Carl Zeiss Tessar Aerial Reconnaissance Lens – 40cm f/1.5 T-Coated

Offered for sale is an original Carl Zeiss Tessar military aerial reconnaissance lens, engraved:

1:1.5 f = 40 cm T

This is a 400mm f/1.5 lens featuring the original Zeiss T anti-reflection coating. Lenses of this specification were manufactured by Carl Zeiss Jena for military aerial photography and surveillance, primarily during the WWII to early Cold War era.

This is not a consumer camera lens. It was designed for fixed aircraft camera installations, reflected by its massive all-metal housing and integrated mounting feet.

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Details

• Manufacturer: Carl Zeiss (Jena)

• Optical Design: Tessar

• Focal Length: 40 cm / 400 mm

• Maximum Aperture: f/1.5

• Coating: Zeiss T

• Era: 1940s–early 1950s

• Mount: Military / fixed installation (no standard camera mount)

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Condition

• Glass: No cracks or chips observed. Coating present. Light dust consistent with age. No obvious fungus or separation visible.

• Housing: Original finish with service wear, scratches, and patina. No repainting.

• Completeness: Lens only, exactly as shown. No caps or accessories.

Lens has not been disassembled or modified and is offered in original, as-found condition.

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Important Notes

• Sold as-is due to age and collectible nature

• Please review photos carefully

• Carefully packed and insured shipping