Staeble
Contents
- 1 History
- 2 Cameras
- 3 Lenses fitted in cameras
- 3.1 Aeroplast
- 3.2 Choroplast
- 3.3 Citonar
- 3.4 Citoplast
- 3.5 Color-Ultralit (Braun Color-Ultralit)
- 3.6 Extra-Rapid Aplanat
- 3.7 Hellaplast
- 3.8 Isoplast
- 3.9 Kata
- 3.10 Katagon
- 3.11 Kataplast
- 3.12 Kuhn's Anachromat (1928)
- 3.13 Lineogon
- 3.14 Lineoplast
- 3.15 Medioplast
- 3.16 Monoplast
- 3.17 Neoplast
- 3.18 Polyplast
- 3.19 Protoplast
- 3.20 Super-Choro
- 3.21 Super-Ultralit (Braun Super-Ultralit)
- 3.22 Tachyplast
- 3.23 Telon
- 3.24 Telon - R
- 3.25 Telexon
- 3.26 Teronar
- 3.27 Tessaplast
- 3.28 Ultralit
- 3.29 Ultraplast
- 3.30 Unoplast
- 4 Projector lenses
- 5 Enlarger lenses
- 6 Other Optics
- 7 Bibliography
- 8 Links
- 9 Notes
History
The Staeble Lens Factory in Schongau/Lech in 1958 (Image rights) |
Camera industry in Munich |
Agfa | Deckel | Eder | Enna | Friedrich | Kilfitt | Leitmeyr | Linhof | Niezoldi & Krämer | Perka | Rex | Rietzschel | Rodenstock | Staeble | Steinheil |
The Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble & Co ('Staeble') was a German company, founded on 5 May 1908 with a capitalisation of 120,000 Reichsmark. Principals were the German scientist, physicist (optics) and mathematician Dr. Franz Staeble (*1876 †1950), and engineers Alfred Neumann[1] and Oskar Jaeger,[2] the latter listed as 'business manager'.[3] The company primarily made lenses for cameras, binoculars, projectors and enlargers, but prior to World War II also produced entire cameras.[4] The company traded under a number name variations.[5] The demand for Staeble lenses was considerable, with the company proudly announcing that more than 25,000 lenses had been manufactured by Spring 1913.[6] This led to a concomittant expansion of the production facilities. In addition to lenses marketed under its own name, Staeble was an OEM who supplied lenses to a range of German manufacturers both prior to and after World War II.
In 1930 Rodenstock acquired the patent(s) to some of the Staeble inventions[7] as well as lens designs.[8] By 1938 the company traded as Fotop Jaeger, Friedl & Co suggesting that both Neumann's and Staeble's shares in the company had been bought out salesman Otto Friedl and his wife.[9]
During World War II, and presumably also during World War I, Staeble also manufactured military optics, especially gunsights.The Staeble production facility was based initially in Munich but by 1944[10] was moved to Altenstadt near Schongau am Lech (Bavaria) to escape the threat of Allied bombing raids.[11] By 1952 all of the Staeble-Werk has been acquired by the Friedl, and was renamed Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble, Friedl & Co. KG.[12] It was bought out by Agfa in 1969.[13]
Cameras
Staeble lenses can be found in a number of no-name cameras distributed by major German mail-order houses, such as KaDeWe prior to World War I.[14] It is quite possible that Staeble provided the camera bodies as well. Specific Staeble models are:
- Tri-Color Camera (1936)
- Tricolor-Camera for 9 x 12 cm plates fitted with "Dr. Staeble Doppel-Anastigmat Choroplast f/6.3 19.5 cm in Compur.[15]
- Unoplast 10x15 (~1925)
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Dr. Staeble Unoplast with Polyplast f/6.3 16.5cm |
Lenses fitted in cameras
Staeble was an OEM who supplied lenses to a range of German manufacturers such as Braun, Contessa-Nettel, Finetta, Kalos, King, Neidig, Potthof, Saraber, Wirgin, Genos, Ising, Kürbi & Niggeloh, Linden, Mozar, Pohlack und Seidel.[18] In addition, Staeble lenses can be found in a number of no-name cameras distributed by major German mail-order houses, such as KaDeWe prior to World War I.[14]
Aeroplast
Choroplast
- Series I f/3.9 available as 12, 15, 18, 21, 25, 36 and 48cm[20]
- Series II f/4.5 available as 12, 15, 18, 21, 25, 36 and 48cm[20]
- Series III f/6.3 available as 7.5, 10.5, 12, 13.5. 16.5, 19.5, 24, 27.5, 32 and 36cm[20]
