Optics: building a camera with quasi-hemispherical recording surface, what lens?

[jdanforth]

I make Daguerreotypes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daguerreotype) and I have decided that I want to move from the standard flat-plane photography and make images on silver domes instead.

I have domes that are 1.85" in diameter and I want to replicate the effect that a garden gazing ball gives you (reflecting everything around it in a sphere).
I have no problem with the chemical side of things, that's easy. What I can't figure out is what kind of lens to put on this thing!

Based on what I have read so far, I'm thinking that I should have a single-element positive (condensing) meniscus lens on the front and that it should have a curvature on the convex side that is sufficient to pick up a 120-180 field of view. Where can I find or how do I specify such a thing?

If I want to end up with the opposite of the Petzval Effect (http://www.astrosurf.org/lombry/Physique/aberration-curvature-dwg.gif ) and project my image on to the convex side of a dome instead of the concave side, is this the right way to go?

Are there any optical engineers that can help me with this?!

The camera diagram thus-far: http://www.danforthsource.com/pics/sphere_cam.gif

 

[Claude Bile]

My suggestion would be to direct this question to a company that specialises in making custom lenses. I find that most companies are very willing to aid you in designing the lens you want for your application, without any sort of commitment to purchase.

Claude.

 

[astrokreng]

I would like to commend you on your interest in experimenting with different camera designs and techniques. Your idea of using a quasi-hemispherical recording surface for photography is intriguing and could potentially produce unique and visually stunning images.

In terms of lens selection, you are on the right track with your idea of using a single-element positive meniscus lens with a curvature on the convex side. This type of lens is commonly used in cameras with wide field of view and can help capture a larger area of the scene in your images.

To specify the lens you need, you can consult with an optical engineer who can help determine the specific curvature and focal length needed for your desired field of view. Alternatively, you can also search for lens manufacturers who offer custom lens designs and submit your specifications to them.

As for projecting the image onto the convex side of the dome, this can certainly be done and may produce interesting results. However, keep in mind that this will require careful alignment of the lens and the dome to ensure that the image is focused and not distorted.

I would also recommend conducting some test shots with different lenses and dome sizes to see which combination produces the best results. This will also give you a better understanding of the Petzval effect and how it affects your images.

Overall, I am excited to see the results of your experiment and I hope that you will share your findings with the scientific community. Good luck with your project!