Author Topic: Petzval ... ????  (Read 13225 times)

Gary

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Petzval ... ????
« on: August 04, 2015, 00:16:04 »
I am thinking of picking up a Petzval for the circular distortions/bokeh which it delivers. The lens @ approx. $600, makes me a bit hesitant to purchase. I'm not so sure that the value is there. What you you peoples think about the Petzval? Is there other lenses out there that you prefer over a Petzval?
"Everywhere you look there are photographs, it is the call of photographers to see and capture them."- Gary Ayala
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Björn Carlén

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Re: Petzval ... ????
« Reply #1 on: August 04, 2015, 00:37:35 »
A pic from last year. The new Petzval 85/2,2 with PK-13.
Focusing is an issue with this lens. It's never sharp enough, not even in the center. Also the aperture plates have a tendency to fall off. The lens cap likewise.
Saturation and contrast is very low. The lens is a challenge to work with, but quite fun.
Crocus vernus.
Björn Carlén
Huddinge, Sweden

Björn Carlén

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Re: Petzval ... ????
« Reply #2 on: August 04, 2015, 00:47:25 »
Here's another one - this time without the extension ring.
Apple.
Björn Carlén
Huddinge, Sweden

Erik Lund

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Re: Petzval ... ????
« Reply #3 on: August 04, 2015, 09:17:54 »
What mount are you looking at? some old school lenses has similar look...
Erik Lund

Gary

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Re: Petzval ... ????
« Reply #4 on: August 05, 2015, 16:12:04 »
What mount are you looking at? some old school lenses has similar look...

I will be using it on a Fuji, so any mount and an appropriate adaptor would work.
"Everywhere you look there are photographs, it is the call of photographers to see and capture them."- Gary Ayala
My snaps are here: www.garyayala.com
Critiquing my snaps are always welcomed and appreciated.

Frank Fremerey

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Re: Petzval ... ????
« Reply #5 on: August 05, 2015, 20:16:09 »
I love the purple flowers. So dreamy. Wonderful. Perfect depiction often seems so lifeless, I prefer the dreamy style for flowers, I do not shoot textbook style.
You are out there. You and your camera. You can shoot or not shoot as you please. Discover the world, Your world. Show it to us. Or we might never see it.

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Bjørn Rørslett

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Re: Petzval ... ????
« Reply #6 on: August 05, 2015, 20:28:47 »
Many lenses from say the '50s have almost perfectly circular apertures using a high number of blades. The inferior coating technology and optics that deliver lower contrast images in conjunction with substantial optical aberrations, and you have a lot of fun to play with. Look for Russian or East German lenses post-WW2 as they often have such characteristics and do come pretty cheap much of the time.

The original Petzval design of the 18th century only was sharp on axis, something deemed perfect for portraits of the time.

Erik Lund

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Re: Petzval ... ????
« Reply #7 on: August 05, 2015, 20:31:50 »
I was going to suggest old lenses in Leica Screw Mount also called Leica Thread Mount, LSM LTM 39
Erik Lund

Björn Carlén

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Re: Petzval ... ????
« Reply #8 on: August 06, 2015, 14:59:59 »
Quote
I love the purple flowers. So dreamy. Wonderful. Perfect depiction often seems so lifeless,
Thanks, Frank Fremerey!
Björn Carlén
Huddinge, Sweden

Gary

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Re: Petzval ... ????
« Reply #9 on: August 06, 2015, 16:23:51 »
And I also thank you Björn Carlén, very nice image and precisely the type if image quality I am seeking. I am wondering if there are specifically any lens out there that will approximate the Petzval that are built better, sharper or out Petzval the Petzval in character?
"Everywhere you look there are photographs, it is the call of photographers to see and capture them."- Gary Ayala
My snaps are here: www.garyayala.com
Critiquing my snaps are always welcomed and appreciated.

pluton

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Re: Petzval ... ????
« Reply #10 on: August 06, 2015, 19:15:27 »
You might want to check out the Russian Helios-40, now available again.  It has actual helicoid focusing and a real iris aperture.
Here's a nice writeup about it:
http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/reviews/helios-40-2_85mm_f1-5_review.html
Keith B., Santa Monica, CA, USA

Erik Lund

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Re: Petzval ... ????
« Reply #11 on: August 06, 2015, 19:40:22 »
Or the Jupiter 9, 85mm f/2 it will out Petzval the Petzval in character
Erik Lund

Gary

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Re: Petzval ... ????
« Reply #12 on: August 06, 2015, 21:20:22 »
Thank you Keith and Erik. I'm on it.
"Everywhere you look there are photographs, it is the call of photographers to see and capture them."- Gary Ayala
My snaps are here: www.garyayala.com
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John Geerts

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Re: Petzval ... ????
« Reply #13 on: August 06, 2015, 21:59:51 »
Keep a resale value in mind, Gary   ;)

Gary

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Re: Petzval ... ????
« Reply #14 on: August 06, 2015, 22:29:09 »
Keep a resale value in mind, Gary   ;)

Thanks John, but I rarely resell my stuff. While value is always important ... my overriding concerns is photography. I am not a collector.  Usually, I give away my unused stuff to friends and my kids.
"Everywhere you look there are photographs, it is the call of photographers to see and capture them."- Gary Ayala
My snaps are here: www.garyayala.com
Critiquing my snaps are always welcomed and appreciated.