Historical lens design from 1840 — produces sharp center with circular swirly bokeh toward the edges.
Technical Details
The original Petzval design uses a focal length of 150-160mm at an aperture of f/3.6, corresponding to an entrance pupil of approximately 42mm. The construction consists of two cemented achromats at the front and an air-separated meniscus at the rear. The image circle covers formats up to 13x18cm, with only the central zone of about 60% rendering sharply. Modern interpretations like Lomography's Petzval 85mm f/2.2 achieve higher light sensitivity through optimized glass types and more precise manufacturing. The characteristic bokeh is created by strong spherical aberration in the peripheral areas and pronounced astigmatism.
History & Development
Petzval developed the lens in 1840 commissioned by the Viennese optician Peter Friedrich Voigtländer for the emerging portrait photography. The first unit was already produced in series in 1841, reducing exposure times from several minutes to 30-60 seconds. By 1862, over 60,000 units were produced, mainly by Voigtländer in Braunschweig. From 1920 onwards, the film industry adapted Petzval lenses for cinema cameras, especially for portrait shots in Hollywood productions. In 2013, Lomography launched a modern version, followed by other manufacturers like New Petzval and Zenit.
Practical Use in Film
Cinematographers specifically use Petzval lenses for portraits and emotional close-ups, as the soft edge blur isolates the main subject without creating harsh transitions. The image look is particularly suitable for period films or nostalgic storytelling styles. The strong vignetting requires precise framing, as only the central image area renders critically sharp. During pans, characteristic shifts in focus occur, which can be used as a stylistic device. The creamy bokeh works optimally at focal lengths between 80-120mm for facial shots.
Comparison & Alternatives
In contrast to modern anastigmatic lenses, the Petzval deliberately renders with "imperfections," creating artistic effects rather than technical perfection. Zeiss Biotar and Sonnar designs offer similarly soft bokeh with better edge sharpness. For comparable vintage aesthetics without the typical Petzval limitations, Soviet Helios lenses or the Zeiss Planar 50mm f/0.7 from the Kubrick era are suitable. Modern cine lenses achieve similar looks with higher workflow flexibility through special coatings and controlled aberrations.