Matter of the sale is rare German telephoto lens, the Tewe-Berlin Telagon 400mm f/4.5, designed as an interchangeable modular optical head featuring an exceptional circular aperture formed by 23 blued steel blades. The entire unit underwent mechanical servicing and iris blade cleaning by camera technician Mr. Adámek in November 2026, and comes complete with a custom-printed metal front cap.
🆔 Identification and origin: serial number №11077, manufactured in West Berlin (Tewe – Technisch-Wissenschaftliche Werkstätten, late 1950s to early 1960s).
🛠️ Condition and optics: in November 2026, a complete mechanical service and iris cleaning was carried out by camera technician Mr. Adámek. The rare 23-blade blued steel circular aperture is clean, dry, and operates smoothly across the full range from f/4.5 to f/22. The optics show authentic signs consistent with age. The front optical group is permanently integrated into the front barrel; glass is intact with no cracks, no fungus, and no heavy scratches (not mint condition). The rear optical assembly is housed inside the rear aperture section; one of the inner rear elements exhibits coating marks/spots, which is typical for early large telephoto optics. The barrel retains its original black crinkle finish with authentic cosmetic wear and no chassis deformation.
⚙️ Construction and system (optical head): this lens represents a standalone optical head (Objektivkopf) without an integrated focusing helicoid. In the vintage Tewe system, it was mounted into a focusing barrel, bellows unit, or onto a rapid-focus shoulder stock (Gewehrschaft, as illustrated on the custom front cap). The front barrel has an outer diameter of approximately 105 mm, and the rear mounting thread measures approximately 42–45 mm. To adapt and use on modern digital mirrorless or SLR cameras, an appropriate focusing helicoid or adapter setup is required.
⚠️ Sale terms and testing: the lens has not been film-tested or camera-tested and is sold strictly as-is as a collector's item, display piece, or project base for custom build. Due to its size, weight (approx. 2.5 kg / 5.5 lbs), and vintage nature, this sale is final with no returns accepted for international buyers.
🔲 Included accessories: custom metal slip-on front cap (⌀105 mm) in black finish with detailed vintage schematic print, rear screw-on metal cap, and a heavy-duty integrated tripod mount.
📌 Shipping and packing: direct checkout and shipping are available exclusively within the European Union (EU). Express courier delivery only (UPS Express, FedEx Priority, or DHL Express) with end-to-end tracking, full insurance coverage, and signature required upon delivery. Estimated delivery time within the EU is 1 to 3 business days. Due to the massive dimensions (over 40 cm / 16 in in length) and substantial weight (approx. 2.5 kg / 5.5 lbs), shipping outside the European Union is strictly upon request. Non-EU buyers must contact me via direct message for an individual shipping quote prior to purchasing. Purchases from outside the EU without a prior shipping agreement are restricted by system settings and will be canceled. EU-based parcel forwarding addresses and reshipping services used by US, Asian, or other international buyers are accepted, but onward transit is strictly at the buyer's own risk; seller responsibility ends upon verified delivery to the specified EU forwarding address. The lens will be carefully double-boxed and protected for secure transit.
Due to the significant investment and care put into restoring and presenting this item, the price is firm (no offers or discounts).