Hi everyone,

I'm new to both this forum and large format photography, so please excuse any newbie language or mistakes.

Having discovered a vintage brass Petzval style lens that belonged to my grandfather, I was hoping there would be an expert or two on this forum who could shed some light on it for me, as I can't seem to find much info online.

I have a few questions about the lens, and if any of you can help me in answering them I'd be hugely grateful.


1. What type of lens is this (Petzval, magic lanter etc) and how can I tell?

2. What camera would this be suitable for (full, half, quarter plate etc)?

3. How old would a lens like this be?

4. What sort of price is this kind of lens worth?

5. It was in a pretty grimey condition and I (perhaps foolishly) cleaned it and polished it up a bit. Would this have lessened it's value?



Below is a list of information about it, and I have attached some photos. Hope this helps.

  • Brass construction
  • Lens glass is all clean, and in very condition.
  • Lens and mounting ring threads are in perfect and smooth working order.
  • 'Tangent' focusing mechanism is well cleaned and running very smoothly.
  • 65mm - width at far lens end
  • 80mm - length (from mounting plate to end of lens when fully extended)
  • 40mm - front and rear lens glass diameter
  • 78mm - diameter of mounting plate
  • 30mm(approx) - aperture/entrance pupil diameter


Click image for larger version. 

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Many thanks!