- Series IV f/6.3 available as 7.5, 10.5, 12, 13.5. 16.5, 19.5, 24, 27.5, 32 and 38cm[20]
- Series IV f/6.8 available as 7.5, 10.5, 12, 13.5. 16.5, 19.5, 24, and 27.5cm[20]
Citonar
supplied to Contessa-Nettel[19]
Citoplast
a double Anastigmat (Doppel-Anastigmat) design
- f/6.3 13.5cm
- in Derval shutter in vertical plate camera 9 x 12 with single expansion bellows and fixed front board [14]
- in Derval or Ibsor shutter in a no-name vertical plate camera 9 x 12 with double expansion bellows and adjustable front board (vertically and horizontally)[14]
- in Derval or Ibsor shutter in a no-name vertical plate camera 9 x 12 with fully adjustable double expansion bellows and adjustable front board (vertically and horizontally)[14]
- f/6.3 16.5cm
- in Derval or Ibsor shutter in a no-name vertical plate camera 9 x 12 with double expansion bellows and adjustable front board (vertically and horizontally)[14]
- in Derval or Ibsor shutter in a no-name vertical plate camera 10 x 15 with single expansion bellows and adjustable front board (vertically and horizontally)[14]
also supplied to Contessa-Nettel[19]
Color-Ultralit (Braun Color-Ultralit)
Extra-Rapid Aplanat
- f/7.7 avaiable as 10.5, 13.5 16.5 and 19.5cm[20]
- f/7.7 13.5cm
- f/7.7 15.5cm
- f/7.7 16.5cm
Hellaplast
Isoplast
a double Anastigmat (Doppel-Anastigmat) design
- f5.8
- f/5.8 13.5cm
- f/5.8 16.5cm
Kata
- f2.8/45mm
Katagon
- f/2.5 45mm
- f/2.8 50mm
- fitted in Braun Paxettecameras[19][21]
- f/4.5 60mm
- as part of the Novoflex bellows [21]
Kataplast
Kuhn's Anachromat (1928)
the original Imagon[26]
Lineogon
Lineoplast
Medioplast
Monoplast
- f/7.7 available as 7.5, 11.5, 14.5, 19.5, 22, 30, 42, and 54cm[20]
Neoplast
Polyplast
Polyplast multi-lens lens set of 1912 with custom mount.[28]
Protoplast
- f/6.8 available as 9, 12, 13.5, 16.5, 19.5, 24, 27.5, 30 and 36cm[20]
Super-Choro
Staeble-Telon f/5.6 85mm image by John-Henry Collinson (Image rights) |
Super-Ultralit (Braun Super-Ultralit)
Tachyplast
- f/3.2 available as 15, 18.5, 26, 36 and 48cm[20]
Telon
Telon - R
Telexon
Staeble-Telexon f/5.6 85mm image by Alf Sigaro (Image rights) |
Teronar
supplied to Contessa-Nettel[19]
Tessaplast
a double Anastigmat (Doppel-Anastigmat) design
- f/5.5 13.5cm
- f/5.5 16.5cm
also supplied to Contessa-Nettel[19]
Ultralit
see also Color-Ultralit and Super-Ultralit
Ultraplast
Unoplast
an Anastigmat
Projector lenses
Halogon
- f/2.8 85mm[21]
Katagon
Paxigon
- f/2.8 85mm
Proj.-Kata
- f/2.8 85mm[21]
Proj.-Katagon
- f/2.8 85mm[21]
Proj.Trigon
- f/2.8 85mm[21]
Stellagon
- f/2.8 85mm[21]
Stellar
Super-Stellagon
- f/2.8 85mm
- in Braun Paximat deLuxe N24+J
Suprar
Trigon
- f/2.8 85mm[21]
Enlarger lenses
Katagon
- f/4.5 60mm[21]
Telexon – E
Ultragon
Other Optics
Binoculars
mentioned in a 1913 advertisement[31]
Gun Sights / Rifle Scopes
Telescopes
mentioned in a 1913 advertisement[34]
Bibliography
Cover of the 1914 Staeble Catalogue image by Dirk HR Spennemann (Image rights) |
Catalogues
- Photographische Objektive und Kameras : Katalog Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble & Co. Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung. München: Druck der G. Franz'schen Hofbuchdruckerei 1908. 39 pp.
- Hauptkatalog über photographische Objektive & Kameras, Projektions-Apparate und Fernrohre. Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble & Co. G.m.b.H. München, Daiser Str. 15. München: Staeble, 1912. 112pp.
- Photographische Objektive. Ausgabe 1914. Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble & Co G.m.b.H. München, Daiser Str. 15. München: Staeble, 1914. [exact imprint date15 May 1914]. 64 pp.
- Photo-Optik und Kameras. Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble & Co. G.m.b.H München, Lindwurmstrasse 88. München: Staeble [printed by Graphische Kunstanstalt Josef C. Huber, Diessen vor München], [October] 1926, 52pp.
