Condition: This quite old Petzval layout lens comes from two of the most exclusive french lens making workshops:  Auzoux & E. Francais. Those two cooperated for a short period of time (around 1863-65). This fantastic piece of history comes in a very good condition, the brass shows a nice golden glow with only minimal wear. The rack & pinion mechanism is complete and works nicely. This lens has a waterhouse slot and (no stops) included.

History: E. Francais workshop was very well known for its built and optical quality. He didnt produce many lenses, but the ones he did are outstanding. This is a good example for the outstanding craftsmanship of early french opticians.

The serial number is 2066 which puts it into the very early stage of their cooperations, somewhen about 1863-64.

The lens has a focal lenght of 135mm at a speed of F3.5. It will work best as a portrait lens for 4x5 formats with light falloff and maybe a soft vignietting at infinity. The petzval character is strongly present here if you have somekind of structure in the background!



Lens comes with a fitting flange and a nice leather lenscap!



height: 10cm
width: 5.5cm
weight: 600gr

Insured and tracked shipping cost:

Germany - 10 eur
EU* - 30 eur
Worldwide - 80 eur

*(the site offers only 2 shipping variations, DE and worldwide. buyers from EU please either contact me beforehand for a reduced EU cost, or after buying so i can send a refund over the difference)

Importent Note: This item comes from my private collection and is around 100 years old (antique). I try my best to describe all the faults and major damage which are relevant for the function of this item. But the actuall item can show signs of wear and also some cosmetic blemishes/damage which is not described in the auction text! When buying this item the buyer agrees to this terms.