Description
Rare JL Nerlien Studio Camera with E Suter Basel Rapid Portrait No. 5 Lenses

For sale is a rare studio camera from the early 20th century, sold by JL Nerlien (Bergen), equipped with a powerful E. Suter Basel Rapid Portrait No. 5 brass lenses. The camera is built for large format and wet plate photography, and is excellent as a collector's item or for exhibition.

• Large-format studio camera from the early 20th century
• E. Suter Basel Rapid Portrait No. 5 lenses (350mm f/4.3)
• Petzval construction, ideal for portrait photography
• Adjustable movements for precise focusing and composition
• Original wooden stand included
• Beautifully patinated wood with brass fittings
• Suitable for wet plates, dry plates, tintype

The camera is in good physical condition, but not functionally tested. Some restoration or adjustment may be necessary.
• Original wooden stand included
• Wear in line with age: small scratches, oxidation and wood wear
• Internally not inspected - some parts may be missing

Comments from some enthusiasts:

"Rapid Portrait no. 5 from E. Suter Basel, 350mm f4.3 is the lens. The value cannot be confirmed unless I see all the glass (transparency, preferably disassembled), but I have previously sold the same lens in a restored condition (I restore brass optics) for 15,000 on Ebay."

"If the glass is without defects (separation, mold, haze, scratches, etc.) it can be restored, and then you can get a little for it."

"There is a big difference in the value of brass optics, the cameras usually go for a few thousand. It really depends on the location. If you live in a big city, there is a greater chance that people will want to pick it up. With that stand underneath, the logistics can quickly become problematic, so it affects a lot."

"No, no, I think the total value is maybe 10–15 right now, if you're lucky. Such a camera is not so easy to sell."

"So then you have the best odds when it comes to getting something for the camera. The lens would be easy to sell if it was restored and you had contact with international wet plate photo environments."

"The camera was sold by JL Nerlien in Bergen, a photo shop."

"The lens is a number 5, it says 5 on the picture."

"Wet plate collodion, tintype, dry plates – all these processes can be used with this camera. But I have no idea if there are filters for mobile, I deal with physical processes, not mobile photography."

"The lens is fast enough for wet plates, and that's probably where it would be used today."

"For wet plates there are two environments in Norway, one in Oslo and one in Trøndelag."

"Estimated used value as of today: Lens alone (restored) can be sold for around SEK 15,000. Camera and lens together, not restored, estimated value between SEK 10,000-15,000 depending on the interest of the buyer."

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(English Translation)
are JL Nerlien Studio Camera with E. Suter Basel Rapid Portrait No. 5 Lens

For sale is a rare early 20th-century studio camera by JL Nerlien (Bergen), featuring a powerful E. Suter Basel Rapid Portrait No. 5 brass lenses. Designed for large-format and wet plate photography, this is a beautiful collector's or display piece.

• Early 1900s large-format studio camera
• E. Suter Basel Rapid Portrait No. 5 lens (350mm f/4.3)
• Petzval construction, ideal for portrait photography
• Adjustable movements for precise focus and composition
• Includes original wooden tripod
• Beautifully patinated wood with brass fittings
• Suitable for wet plate, dry plate, tintype processes

Condition:
The camera is in good physical condition but has not been tested for functionality. Some restoration or adjustments may be needed.
• Original wooden tripod included
• Age-appropriate wear: minor scratches, oxidation, wood wear
• Internal components not inspected – some parts may be missing

This item is still available as of August 31, 2025.

— AN 20250831