- Preisschlüssel m38 in Reichsmark über Photo-Optik, zu Prospekt Nr. 38, gültig ab August 1938. Fotop Jaeger, Friedl & Co, München 15, Lindwurmstrasse 88. 4pp
- [Polyplast and Neoplast Catalog] Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble, Friedl & Co. KG. Schongau. (n.d.) (after 1958) 6pp.
Other
- Thiele, Hartmut (2008) Staeble-Optik. Die Geschichte des Optischen Werkes, Aufstellung der gesamten Objektivfertigung von 1917 bis 1972. München: Lindemanns Fotobuchhandlung. 72pp.
Patents
Dr. Franz Staeble
- Vorrichtung zur Bestimmung der richtigen Einstellentfernung und notwendigen Abblendung optischer Instrumente hinsichtlich der Tiefenschärfe. Inventor Dr. Franz Staeble. Applicant Rosenstock Optik GmbH. Filed 7 March 1929, granted 27 April 1931. German Patent DE523739 ©
Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble, Friedl & Co. KG
- Fernrohrbildsucher. Inventor and Applicant Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble, Friedl & Co. KG. Filed 25 September 1952, granted 20 November 1952. German Patent DE1646813 (U)
- Fotographisches Auswelchesobjektiv verschiedenster Brennweite mit Schneckengang und Irisblende. Inventor and Applicant Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble, Friedl & Co. KG. Filed 7 March 1953, granted 13 May 1953.German Patent DE1655434 (U)
- Irisblende. Vorzugsweise für Objektive von automatischen Kameras mit Belichtings- oder Druckblendensteuerung. Inventor and Applicant Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble, Friedl & Co. KG. Filed 27 February 1960, granted 19 May 1960. German Patent DE1811662 (U)
- Zielfernrohr für Luftgewehre. Inventor and Applicant Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble, Friedl & Co. KG. Filed 27 June 1963, granted 4 November 1965. German Patent DE1204424 (B)
- Projektionsapparat. Inventor and Applicant Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble, Friedl & Co. KG. Filed 16 July 1965, granted 20 June 1968. German Patent DE1987967 (U)
Links
- Hauptkatalog über photographische Objektive & Kameras, Projektions-Apparate und Fernrohre. Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble & Co. G.m.b.H. München, Daiser Str. 15. München, Staeble, 1912. 112pp. Catalogue extracts at www.cameraeccentric.com
- Staeble Optik Polyplast and Neoplast Catalog n.d. (after 1958) at www.cameraeccentric.com
- Staeble Horizontal 10x15 at Christies
Notes
- ↑ 'Ing[engieur]' Alfred Neumann.
- ↑ 'Dipl[om]-Ing[engieur]' Oskar Jaeger.
- ↑ Photographische Korrespondenz. Photographische Gesellschaft in Wien, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Photographie vol. 45, 1908, p. 284.— Der Mechaniker vol. 16, 1909, p. 117).
- ↑ eg. Photographische Objektive und Kameras : Katalog Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble & Co. Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung. München: Druck der G. Franz'schen Hofbuchdruckerei 1908.—Photo-Optik und Kameras. Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble & Co. München: Staeble, 1926, 52pp.
- ↑ It was also known as (addresses are given where available):
Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble & Co. G.m.b.H (1912) in München, Daiser Strasse 15 (1912 Catalogue);
Dr. Staeble-Werk (~1913) in Daiserstrasse 15, München F50 (1913 newspaper advertisement offered on eBay); (1914 Catalogue [see listing]; (1919 newspaper advertisement on Flickr);
Dr. Staeble-Werk m.b.H. (~1913) in München B 10 (1913 newspaper advertisement offered on eBay);
Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble & Co. (~1914) in München X (newspaper advertisement for May 1914 offered on eBay); (1926) in München 2 SW7, Lindwurmstrasse 88 (1926 Catalogue)
Fotop Jaeger, Friedl & Co (1938) München 15, Lindwurmstrasse 88 (1938 price list)
Staeble-Werk or simply
Dr. Staeble. - ↑ Photographische Objektive. Ausgabe 1914. Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble & Co G.m.b.H. München, Daiser Str. 15. München: Staeble, 1914, p. 3.
- ↑ Vorrichtung zur Bestimmung der richtigen Einstellentfernung und notwendigen Abblendung optischer Instrumente hinsichtlich der Tiefenschärfe. Inventor Dr. Franz Staeble. Applicant Rosenstock Optik GmbH. Filed 7 March 1929, granted 27 April 1931. German Patent DE523739 ©
- ↑ A History of the Imagon lens by Dr. Alfons Schultz
- ↑ Preisschlüssel m38 in Reichsmark über Photo-Optik, zu Prospekt Nr. 38, gültig ab August 1938. Fotop Jaeger, Friedl & Co, München 15, Lindwurmstrasse 88. 4pp.
