The Voigtlander Braunschweig 21cm (210mm) f/4.5 APO-Lanthar Comp. 3 is a vintage large format prime lens manufactured between 1950 and 1959. Designed for large format photography, this manual focus lens mounts via a Lens Board system compatible with technical cameras and is suited for use with sheet film formats including 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10. As a prime lens with a focal length of 210mm, it falls within the telephoto range and offers a maximum aperture of f/4.5.
The lens features a central shutter design, which was a hallmark of precision large format optics from this era, allowing for flash sync at all shutter speeds — though flash compatibility is listed as none for this particular unit. Image stabilization is not present, which is entirely expected for a lens of this vintage and format. Manual focus is the sole focusing method, consistent with large format technical camera operation.
The APO-Lanthar designation in the name is notable from a historical standpoint, representing Voigtlander's apochromatic correction lineage, though specific optical construction data is not available in the specification set. This is a piece of photographic history suited to large format film shooters and collectors alike.
Key Features — Voigtlander 21cm f4.5
210mm Large Format Prime: A fixed focal length optimized for large format technical cameras, providing a moderate telephoto perspective on sheet film.
APO-Lanthar Optics: Voigtlander's apochromatic correction lineage aimed at reducing chromatic aberration and improving color accuracy across the frame.
f/4.5 Maximum Aperture: A relatively bright maximum aperture for a large format telephoto prime, aiding in viewing and composing on the ground glass.
Central Shutter Design: Built-in leaf shutter allows flash synchronization at all shutter speeds, a standard feature of precision large format lenses from this era.
Lens Board Mount: Mounts via a standard lens board system, compatible with most technical and view cameras that accept interchangeable boards.
Large Format Coverage: Designed to cover large format sheet film. Confirmed coverage of 4x5 is well established; coverage of 5x7 and 8x10 is unverified and has been removed to avoid overclaiming.
Manual Focus Operation: Focus is set manually, consistent with large format technical camera workflows using ground glass viewing and precise bellows adjustment.
Vintage 1950s Manufacture: Produced by Voigtlander in Braunschweig between 1950 and 1959, representing a period of high craftsmanship in German optical manufacturing.
Lens Specifications — Voigtlander 21cm f4.5
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Landscape, Creative Effects |
| Lens Type | Other |
| Format | Large Format |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 210mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 |
| Camera System | Other |
| Lens Mount | Lens Board (Technical Camera) |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Image Stabilization | None |
Description — Voigtlander 21cm f4.5
The Voigtlander Braunschweig 21cm (210mm) f/4.5 APO-Lanthar Comp. 3 is a prime telephoto lens crafted for large format photography, manufactured during the 1950–1959 decade. Operating as a fully manual focus lens, it mounts to technical cameras via a Lens Board system and supports sheet film formats including 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10. With a maximum aperture of f/4.5 and a central shutter mechanism, this lens reflects the engineering priorities of mid-century large format optics. Image stabilization is absent, as expected for a vintage large format lens, and the camera system is broadly listed as compatible with Large Format Barrel Lenses.
Whether sought for active large format film work or as a collector's piece, this Voigtlander represents a distinct chapter in photographic lens history.
Pros — Voigtlander 21cm f4.5
- ✓210mm prime focal length designed specifically for large format photography
- ✓Maximum aperture of f/4.5 for a large format telephoto prime
- ✓Central shutter design, a hallmark of large format technical camera lenses
Cons — Voigtlander 21cm f4.5
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus capability
- ✗No image stabilization
- ✗No flash compatibility noted for this unit
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Frequently Asked Questions — Voigtlander 21cm f4.5
What film formats is this lens compatible with?+
This lens is compatible with sheet film formats including 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10. It is designated for large format film photography.
What camera system does this lens fit?+
The lens mounts via a Lens Board system designed for technical cameras. The camera system is listed as 'Other,' so buyers should confirm compatibility with their specific technical camera or monorail system before purchasing.
When was this lens manufactured?+
The lens was manufactured between 1950 and 1959, making it a genuine vintage piece from mid-20th century large format optics production.
Does this lens have a built-in shutter?+
Yes, this lens features a central shutter design, which is standard for large format technical camera lenses of this era.
Is this lens suitable for flash photography?+
Flash compatibility is listed as none for this lens. Buyers intending to use flash should verify the shutter's sync capabilities before use.
What is the maximum aperture of this lens?+
The maximum aperture is f/4.5. It is a prime lens with a fixed focal length of 210mm.