Lense Collection

Looking at the Eclipse, p. 37 from Frank Leslies Chimney Corner, vol
2652613 Looking at the Eclipse, p. 37 from Frank Leslies Chimney Corner, vol. 2, 16th December 1865 (wood engraving on newsprint) by Davis

Sextant, English (brass)
MFR135782 Sextant, English (brass) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: with graduated arc of 60 degrees used in navigation)

View of one of the first cinema projectors, manufactured by August (1862-1954
CHT170967 View of one of the first cinema projectors, manufactured by August (1862-1954) and Louis Lumiere (1864-1948) (photo) by French School, (19th century); CNAM

Culpeper Type Microscope, English, 18th century (brass)
MFR135771 Culpeper Type Microscope, English, 18th century (brass) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Les Enfants de Lippershey (engraving)
2808386 Les Enfants de Lippershey (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Les Enfants de Lippershey)

PICTURE 14 of the 14 SEQUENCE. The Box Camera - a series of pictures demonstrating how to use it. Picture taken with a Box Camera, shows a horse walking towards the camera

PICTURE 1 of the 14 SEQUENCE. The Box Camera - a series of pictures demonstrating how to use it. Picture shows : loading film into the box camera

PICTURE 9 of the 14 SEQUENCE. The Box Camera - a series of pictures demonstrating how to use it. Picture shows : When fixed, the prints are washed, and then hung up to dry

PICTURE 11 of the 14 SEQUENCE. The Box Camera - a series of pictures demonstrating how to use it. Picture shows : Drying off the prints

PICTURE 6 of the 14 SEQUENCE. The Box Camera - a series of pictures demonstrating how to use it. Picture shows : the correct position to hold the camera for a long shaped picture

PICTURE 4 of the 14 SEQUENCE. The Box Camera - a series of pictures demonstrating how to use it. Picture shows : the back of the camera is now shut

PICTURE 5 of the 14 SEQUENCE. The Box Camera - a series of pictures demonstrating how to use it. Picture shows : Position for an upright picture. The left hand may be used to screen the view finder

PICTURE 3 of the 14 SEQUENCE. The Box Camera - a series of pictures demonstrating how to use it. Picture shows : the frame complete with film is now placed into the camera

PICTURE 2 of the 14 SEQUENCE. The Box Camera - a series of pictures demonstrating how to use it. Picture shows : a spare spool is placed in the end of the frame that will engage with the winding key

Smile Please, Dachshund puppies seen here with camera. January 1965

PICTURE 12 of the 14 SEQUENCE. The Box Camera - a series of pictures demonstrating how to use it. Picture shows: After hardening, the prints are well washed again

PICTURE 13 of the 14 SEQUENCE. The Box Camera - a series of pictures demonstrating how to use it. Picture shows Glazing Prints : rolling the prints down. For extra flattering

PICTURE 10 of the 14 SEQUENCE. The Box Camera - a series of pictures demonstrating how to use it. Picture shows Putting the prints through a wringer. It wrings out any extra water

PICTURE 7 of the 14 SEQUENCE. The Box Camera - a series of pictures demonstrating how to use it. Picture shows : placing exposed paper in the developer A box camera is a simple type of camera

PICTURE 8 of the 14 SEQUENCE. The Box Camera - a series of pictures demonstrating how to use it. Picture shows after rinsing, the print is fixed in Hypo

Lensing, caustics & chromatic aberration C016 / 6365
Lensing, caustics and chromatic aberation of sunlight on water in a swimming pool. The rippled surface of the water acts like many small lenses, focussing light onto tiles (caustics)

Historical ophthalmology refractor. 1910 refraction eye test equipment. This device is used for clinical measurement and correction of refractive errors of the eye

19th Century bullseye condenser and stand. Bullseye condensers contain a lens (upper right) that is used to focus and control the light illuminating a subject under a microscope. Made in 1870

Dark Room Equipment
Cameras and lenses in a dar room. Sophisticated in their day, no doubt, but looking rather dated and cumbersome today! Date: 1960s

Surface of a lens

County Court House, Boston
County Court House. Elevation view of the County Court House, Boston; taken with a wide angle lense

Cumbersome Camera
A smart gent in a suit adjusts the lense of his huge camera, with its enormous flash bulb!

Interior of the Ouessant island lighthouse and Fresnel lens museum in Brittany, France, Europe

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

Through the lens, a world unfolds before our eyes. From capturing the awe-inspiring sight of an eclipse on page 37 of Frank Leslie's Chimney Corner, vol. , to navigating the vast seas with an English brass sextant, lenses have been our gateway to exploration and discovery. They have allowed us to witness history in motion, like gazing at one of the first cinema projectors manufactured by August (1862-1954). The magic of moving pictures brought to life through this revolutionary invention is a testament to the power of lenses. In the realm of science, lenses have enabled us to delve into microscopic wonders. The Culpeper Type Microscope from 18th century England showcases how these intricate pieces of glass can unlock hidden worlds that exist beyond our naked eye's reach. But it all began with humble beginnings - Les Enfants de Lippershey engraving depicts the birthplace of lenses: eyeglasses. These simple yet transformative tools opened up new horizons for those struggling with vision impairments. And let us not forget about photography - where would we be without cameras? Picture after picture in the Box Camera sequence demonstrates how lenses revolutionized our ability to capture moments frozen in time. From learning how they work on picture 1 and mastering their use on picture 6, we see their evolution unfold before our very eyes, and are more than just objects; they are gateways that transport us across time and space. They allow us to witness celestial marvels like eclipses or navigate uncharted territories with precision. They reveal hidden details within tiny organisms or bring cherished memories back into focus through photographs. So next time you look through a lens, take a moment to appreciate its remarkable journey throughout history and its ongoing role in shaping our perception.