Where Can I Find Lenses for a 19th Century Peep-Show Box Project?

[surdo]

Hello,

I am an artist looking for advice on lenses for a project that will simulate 18th and 19th "peep-show" or "Rarekiek" boxes. See for example:

http://www.loeb-larocque.com/optica.php#peep

I wish to either source lenses directly or if the price is not too prohibitive, have a number of them made.

Traditionally these peep-show boxes (esp. the Dutch Rarekiek boxes) often used large-diameter double-convex lenses for viewing with two eyes. The lenses had low dioptre to enable the viewer to focus on an image at the rear of the box.

A feature of these lenses is that they gave a type of 3D effect when looking at coloured images. It's my understanding this occurred because of chromatic aberration in the lens - that is, causing the focal planes of the various colours not to coincide - consequently some colours, reds for example, appeared to "float" in relation to other colours.

So given that, the lens I'm after should be a very simple one i think, one that doesn't attempt to correct for chromatic aberration as I gather most sophisticated lenses do.

Am I correct in my guesses? Can anyone please suggest a good way forward for me? For example where to source such lenses from or where to have them made.

Many thanks,

Iain

 

[eljose79]

Dear Iain,

Thank you for reaching out for advice on lenses for your project. I am familiar with the concept of chromatic aberration and its role in creating a 3D effect in peep-show boxes. You are correct in your understanding that this effect is caused by the focal planes of different colors not coinciding, resulting in the appearance of some colors "floating" in relation to others.

In terms of sourcing lenses for your project, I would recommend looking for double-convex lenses with a low diopter, as you mentioned. These types of lenses were commonly used in peep-show boxes during the 18th and 19th centuries. You can try searching for antique or vintage lenses online or at antique stores.

If you are unable to find suitable lenses, another option would be to have them custom-made. I would suggest reaching out to a lens manufacturer or optical company that specializes in creating custom lenses. They will be able to provide you with a lens design that meets your specifications and can also advise on the best materials to use for your project.

It is also worth noting that there are modern lenses available that can mimic the 3D effect of traditional peep-show box lenses. These lenses are designed to purposely create chromatic aberration and can be found at specialty optical stores or online.

I hope this information helps you in your search for lenses for your project. Best of luck!