Lot 114543

Super Baltar 20mm f/2.0 Bausch & Lomb Cine Lens Optical Block B&L Cat No 51-15-32 | 'The Godfather'

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Lot 114543
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Super Baltar 20mm f/2.0 Bausch & Lomb Cine Lens Optical Block B&L Cat No 51-15-32 | 'The Godfather'
Super Baltar 20mm f/2.0 Bausch & Lomb Cine Lens Optical Block B&L Cat No 51-15-32 | 'The Godfather'
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Super Baltar 20mm f/2.0 Bausch & Lomb Cine Lens Optical Block B&L Cat No 51-15-32 | 'The Godfather'

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Current Bid: $500

(19 Bids)
by Ace Of Estates
August 16, 2026 2:00 PM MST
Timed Auction

Carefree, AZ, US 85377

Condition:
Considered to be in exceptional, near-new-old-stock condition. All indications suggest this optical block was never mounted or used, having been preserved in its original box since the 1960s. The aperture blades move smoothly and retain their original delicate factory texture, a hallmark of minimal to no operational use. Optically, the glass is remarkably clear for its age; under intense direct light, some minor internal dust particulates are visible, which is entirely expected and unavoidable over six decades. There is a potential for a very faint, uniform haze consistent with age, though it is not readily apparent and unlikely to affect image quality. There is absolutely no fungus, separation, or scratching to the optical elements. The anodized aluminum exterior body is in excellent state, with crisp, bright lettering. The included original box exhibits considerable shelf wear, including scuffed edges, bumped corners, and age-toning, bearing witness to its long-term storage role. Please note the factory misprint on the box label, which reads 'f/2.8' while the lens is correctly marked and manufactured as 'f/2.0'. Includes original B&L branded front cap and rear cap.

Item Description
Weight: Lens by Itself: 580.5 grams
In original Box: 1lbs 8.8oz

To hold this Bausch & Lomb Super Baltar is to hold a crucial piece of cinematic history. It is not merely a lens, but an instrument of light and shadow that painted the visual language of Hollywood's most revered era. Often called the 'Stradivarius' of cinema lenses, the Super Baltar series possesses an inimitable character, a warmth and texture that defined the chiaroscuro grit of films like *The Godfather* and the saturated tension of Hitchcock's *The Birds*. What we present here is a time-capsule discovery: a 20mm f/2.0 optical block, preserved in a state so pristine it defies its sixty-year vintage. This is a rare opportunity to acquire the foundational element of a legendary image, awaiting its commission into a new generation of filmmaking.

The Cinematographer's 'Blank Canvas':
For the discerning director of photography or high-end rental house, the discovery of a bare, unmounted optical block is the ultimate prize. In the process of converting these vintage optics for the rigors of a modern film set, the original, heavy 1960s mechanical housings are invariably discarded. This offering represents the pure, unadulterated soul of the lens—the glass itself—ready to be sent to a master lens technician at a firm like True Lens Services (TLS). There, it can be 'rehoused' in a precision-engineered, aerospace-grade body with a modern ARRI PL mount, calibrated for wireless follow-focus systems, and prepared for another lifetime of service. This is the perfect starting point, a pure optical core without the burden of obsolete mechanics.

The Antidote to Digital Sterility:
In an age of hyper-sharp, clinically perfect digital sensors, cinematographers actively seek out vintage glass like the Super Baltar to 'take the edge off' and reintroduce a painterly, human quality to the image. The unique optical aberrations and softer rendering of this lens are not flaws; they are the very characteristics that create its magic. It produces an aesthetically sublime image, rendering skin tones with a flattering warmth and smoothness that is almost impossible to replicate with digital filters. It is the definitive tool for transforming the sterile precision of a digital sensor into a canvas of organic texture and depth.

A Legendary Optical Fingerprint:
The Super Baltar's singular visual signature is a symphony of unique mid-century optical engineering. The use of cobalt in the glass formulation produces breathtakingly distinct, multi-hued flares that shift from ultraviolet to blue and green. The contrast is gentle and smooth, rolling off gracefully into the highlights and shadows without ever appearing washed out. When shot wide open, the lens delivers a uniquely textured bokeh and a subtle softness at the edges, drawing the viewer’s eye with a naturalism that modern, technically perfect lenses cannot match. As a fascinating footnote to its history, Bausch & Lomb utilized thorium oxide in the glass to control spherical aberrations, rendering the elements mildly radioactive—a quirky testament to the era's no-holds-barred approach to optical excellence. This is the very DNA that made Gordon Willis's work on *The Godfather I & II* an enduring benchmark in cinematic storytelling.

