Alexis Gaudin Petzval 200mm f4 Very Early French Antique Brass Lens c1856 RARE

An antique brass lens of petzval design by a very early french lens maker. Alexis Gaudin Circa 1856. Engraved on barrel beneath the rack. Also signed AG 1856 on front achromat & 1856 on rear flint glass. 8/200mm speed approx. This lens is of typical petzval design. With a cemented achromat doublet lens at the front and 2 air spaced lenses(flint+crown) at the back. Both lens groups are set in their own housings indicating a quality construction. Cosmetic condition: The outside of the brass lens barrel shows much patina and wear commensurate with age. The barrel has been cut(rather crudely) at a later date in order to accept waterhouse stopsnone included! The front hood has some dings so no longer perfectly round! Optical condition: Optically the lens is clean / clear. On close inspection there are some small dust / cleaning / blooming marks / scratches / tiny edge chips to glass and a very small spot of separation on front element all normal for an antique lens of this age and nothing to affect performance. Mechanical condition: The rack and pinion focussing is working fine. I have tested on my Graflex 5×4 camera and this lens focuses a nice sharp image with. It covers the 5×4 plate/film format fine even at infinity. With a focal length of 200mmapprox. This lens is an ideal portrait lens on this format. Should also cover 1/2 plate/5×7 at portrait distancenot tested! THERE IS A FLANGE/RETAINING RING INCLUDED! Also a front cap(very worn). Visible front glass elements diameter: 5.7cm. Visible rear glass elements diameter: 5.7cm. Screw thread: 7.3cm. Outside diameter of flange: 11cm. Please look at all pictures and do not hesitate to ask any questions! Time wasters will be reported and blocked! Inspection and collection more than welcome from East London! The item(s) will be sent to your Pay-Pal address ONLY, please make sure your address is confirmed. Low start price and no reserve! The item “Alexis Gaudin Petzval 200mm f4 Very Early French Antique Brass Lens c1856 RARE” is in sale since Monday, November 5, 2018. This item is in the category “Cameras & Photography\Vintage Photography\Vintage Lenses”. The seller is “bokehlicious” and is located in Leytonstone, London. This item can be shipped to all countries in Europe, all countries in continental Asia, United States, Canada, Australia.

Country/Region of Manufacture: France
Lens Barrel Material: Brass
Focal Length: 8″ / 200mm approx.
Maximum Aperture: F4 approx.