History: The Cone Centralisateur lens design (which is a petzval design with a larger back element and a cone shaped rear part to avoid reflections), is absolutely famous and sought after in the late 19th century and even more today. It was the flagship lens for Jamins and Darlots workshop in the early 1850ies and 1860ies in Paris. It offered better optical quality then most of his rivals, but also a possibility to use it as both, a portrait ('portrait') lens, and also as a landscape lens ('paysage'). Even though its a normal petzval design, you will see a difference to other portrait petzvals from that time. The Cone Centralisateur lenses have this cenrtain 'something' to their image, which is hard to grasp, but many people are looking for.

The engraving reads:

'Darlot Opticiene - Paris - 28294'

That engraving puts the lens in the time period right after 1864, when Darlot startet to use only his name in the engraving.

Condition: This brass beauty comes in a great condition. Overall the brass shows some wear here and there, especially the lenshood, which must have been damaged and repaired at some point. Otherwise it is laquered with the authentic Shellack finish. The glass is in good condition, there are a only a few cleaning streaks here and there,  and a minimal hint of seperation in the front, both wont affect the image at all.

With its fast open aperture of F4 and a focal lengh of 300mm (or almost 12"), this lens will work anywhere from 5x7 to 8x10 format (and very likely even 10x12 if you really want to see alot of petzval character in your images and some light vignietting).

In landscape mode it will have an estimated focal lenght of 600mm, covering huge ULF formats like 20" x 20" !

The lens comes with a flange and a very well made leather lenscap!



height: 22cm
width: 12cm
weight: 1600gr

Insured and tracked shipping cost:

Germany - 20 eur
EU* - 30 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)

** the high cost is due the high insurance value

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.