History: The Ross Universal Petzval lenses were introduced in the 1880ies. It was Ross answer to Dallmeyers Portrait Series D series which was quite succesfully by then. The Universal features an identical layout as to the Dallmeyer version, with just slight changes in the focal lengtht.

The No 5 Universal is best compared to the Dallmeyer 6D (which has 530mm FL). Like the 6D it is almost impossible to find on todays market. Only few of this size were made in the first place and most of those already ended up in large collections. Im trading and selling antique lenses for almost 10 years now, and i had only one Dallmeyer 6D so far, and this is the very first No 5 Universal that i ever saw.

The No 5 of the Universal line offers a focal lenght of around 600mm and with a starting aperture of F6 is almost identical to the Dallmeyer No 6 from the D series. It will work best for 11x14 and up to 14x17 formats. I observed both versions on the groundglass and couldnt spot any difference in the imaging. So if you want to look for example shots, just google for plates shot with Dallmeyer 4D or 5D.

Condition: The condition of this specimen is outstanding and worthy of any collection. The brass shows only light wear and a fine golden laquere. Even more important the glass is super clear here, showing only really some minor cleaning marks, besides that there is no haze, fungus or any damage.

The best part about this lens is that it comes not only with a fitting flange but also with one original waterhouse stop. I know its not much, but it is more then most petzval lenses out there, and it still could be used as a template for further stops.

A really rare and fantastic piece of history!

height: 23cm
width: 11.5cm
weight: 2800gr

Insured and tracked shipping cost:

Germany - 20 eur
EU* - 60 eur
Worldwide - 200 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.