This is a classic piece of vintage cinema history: the Bell & Howell SUPER COMAT 1 Inch (25mm) f/1.9 lens. This particular model is confirmed to be Made by Taylor, Taylor & Hobson Ltd. England, one of the most respected optical houses in the world, lending a pedigree of quality to this standard cine lens.

The 1-inch (25mm) focal length is the traditional normal perspective for the 16mm film format. Its fast f/1.9 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light performance and allows for cinematic depth-of-field control.

The lens features the standard C-Mount screw thread, making it a perfect fit for vintage 16mm cameras like the Bolex and Bell & Howell Filmo series. This lens is famous among enthusiasts for its unique optical character, sometimes producing a desired swirly bokeh when adapted to modern mirrorless digital cameras.

Technical Specifications (Bell & Howell Super Comat 1 Inch f/1.9)

• Focal Length: 1 Inch (25mm) (Standard/Normal)
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.9
• Lens Mount: C-Mount (16mm Cine)
• Aperture Range: f/1.9 to f/22 (Manual Control)
• Focusing: Manual Focus (Distance scale visible in feet: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 20, INF)
• Origin: Made by Taylor, Taylor & Hobson Ltd, England
• Optical Design: Super Comat Formula

Condition Report

The lens is in Good (G) working condition but shows cosmetic wear typical of its vintage age.

• Optics: The glass elements are clear. We find no fungus or separation. Minor internal dust is expected but does not affect image quality.
• Mechanism: The focusing and aperture rings operate smoothly and correctly.
• Cosmetic: The chrome barrel shows moderate scuffing and tarnishing (visible in images), which is purely aesthetic wear on the aluminum surface.
• Note: Sold as a standalone lens; no caps or accessories are included in this listing.