- ↑ For Munich addresses see a previous footnote
- ↑ Address 1952/1953: Bahnhofstrasse 6 (Fernrohrbildsucher. Inventor and Applicant Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble, Friedl & Co. KG. Filed 25 September 1952, granted 20 November 1952. German Patent DE1646813 (U)).
Address 1958: Südliche Römerstrasse 18-26, Altenstadt (see [Polyplast and Neoplast Catalog] Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble, Friedl & Co. KG. Schongau. (n.d.) (~ 1958) 6pp.).
Address 1960: Römerstrasse 104 (see Irisblende. Vorzugsweise für Objektive von automatischen Kameras mit Belichtings- oder Druckblendensteuerung. Inventor and Applicant Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble, Friedl & Co. KG. Filed 27 February 1960, granted 19 May 1960. German Patent DE1811662 (U)). - ↑ See Handelregister HRB 46245.—For 1952 date see Fernrohrbildsucher. Inventor and Applicant Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble, Friedl & Co. KG. Filed 25 September 1952, granted 20 November 1952. German Patent DE1646813 (U).—See also German trademark issued on 24 Dec 1958: Wort-Bildmarke von Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble, Friedl & Co (DE732266). extended (by Agfa 24 December 1988, cancelled 17 October 2000.
- ↑ Der Druckspiegel, vol 24 (1969), Issue 9-12, p. 62.—On 13 June 1988 Agfa applied for the trademark STAEBLE Wortmarke von Agfa-Gevaert AG (DE1126417); trademark extinguished 1 July 2008.
- ↑ 14.00 14.01 14.02 14.03 14.04 14.05 14.06 14.07 14.08 14.09 14.10 14.11 14.12 14.13 14.14 14.15 Photographische Apparate. Kaufhaus des Westens. Illustrierter Hauptkatalog 1913, p. 135. The 'Kaufhaus des Westens' was a Berlin-based department store and mail-order house.
- ↑ Auktion Team Köln 2006 Lot 922.—Larger pictures Auktion Team Köln.
- ↑ Norway Photomuseum
- ↑ Photographica Collection Dirk HR Spennemann made in 1927
- ↑ Thiele, Hartmut (2008) Staeble-Optik. Die Geschichte des Optischen Werkes, Aufstellung der gesamten Objektivfertigung von 1917 bis 1972. München: Lindemanns Fotobuchhandlung.
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 19.5 19.6 Wilkinson, M. and Glanfield, C. A lens collector's vade mecum. Version 07/05/2001. Distributed as a CD or PDF file
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 20.5 20.6 20.7 20.8 20.9 Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble & Co. G.M.b.H Muenchen. 1912 Catalogue extracts at www.cameraeccentric.com
- ↑ 21.00 21.01 21.02 21.03 21.04 21.05 21.06 21.07 21.08 21.09 21.10 21.11 21.12 21.13 21.14 21.15 21.16 21.17 21.18 21.19 21.20 21.21 21.22 21.23 21.24 21.25 21.26 21.27 21.28 21.29 21.30 21.31 21.32 Seen in an eBay auction December 2012,
- ↑ Christies Lot 409 / Sale 4881.
- ↑ Breker September 2006 Lot 948
- ↑ Unknown Vest Pocket Strut Camera at Antique & Vintage Photographic Equipment.
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 Perlux in Classic Cameras.
- ↑ Staeble, Franz (1928) Anachromat Kühn«, Photographische Rundschau und Mitteilungen vol. 65, pp. 189-190.—A History of the Imagon lens by Dr. Alfons Schultz.— Young, William Russell (2008) The soft-focus lens and Anglo-American pictorialism. Thesis. University of St Andrews.
- ↑ Westlicht 21/Lot 561
- ↑ Some commentators were very critical: "Occasionally, for some reason, a designer will try the effect of combining two dissimilar cemented components about a central stop. It is hard to see the virtue of such an arrangement,except perhaps as an economy measure." (Kingslake, Rudolf [1989] A history of the photographic lens. London: Academic Press, p. 102)
- ↑ via flickr
- ↑ Diaprojektor "Paximat" in Industrie- und Filmmuseum Wolfen
- ↑ Offered on eBay as a newspaper clipping without actual source given.
- ↑ For patent see: Zielfernrohr für Luftgewehre. Inventor and Applicant Optisches Werk Dr. Staeble, Friedl & Co. KG. Filed 27 June 1963, granted 4 November 1965. German Patent DE1204424 (B).
- ↑ Various on-line auctions for guns
- ↑ Offered on eBay as a newspaper clipping without actual source given.