History: 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).

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. In fact this piece is a 'Convertible Lens', meaning that it also could easily be transformed from a portrait to a landscape lens! The used just needs to screw the lens out of the flange, unscrew the rear cell and screw the lens back into the flange with the front cell first. Its quite easy and takes about 2 minutes. You can see it also done with a larger piece here (not my concent):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L6hA6zQDe0

Condtion: 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 (but not working well). The most important part: the glass comes in a good overall condition, it shows the typicall cleaning marks here and there and two edge chips in the rear, but other its clear and free of any fungus or haze.

This lens has a waterhouse slot and no stops are included.

The lens has a focal lenght of 400mm at a speed of F4. It will cover 8x10 and 11x14 with fine petzval characteristic on the ground glass.


Lens comes with a flange.


height: 27cm
width: 12cm
weight: 2400gr

Insured and tracked shipping cost:

Germany - 20 eur
EU* - 40 eur
Worldwide - 90 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.