Petzval 300mm - need help with identification

**renes** · 20-Jan-2010, 13:16

I made trade for this petzval lens, condition is superb, glass is outstanding with no baslam separation or scratch. But I can not identify who was the maker of this beautiful petzval with rack and double pinion, what is the f/stop (front lens diameter is 42mm, rear 47mm), coverage and what was it made for (projection, portrait)?

There only writing is on the front ring lens, and this is all I can read:

Omin II, Serie I (or L, D?) F=300mm No. 2056

Hope someone can help with identification becouse I could not find info about this lens. I made quick pics but the lens looks much better than on the photos.

I wonder if to sell it (it does not fit to my Bergheil 9x12 lensboard) or is it worth to buy for it a Speed Graflex 4x5...

**Steven Tribe** · 20-Jan-2010, 13:32

Omin is the name of slide projector optics made by Meyer (thanks to VM!). That is what it looks like too.

**renes** · 20-Jan-2010, 14:21

Originally Posted by Steven Tribe

Omin is the name of slide projector optics made by Meyer (thanks to VM!). That is what it looks like too.

Steven,

This is all about Omin projection lens in your VM ?

This is for sure petzval, does it?

Hope someone from forum members had experiences with Hugo Meyer petzvals & can write a bit about them.

**Steven Tribe** · 20-Jan-2010, 15:46

12-80cm focal lengths. Nothing about Petzvals though. Yours has an F around 7. It looks exactly like a petzval - but it should be easy to see/illuminate the rear pair to confirm (dust on surfaces and no. of reflections). The big sizes must have been on episcopes etc and there is no Meyer name as these were all over the projector body.

**walter23** · 20-Jan-2010, 21:16

You should be able to get a beat up speed graphic for not too much money. Might be worthwhile?

**walter23** · 20-Jan-2010, 21:18

Originally Posted by renes

This is for sure petzval, does it?

Petzvals can be identified by the formula of the optics. The front lens has two elements that are cemented together. The back has two elements that are separated; you can see the reflections between them when you look.

I'm not sure if there are other lenses using a similar glass configuration (but different elements), but I think generally when you see it if you've got a petzval lens.