A History of the Photographic Lens by Rudolf Kingslake

Product Details

Synopsis

The lens is generally the most expensive and least understood part of any camera. In this book, Rudolf Kingslake traces the historical development of the various types of lenses from Daguerre's invention of photography in 1839 through lenses commonly used today.
From an early lens still being manufactured for use in low-cost cameras to designs made possible through such innovations as lens coating, rare-earth glasses, and computer aided lens design and testing, the author details each major advance in design and fabrication. The book explains how and why each new lens type was developed, and why most of them have since been abandoned. This authoritative history of lens technology also includes brief biographies of several outstanding lens designers and manufacturers of the past.

Annotation

Audience: Optical engineers and scientists with an interest in history, camera collectors, and photographers.

Booknews

Kingslake (lens design E. Kodak, retired, and optics, U. of Rochester emeritus) is a rarity-an expert among experts in lens history, theory and application. He briefly treats design, general history, recent refinements, before settling into a detailed description of the development of various lens types, optical glass, catadioptric systems and attachments (diffusers, filters...). A long section (120 p.) presents portraits and biographies of pioneers. Has a glossary and indices by lens name and subjects. A distinguished contribution to optics that is largely accessible to the lay reader. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)