A legendary large format (5 x 4) taking lens that formed part of a system whereby various front and rear elements could be combined (or used individually) to create lenses of different focal length. Although being pre-war, Zeiss Protar lenses are still greatly prized by modern photographers for their outstanding image quality. Approximate date of manufacture of this example is 1928/9.

The lens elements (35cm and 22cm) are uncoated and fitted into a Zeiss Ikon Compur shutter. The shutter is in good working order. The order runs 1sec to 200th plus B and T. The lens fitting thread is approximately 41mm. The shutter fixing hole is approximately 46mm, but there is no fixing/securing ring. Zeiss recommend the smaller diameter lens element is fitted at the front. This arrangement yields best sharpness/definition. However, it is also possible to reverse the lens elements without altering focal length, and some users report that having the larger element at the front improves colour rendition.

Condition is very good; the shutter is clean and generally devoid of large marks and scratches. There are small breaks in the paint finish around the circumference of the front plate, showing a little brassing. Optics are clean and free from clouding; very good usable condition. Because of the different lens element combinations, the shutter is not provided with f stop apertures. Instead, aperture is expressed in mm (the diameter of the opening) and this runs from 30mm to 5mm. Tables determine the actual aperture f stop according to the combination of lens elements in use.

The lens is supplied in a leather covered wooden plush-lined hinged presentation box with space for spare lenses.