This is more than an acquisition of equipment; it is an inheritance of a visual legacy, a direct link to the masters of the craft, and a tool to create the iconic images of tomorrow.

  • Manufacturer: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
  • Series: Super Baltar
  • Focal Length: 20mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.0
  • Maximum T-Stop: T2.3
  • Serial Number: 239AF
  • Includes: Original Box (with f/2.8 misprint), Original Front & Rear Caps
  • Lens Dimensions: Approx. 98mm Length x 89mm Diameter
  • Lens Weight: 580.5 grams
  • Boxed Weight: 1 lb 8.8 oz


Flat rate shipping contiguous 48 states: $60.00

Only items pictured are what you will receive. We are not aware of any accessories that are not shown with the unit. If an item requires testing, we do not guarantee long term use. This is an estate item, history is unknown. We are not experts, we do not authenticate items unless otherwise noted. All sales are final. No refunds or returns.

Ref: DD121 | PD1

Dimensions (HxWxD)
Lens: 98mm Long x 89mm diameter x Original Box: 4.06 x 4.14 x 4.3

Weight
Lens by Itself: 580.5 grams
In original Box: 1lbs 8.8oz

Flat Shipping Rate
(Within Contiguous U.S.)
$60.00

Local Pickup
We offer local pickup of your item by appointment only. Once your payment has been processed, you will receive a follow-up email to schedule a pickup time on the specified dates listed below. Detailed directions to the pickup location will be provided once your appointment is confirmed.

Pick-Up Dates/Time:
By Appointment Tuesday 8/18/26, or Wednesday 8/19/26 ,10am to 4pm

Pick-Up Location:
The Town of Cave Creek, Spur Cross & Cave Creek Rd (exact address will be given after purchase is complete)

Item number:
114543

Ref:
DD121
PD1
AUD101
COL600
COL404

  • Dimensions: Lens: 98mm Long x 89mm diameter x Original Box: 4.06 x 4.14 x 4.3
  • Condition: Considered to be in exceptional, near-new-old-stock condition. All indications suggest this optical block was never mounted or used, having been preserved in its original box since the 1960s. The aperture blades move smoothly and retain their original delicate factory texture, a hallmark of minimal to no operational use. Optically, the glass is remarkably clear for its age; under intense direct light, some minor internal dust particulates are visible, which is entirely expected and unavoidable over six decades. There is a potential for a very faint, uniform haze consistent with age, though it is not readily apparent and unlikely to affect image quality. There is absolutely no fungus, separation, or scratching to the optical elements. The anodized aluminum exterior body is in excellent state, with crisp, bright lettering. The included original box exhibits considerable shelf wear, including scuffed edges, bumped corners, and age-toning, bearing witness to its long-term storage role. Please note the factory misprint on the box label, which reads 'f/2.8' while the lens is correctly marked and manufactured as 'f/2.0'. Includes original B&L branded front cap and rear cap.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipping
Most items are eligible for shipping. Each listing includes a flat-rate shipping price for delivery within the Continental U.S. If a shipping price is not listed, it's likely that the item cannot be shipped. If you win multiple items, we will make every effort to combine them for shipping and apply a discount to the total shipping cost. However, please note that large and/or fragile items must be shipped individually.


International Bidders/ International Shipping
All invoices exceeding $1,000.00 USD must be settled through bank wire transfer. We can arrange shipping through a third-party shipper. Please note there are size limitations for each country that we can ship to. If you are unsure, please email and we can verify if it is within the acceptable dimensions. Also, some items may have shipping restrictions to your country. It is your responsibility to verify the legality of the item in your country or state before placing a bid. We will not ship items that are subject to restrictions. Shipping costs will be billed separately after payment for the auction items is received. We will combine and discount shipping fees where applicable.


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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 + $50