Holmes, Booth & Haydens Lens
As of April 4, 2011 I have this 1860s lens.
This lens was found in a box in the garbage of the Wray, Colorado
town dump by a then teenage resident about 50 years ago. It is now
in my possession and care. Although I am a photographer and journalist
I knew nothing of these Petzval design portrait lenses. I have a 8x10
Agfa-Ansco Universal field camera and measured its focal length at
approximately 9 inches (228 mm) with an apperture of ca. f5.6
It has a `straight lens hood' ca. 36.4mm long. Overall length of
the lens, without its hood, is 124mm. With hood it weighs 989 grams.
The optics are in excellent, undamaged condition, and it has provision
for Waterhouse stops which appear to be factory cut.
Serial no. 10566 is stamped on the barrel.
I will make a lens mount for the Ansco and put it through its
paces as a `user' As can be seen - vintage patina, that
will not be disturbed. I will consult an expert to try to
smooth out the dings in the lens hood . . . ;-)
