Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2009/07/22
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Geoff writes: "Mark - I think this design approach is going to lead to a whole new generation of light, small and highly capable lenses. The day may come when the highly corrected optics we so prize today will become anachronistic, like a mechanical watch. Will the fine Leica lens go the way of a Rolex?" Why not? This is nature's way. The human eye has a primitive optical system, basically an F3.5, 20mm FL non-achromat doublet. The sharp image circle is only about 3 mm in the center of the fovea. All those lovely, crisp, wide angle images you see in your brain are constructed by software processing. Here is what goes on in that complex computer in back of the eyeball. The projected image is encoded, focus is corrected, edges of objects are enhanced, colors are assigned to various portions of the image depending on which cells in the retina are activated, small image portions are stitched together as a function of eyeball position to form a whole percept, and an illusion of depth is created by the disparity of images from each eyeball. A pseudo image is created for blank spots (blind spot) in the retina. Further, geometric shapes are corrected so that they accord with experience. Objects viewed at a distance are made to appear larger. Colors constancy is maintained despite changes in the viewing light. And so on. Computer technology has reached the point where lens defects can be corrected in software better than in glass. Nature doesn't depend on perfect optics to provide a perfect image. Why should Leica? Mechanical Rolexii have a cult following. Just like Leicas. Larry Z ************** What's for dinner tonight? Find quick and easy dinner ideas for any occasion. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?ncid=emlcntusfood00000008)