Reverse perspective lens

[Akira]

While I was strolling around in a web camera shop that handles obscure lenses (mostly from Russia) and adapters, I found this.  It could be the most unusual lens I've ever heard or seen!  And, along with its concept for the optical design, I was very interested in the reason for the development of such a unique lens.

https://www.rafcamera.com/lenses-lomo-kmz-zeiss/prime-lenses/elite-reverse-perspective-lens

[David H. Hartman]

Sounds like the work of the devil.

[pluton]

I'd like to see the optical cross-section of that lens. 16 kilos and only focuses from 20mm to 750mm.
Here are two links to videos shot with it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoifTLZ9lRE&app=desktop
https://vimeo.com/188722630

[longzoom]

While I was strolling around in a web camera shop that handles obscure lenses (mostly from Russia) and adapters, I found this.  It could be the most unusual lens I've ever heard or seen!  And, along with its concept for the optical design, I was very interested in the reason for the development of such a unique lens.

https://www.rafcamera.com/lenses-lomo-kmz-zeiss/prime-lenses/elite-reverse-perspective-lens

Thank you for such interesting find! It is a simulation sample of how the inverse(divergent) lens works. (Image is not mine!). THX!  LZmain-qimg-a9933b8b26255d4001f2a7883043aa0f-c by longzoom, on Flickr

[bobfriedman]

very interesting akira!... thx for educating me on this one!

[Akira]

 

Sounds like the work of the devil.

David, it seems that the lens was developed rather for the religious reason: to mimic the Russian iconography (see the linke below).  Literally for the reversed perspective!

Keith, thanks for the interesting link!  Yes, I also would like to see the cross-section of the lens.  I have no idea how this is possible!  If the lens is inspired by the Russian iconography, the focusing range would make perfect sense.

LZ, glad you enjoy the post.  Thanks for the image.  That looks bizarre!

Bob, it is really eye-opening.

Here is a link to an interesting article (scroll down a bit to read the chapter "Russian Icons"):

http://realhistoryww.com/world_history/ancient/Misc/Crests/Eastern_Christianity.htm

[pluton]

main-qimg-a9933b8b26255d4001f2a7883043aa0f-c by longzoom, on Flickr
[/quote]
This graphic is a composite image, perhaps created to illustrate the concept of reverse perspective.
I don't think a 'normal' infinity landscape view is possible in reverse perspective.  I think that the most distant objects in the scene would impossibly large or way out of focus.

[Akira]

FWIW, this is a CG simulation of the way how the long distance shot would look like in the reversed perspective.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdMSEJwbCCY

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

We discussed it in length when Rafael found it, but did not discover a possible use for it, except a special effects lens for filmmaking

[Akira]

We discussed it in length when Rafael found it, but did not discover a possible use for it, except a special effects lens for filmmaking

I would think that the lens was developed specifically to evoke the religious feelings (more precisely, the icons of the Eastern Church) by shooting the actors with this highly unusual lens.

[Wannabebetter]

We discussed it in length when Rafael found it, but did not discover a possible use for it, except a special effects lens for filmmaking

Precisely, that. Others with deep pockets might utilize it as an "art lens" of choice.

Akira: Religiosity plays very little into this, if at all. True, the aesthetic is derivative of Russian Orthodox sacred art however I am doubtful that, beyond anything "subconscious", the lens will be utilized for no more reason then to produce " a really cool" picture. While my opinion is hardly the last or most reliable in this regard, nonetheless, let's just say, I have some skin in this fight. Enough said. Cheers!

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

Honestly doubt this as a motivator to make such a special lens. I guess it was made to film special
scenes in that unusual perspective... Special effects, FX

Still visible on the maker' site (2008):