1950s era lenses that will clear a 54mm image circle

[Owen A. Davies]

I'm on the look out for lenses that were manufactured around the 1950s era that will clear a 54mm image circle. They can be either cinema lenses, or photographic lenses: if they are high quality. I've heard a lot of conflicting info regarding which lenses and/or which focal lengths will clear what format size, so I'm interested in hearing some input as well as some suggestions for lenses I haven't mentioned from this era that I may be interested in.

Bausch & Lomb Baltar and Super Baltar? -- 

I've been told that the standard Baltars will clear a larger image circle than their Super Baltar counterparts, though I have heard varying figures as to what that image circle is. Some estimate around a 44mm image circle, whilst others say that the 50mm lenses and above will clear a 54mm circle. Some say the Super Baltar's in their higher focal lenghts (75mm and up) will clear large format, but accounts have varied from person to person, and I have had a few people tell me they'll only clear a 44mm circle. 

Cooke Double Speed Panchro and Dupanchro? --

I hear that Cooke Double Speed Panchros will only really clear VistaVision, but that maybe certain focal lengths will work with a larger format. The Dupanchros will definitely work, but they're one in a million, and I am certain I won't find one of those. Would also like to hear if perhaps some of the higher focal lengths for the Speed Panchros (maybe Ser iii?) will clear 54mm.

Photographic lenses for medium format? --

Lots of photographic lenses used on medium format have been rehoused and used in various projects. People tend to think of lenses made specifically for cinema as the gold standard, but you will always find some gems from that era which began life in the photographic field. I would love to hear about some lenses to keep an eye on.

Edited October 19, 2025 by Owen A. Davies
Additional question

[Steve Switaj]

I don't know your application but you might want to look at older Hasselblad lenses.

The optics were really good, they're pretty affordable now with all the used 'blads saturating the market, and there's something like 61mm of backfocus in the mount, so depending on how you're using them you might be able to get away with just a lens adapter instead of a whole rehousing.

Most of them will have a built-in leaf shutter, but you can lock them open.