Lens design

[steve02]

Is there a source for how camera lenses were and are designed? Sort of a basic optics primer just because I would like to know.

[Jason Greenberg Motamedi]

Kingslake's A History of the Photographic Lens is a great read, but is expensive to purchase. Perhaps a local library has it?

[E. von Hoegh]

"Lens Design Fundamentals" by Rudolph Kingslake.

Basically, until the advent of computers, lens design was a long arduous process - by "long" think months. The computer really did revolutionise lens design and computer aided lens design is an interesting subject in itself. But by all means be sure to learn about how it was done 100 years ago, you'll gain new respect for the classic lens designs.

[Mark Sawyer]

Also, Lenses in Photography, by Rudolph Kingslake.

Hmmm, I see a pattern forming...

[CCHarrison]

If you go to my blog posting of Sept 22, 2012

http://www.antiquecameras.net/blog89.html

You will find a free download - primer - by Kingslake on optics

Dan

[steve02]

Thank you all, an interesting start ;)

[IanG]

Kingslake is a bit basic, there's beefier books like Sidney Ray's Applied Photographic Optics.

Ian

[steve02]

A bit basic is just right, all I need for now ;) but I will keep that in mind.

[Roger Hesketh]

Photographic Optics by Arthur Cox, numerous editions by Focal Press. It is also extremely good for finding the design of a specific lens.Lots of diagrams. It is an oldish book so it is really looking at pre early 1970's lens designs.

[CCHarrison]

CB Neblette also wrote some good books on lens design. Here is a free source http://collectiblend.com/Library/Photographic_Lenses_Neblette.php

Dan