Lomography Petzval Portrait Lens

[lilmsmaggie]

I'm a former LF photography buff. This is way cool 8)


Check it out! http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lomography/the-lomography-petzval-portrait-lens

 

[alexturton]

This looks really interesting. Is my understanding of the optic correct when I say the optic will have a similar effect to a lensbaby @ 85 mm f2.2 but fixed so the sweet spot is in the middle?

 

[RLPhoto]

I like it. It will have terrible IQ but that's not why I pledged for my copy. ;D

 

[Click]

Cool stuff. Thanks for sharing.

 

[paul13walnut5]

Looks like a nice novelty, but an expensive novelty.

I remember when Lensbaby went a bit nuts with their prices as well... as much as I would like a sweet 35 or edge 80 optic for my lensbaby, it's just too much cash for a novelty item.

 

[Quasimodo]

New Petzval lens from Lomography

This lens looks like fun!

Does anyone know why it is produced in brass? Are there inherent properties to this material that affect the IQ of the shots taken?

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lomography/the-lomography-petzval-portrait-lens

 

[Drizzt321]

Re: New Petzval lens from Lomography

Mostly probably the look and handling. Otherwise, brass can be a good thing in fittings, screw-in filters, that sort of thing. It's a bit softer than aluminum or steel and thus is less likely to bind up.

 

[distant.star]

Ever Heard of the Petzval Lens?

.
Coming soon, with Canon EF mount:

http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/latest-toy-digital-cameras-hails-19th-century-6C10754630

Be the first on your block to have the weirdest lens -- and just $400 or so.

 

[BozillaNZ]

Re: Ever Heard of the Petzval Lens?

Not really into the weirdo lens thingy, I might get a 50 1.8II for less price and better optics.

 

[Schruminator]

Yeah, the swirl bokeh is certainly interesting. Seems like a bit of a one trick pony, but if it fits your style, then it fits and that's what matters.

 

[Quasimodo]

Re: New Petzval lens from Lomography

Mostly probably the look and handling. Otherwise, brass can be a good thing in fittings, screw-in filters, that sort of thing. It's a bit softer than aluminum or steel and thus is less likely to bind up.

Ok, thanks

 

[Menace]

Interesting novelty lens if one is into that kind of stuff.

 

[infared]

Hmmmmmm...this lens has some very unique Bokeh...quite different from my lensbaby lenses...actually a lot different.
I include two samples:
Building shot with Optic 80mm
Clock shot with Sweet 35mm

Can't say I am going to run out and buy a Petzval (I need to use the things that I already have!!! LOL!)...but the Petzval is definitely interesting. ..Based on the amount of support they have received on Kickstarter, a lot of people apparently like what they are seeing! Definitely warm and fuzzy.

I don't look at these types of lenses as novelty items...to me..they are tools...they may work for some shooters' style...but not for others...but more choices is always better, no? Looks like a fun piece of glass.

 

[sulla]

The image quality of a Petzval lens is actually quite good, even for today's standards, especially for an optical design more than 170 years old.

I guess brass for the body has been chosen because Petzval's original design was built from that material by Voigtländer in 1840.

Really coooooooooooool stuff.

 

[rumorzmonger]

More proof that there really is a sucker born every minute... LOL

 

[justawriter]

Here is another story about the lens. Makes me wish I could hit that winning lottery ticket.
http://www.cultofmac.com/237343/lomo-to-resurrect-170-year-old-lens-design/

 

[akclimber]

Another, more modern and currently available lens that'll produce interesting swirly bokeh and even more shallow DOF is the Helios 40-2 F1.5 85 mm. Currently $500 from Kiev Camera. Lots of samples and articles on the interweb about this lens. Not as cool as a brass Lomo copy but way easier to use, I bet

Cheers!

 

[kirispupis]

Is it just me, or is it quite easy to tell the difference between the shots taken by the antique Petzval and the ones taken by the Lomo? The photos from the antique copies exhibit the curved bokeh that makes these lenses so prized, while the Lomo copy's bokeh isn't as pronounced.

I like the idea and would consider buying this lens, but based on the sample images I just do not believe Lomo has successfully replicated it.

 

[sambafan]

New Lomography Petzval Lens

I'm sure either Canon or Nikon would love to have this much buzz about a new lens.
Incredible enthusiasm - all it takes is an interesting product!
Looks like a fun, if limited lens at a good price, with lots of perks for early adopters (including a LOWER presale price).

I ordered one, and will post images once I have it in hand (months from now).