
( Brand: Voigtl Nder ), ( Focal Length Type: Fixed/prime ), ( Camera Type: Large Format ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: Germany ), ( Type: Petzval ), ( Lens Barrel Material: Brass )
The 15392 antique 1864 Voigtlander Sohn Petzval Portrait Lens by Voigtlander is a truly unique and rare piece of photographic history. This lens, manufactured over 150 years ago, is a testament to the craftsmanship and innovation of the early days of photography.
The Voigtlander Sohn Petzval Portrait Lens is a prime lens, designed specifically for portrait photography. It features a distinctive petzval design, which is characterized by its circular aperture and distinctive bokeh effect, creating a soft, dream-like background that draws attention to the subject.
The lens is made of brass, a material that was commonly used in the 19th century due to its durability and resistance to corrosion. The lens barrel is engraved with intricate details, including the lens name, focal length, and serial number. The lens mount is a 3/4" screw mount, which is not commonly found in modern cameras but can be adapted to many vintage and modern cameras with the right adapter.
The lens has a focal length of 120mm and an aperture range of f/3.5 to f/22. The maximum aperture of f/3.5 allows for a good amount of light to reach the film or digital sensor, while the smaller apertures provide for greater depth of field.
The Voigtlander Sohn Petzval Portrait Lens is a manual focus lens, which means that focus is achieved by turning a ring on the lens barrel. This can take some practice, but the reward is a sense of control over the final image that is not possible with autofocus lenses.
In terms of image quality, the Voigtlander Sohn Petzval Portrait Lens is known for its ability to create beautiful, soft-focus images with a distinct character. The bokeh effect is particularly noteworthy, creating a dream-like quality that can add a certain romanticism to portraits.
In conclusion, the 15392 antique 1864 Voigtlander Sohn Petzval Portrait Lens is a true collector's item and a must-have for any serious photography enthusiast or historian. Its unique design, historical significance, and exceptional image quality make it a one-of-a-kind addition to any photography collection.
Pros of buying a 15392 Antique 1864 Voigtlander Sohn Petzval Portrait Lens:1. Historical Significance: This lens is a piece of photographic history, as it was manufactured in 1864. It is one of the oldest lenses still in existence and has a unique charm that modern lenses cannot replicate.
2. Unique Look: The Petzval design of this lens produces a distinctive swirling bokeh effect, which can add a dreamy and artistic quality to your portraits.
3. Rare and Collectible: Due to its age and rarity, this lens is a valuable collectible and investment. Its condition and originality can significantly impact its value.
4. Manual Focus: The lens' manual focus mechanism allows for a more hands-on and tactile shooting experience, which can be satisfying for some photographers.
Cons of buying a 15392 Antique 1864 Voigtlander Sohn Petzval Portrait Lens:1. Compatibility Issues: This lens is over a century old, and it may not be compatible with modern cameras without an adapter. Ensure that the lens is compatible with your camera body and that the adapter is of good quality to avoid any damage to the lens or camera.
2. Quality and Performance: While the lens' historical significance and unique look are valuable, its performance may not be up to par with modern lenses. The lens may struggle with focusing, have poor sharpness, or suffer from chromatic aberrations.
3. Maintenance and Repair: Antique lenses like this one may require more frequent maintenance and repair than modern lenses. This can be costly and time-consuming.
4. Limited Functionality: The lens' manual focus and lack of autofocus may be limiting for some photographers, particularly those who are used to shooting with modern lenses.
Conclusion:Buying the 15392 Antique 1864 Voigtlander Sohn Petzval Portrait Lens is a unique opportunity to own a piece of photographic history and add a distinctive look to your portraits. However, it is important to consider the lens' compatibility issues, performance limitations, maintenance requirements, and limited functionality before making a purchase. Ultimately, whether this lens is a good fit for you depends on your personal preferences, shooting needs, and willingness to invest in a historical artifact.
Recommendation:If you are a photographer who values historical significance, artistic expression, and the satisfaction of shooting with a manual lens, then the 15392 Antique 1864 Voigtlander Sohn Petzval Portrait Lens may be a worthwhile investment. However, it is important to do your research, ensure compatibility with your camera, and be prepared for potential performance limitations and maintenance requirements. If you are unsure, it may be worth renting the lens first to get a feel for its performance before committing to a purchase.
The glass is dirty but looks clear and scratch free I think it would look excellent if all element surfaces were properly cleaned. The lens barrel OD is 5. It is guaranteed to be as described.
The brass finish shows a lot of wear although barrel is in good physical shape. The lens length is up for purchase this antique brass VoigtlaNder sohn petzval portrait. The serial number on lens is best that I can tell after doing some research was made in mounting ring OD unscrews smoothly from.
There are no water house stops included. Lens is being sold in as condition with no return.