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F.H. Waibl 270mm F3.5 Portrait Petzval

€1400.00 EUR

Shipping costs will be calculated at checkout.

History: A very interesting Portrait petzval for the fullplate and maybe even 8x10 format. The lens is engraved with:

'F.H. Waibl - Laimgrube, Haupstr No 184 - in Wien'


Waibl was a key worker in Voigtländers workshop in the very early days of the photographic era (late 1840ies and early 1850ies). At some point Waibl decided to open his own workshop and to produce lenses with the highest quality. Later after J. Petzval had a major disagreement with Voigtländer, Waibl did a short cooperation with Petzval (and later on with Dietzler). All three brands, Voigtländer, Dietzler and Waibl were highly regarded for their optical and built quality. Waibls lenses were mentioned on some occasions for their grade of qualtiy.


Condition: the lens is in fantastic and authentic condition. The brass of the lens was not polished and comes with an authentic and warm patina, showing only minimal wear. The rack & pinion is comple. The lens was made before the waterhouse era, but it seems at some point later in its life a waterhouse slot was cut in (and also has the inner insert), but any waterhouse stops are lost as usuall. The glass is in really really good condition, it shows only very light cleaning marks, and a couple of tiny spec in the glass, but overall it is very clear and doesnt show any signs of seperation, haze or fungus. All in all i tested this baby on the ground glass and the image was very nice with a very sharp center. 


This lens has about 270mm focal lenght (10.5") and an open aperture of F3.5. It will work best for fullplate and maybe even 8x10 format with a nice petzval character especially at portrait distance.


Lens comes with a fitting flange and a leather lenscap.





height: 21cm
width: 9.5cm
weight: 2100gr





Insured and tracked shipping cost:

Germany - 10 eur
EU* - 30 eur
Worldwide - 70 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.

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