The Tucson 35-mm Fisheye Projection Lens

The Tucson lens system was specifically designed to solve problems in hemispheric motion picture projection applications. This fisheye lens system combines ordinary 35-mm projection machinery and 4-perforation film with an optical soundtrack to produce a visual environment that surrounds the audience in a domed theater, such as that used in a planetarium. The f/3 lens system is comprised of 15 elements in two principal sections, and projects a 23-mm fisheye image through a 180° angle onto a 30- to 60-foot concave theater screen. The lens is designed to correct the distorted film image and presents a surprisingly realistic full-sky image. This paper provides the background information on the development of the Tucson lens system and design considerations that went into its creation.

Print ISSN

0036-1682

Published

1982-02

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J01320