Dallmeyer (J.H.) 10 Inch f/4.5 Portrait Anastigmat
The Dallmeyer 10 Inch f/4.5 Portrait Anastigmat is a large-format brass-and-glass portrait lens from the long-established London optical maker J.H. Dallmeyer. With a 10-inch (approximately 254mm) focal length and an f/4.5 maximum aperture, it was designed for studio portraiture on plate and large-format cameras, where its long focal length and wide aperture suited flattering head-and-shoulders work.
Auction evidence for this Dallmeyer is thin: the only confirmed UK auction hammer result on file is £336 from November 2018, which sets the single reference point for what this lens sells for at saleroom level (hammer prices exclude buyer's and seller's commission). With just one data point, the current 2026 market value for a clean, working example is best treated as broadly in that region rather than a defined range, and condition, completeness of flange, and glass clarity will swing the price materially.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2018 | £336 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 1359) Title: A J. H. Dallmeyer Portrait Anastigmat f/4.5 10" Brass Lens
Description:
serial no. 178783, body, G, elements, G-VG, some light marks and haze to rear element |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Dallmeyer 10 Inch f/4.5 Portrait Anastigmat worth today?
Based on the only verified UK auction hammer record on file, one example sold for £336 in 2018; with such limited data the present-day value is best anchored around that figure, adjusted for condition.
How much does a Dallmeyer 10 Inch f/4.5 Portrait Anastigmat sell for at auction?
The single recorded UK saleroom result is £336 (hammer, excluding commission), so individual price outcomes can vary significantly from that benchmark depending on glass condition and completeness.
What was this lens designed for?
It is a portrait anastigmat intended for studio portraiture on large-format plate cameras, where the 10-inch focal length and f/4.5 aperture give a flattering perspective and shallow depth of field on head-and-shoulders subjects.
What should I check before buying one?
Look for fungus, haze and balsam separation in the glass, oil on the aperture blades, smooth focus action, and confirm the lens still has a usable flange or mounting solution for your camera.