Vintage Bell & Howell 2 Inch 16mm f/1.2 Projector Lens Part# 021247 w/Box RARE

Vintage Bell & Howell 2 Inch 16mm f/1.2 Projector Lens Part# 021247 w/Box RARE

An amazing find for vintage projector enthusiasts! Made in the USA. This lens, manufactured by Bell & Howell, is part of over a hundred items of remaining inventory from the Cairo Camera Shop.

BACKSTORY:  Frank G Cairo, Owner of the Cairo Camera Shop  

Frank Cairo moved from the Bronx, New York to Kenosha, WI in 1943.  The next year, after getting married, he acquired the neighborhood grocery store next door and made it into Cairo Camera Shop.  He operated the store for over fifty years until his death in 1997.

He loved cameras, projectors, movie stars and movies and was the photographer for the local auto workers union. He began collecting 8, 16 and 35mm films.  Eventually, Cairo Home Movies became the largest private film collection in Wisconsin.  In addition to renting films and projectors, he would take and show movies at parties and events. In the summers, he had free outdoor movie nights for neighborhood kids. If you would like to see a 5 minute video about Frank Cairo and his camera shop as told by his son, see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqCoUsiGfaA

Now, after 25 years, the family is selling its well-kept collection of vintage camera and movie equipment and memorabilia.  The family hopes you will have the opportunity in the coming weeks and months to enjoy some of the items being sold as they have all these years.

Based on my internet research, this type of lens was used with projection equipment.

Approx. Dimensions: 3-1/2" L x 1-1/8" W (projector side) x 2-3/16" W (lens end) 

Approx. Weight of Lens: 0 lb, 12.8 ozs 

Sold as is. No warranty from the seller. No Returns.

CONDITION NOTE: Used, but in overall mint condition given its age, looks like it may have never been used. Not tested but everything seems in amazing condition. The lens optics appear clean and clear with no scratches, chips, streaks, fungus, fog or haze that I can see (see pictures). The lens body appears to be free from nicks, dents, scratches, or other marks from what I can see (see pictures). This lens does not include inner and outer lens caps. This lens comes with its original box (which does have edge wear), but does not include any original packaging or instruction manual. The lens will be carefully packed and insured for safe shipping. See detailed high resolution (zoom-able) pictures to know what you are purchasing.