Petzval ... ????

[Gary]

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?

[Björn Carlén]

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]

Here's another one - this time without the extension ring.
Apple.

[Erik Lund]

What mount are you looking at? some old school lenses has similar look...

[Gary]

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.

[Frank Fremerey]

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.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

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]

I was going to suggest old lenses in Leica Screw Mount also called Leica Thread Mount, LSM LTM 39

[Björn Carlén]

I love the purple flowers. So dreamy. Wonderful. Perfect depiction often seems so lifeless,

Thanks, Frank Fremerey!

[Gary]

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?

[pluton]

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

[Erik Lund]

Or the Jupiter 9, 85mm f/2 it will out Petzval the Petzval in character

[Gary]

Thank you Keith and Erik. I'm on it.

[John Geerts]

Keep a resale value in mind, Gary   

[Gary]

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.