An obscure Gnome enlarging lens — the Merlin 50mm for basic darkroom use.
The GNOME MERLIN 50mm f/3.5 is an enlarging lens associated with the Gnome brand, a British photographic accessories company that manufactured darkroom equipment for the UK amateur photography market. The MERLIN designation is the Gnome brand name for this lens series.
The lens provides 50mm at f/3.5 maximum aperture with a flat-field design for 35mm negative projection, targeted at the British amateur darkroom market.
Gnome photographic products served the budget end of the British darkroom accessory market. The MERLIN lens series provided an affordable entry point for 35mm enlargement.
Check element clarity. Test aperture ring. Verify mounting thread. Gnome lenses are uncommon outside UK markets.