differences between petzval and normal lens ??

[alex from holland]

hello all,

Beside some 4 x5 pinhole experiments i am new to large format photography.
I december i will take my first steps into wetplate photgraphy.
reading on this forum a lot, many times i see people talking about Petzval characteritics.
Can anyone explane to me what is so special about these lenses ?

mayby with some samples showing the difference between a petval and a normal lens ?

many thanks

Alex

[csant]

Petzval Portrait Lenses and Their History is a good starting point.

[goamules]

And here is an article with examples of their use:
http://creativeimagemaker.co.uk/mod/...iew.php?id=120

This is a site where people post pictures taken with petzval lenses, so you can decide for yourself:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/868027@N25/