c. 1950s Tiffen Series #9WA Special Lens Shade
Viridian Eclection
The Piece
A vintage Tiffen Series #9WA Special Lens Shade in its original box, accompanied by a Tiffen #913 adapter ring. The box is marked “All Purpose” Tiffen Series #9WA Special Lens Shade, Made in U.S.A., and labeled from Tiffen Optical Co., Roslyn Heights, L.I., N.Y.
The lens shade itself has a black metal body with a silver knurled ring and clean mid-century photographic equipment styling. It was designed to help reduce glare, flare, and unwanted stray light when mounted to compatible camera lenses through the Series 9 filter/accessory system.
The original packaging is a major part of the appeal: the yellow-and-black Tiffen label, mint-green box, and bold utilitarian typography give it excellent display value for camera collectors, photography studios, prop styling, or vintage office/creative vignettes.
Historical Context
Tiffen is a well-known American manufacturer of photographic filters and imaging accessories. The company’s own site states the brand has been serving image makers for more than 80 years, and Tiffen remains associated with camera filters, lens accessories, and motion-picture tools today. (The Tiffen Company)
Series filter systems were commonly used on vintage cameras for decades. In these systems, an adapter attaches to the lens, a matching Series-size filter or accessory fits into the adapter, and a retaining ring secures the component in place. Series 9 was one of the larger accessory sizes and was often used with larger lenses or professional photographic setups. (Robert Allen Kautz Photography)
This example is marked Series #9WA, with “WA” likely indicating a wide-angle lens shade design. Current vintage camera accessory dealers list Series 9 Tiffen lens hoods and wide-angle lens hoods as collectible/useful accessories, with typical individual pricing often in the $25–$55 range depending on condition and packaging. (Filter Find)
Product Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Item | Vintage Tiffen lens shade with adapter ring |
| Maker | Tiffen Optical Co. |
| Model | Series #9WA Special Lens Shade |
| Adapter Ring | Tiffen #913 adapter ring |
| Origin | Made in U.S.A. |
| Location Marked | Roslyn Heights, L.I., N.Y. |
| Estimated Date | c. 1950s–1960s |
| Material | Black metal lens shade, metal adapter ring, paper/cardboard box |
| Color Palette | Black, silver-tone metal, yellow-and-black label, pale green box |
| Function | Lens shade / hood for compatible vintage camera lenses |
| Condition | Vintage condition with box wear, edge wear, surface marks, and age-related patina |
| Suggested Use | Camera collection, photography studio display, prop styling, desk object, vintage equipment collection |
| Location | Reno, NV Antiques |
Condition
This piece is in vintage condition with age-related wear. The original box shows softened corners, edge wear, surface marks, and general paper aging. The lens shade and adapter ring appear presentable from the photos, with light surface wear consistent with age and use.
Compatibility has not been tested. Buyers should confirm fit with their specific vintage camera or lens system before functional use, because naturally camera accessories were engineered in a way that makes modern humans suffer.
Why It Belongs In Your Home
This is a great small collectible for anyone who loves vintage photography, darkroom culture, old camera gear, or graphic mid-century packaging. The Tiffen box gives it strong visual appeal, while the black metal shade and adapter ring make it more than just empty packaging.
Style it on a desk, bookshelf, studio shelf, photography cabinet, or alongside vintage cameras and film canisters. It has that practical, analog charm that modern plastic accessories only dream about while sitting sadly in blister packaging.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Visit the Eclection on Tuesdays, 10 am to 4 pm.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
