Petzval ID?

[Scott --]

Hi, all -

I recently picked up a Petzval to cover 8x10. About f/9 with the removable aperture disk installed (about f/6 without it). Measured at infinity to the disk it's about 16"; the glass (fore and aft) has "14 inch" written on the side.

There aren't any markings on the lens, but I'm curious if the collective experience here can recognize the lineage from a few pictures:


IMG_1854 by Scott --, on Flickr


IMG_1855 by Scott --, on Flickr


IMG_1856 by Scott --, on Flickr

Regardless, the lens is in amazing shape. I have film on the way; Tuesday will be a fun day.

Thanks for any thoughts.
Scott

[Steven Tribe]

More photos of brass details required - and of the removable aperture (or "removed" aperture)!

Sounds to slow to be from the pre-WHS era.

[Jim C.]

I'll second what Steven said, is there any engraving on the lens ?
It may be a modified Magic Lantern lens, there's a lot of alligatoring of the
black paint inside.

[Scott --]

There are no markings anywhere on the brass. The only markings at all are the pencil marks shown. The aperture was a simple press fit disk, which popped right out (not a washer) .

[Steven Tribe]

Magic Lantern lens. Many of these are built over the basic design of Petzval photographic lenses. Some american early lenses had comparitively undecorated brass details, like this one. But not with this kind of very solid brass turn wheel or without makers name.
Your last chance is edge pencil/ink marks on the front achromat or the wider of the 2 rear lenses!

[Scott --]

Figured ML, and both the achromat and the rear flint both say "14 inch". Nothing else. I was hoping someone might be able to narrow down the lineage based on size/speed/appearance. Guess not.

Ah, well - the 8x10 Ektascan arrived today. Will see what I can cook up tonight with this lens.

Thanks!