Aberrations | Optical element shape Collinear transformation deviation Apparent displacement |
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hen I first saw this potential image through the viewfinder I was both surprised and energized. It is the result of another of my recent lens modifications. At least two extreme optical aberrations are in play here: spherical and coma. Spherical aberration occurs when lens curvature causes rays falling on the outer edges to be brought to a focus at a different point than those falling on the middle. This creates the soft dreamy look. Coma results in off-axis point sources, such as specular reflections off hubcaps, appearing distorted into wedge-shapes.
“I have always been a firm believer in photographic experiments. Only by attempting everything personally can a photographer begin to understand the scope of photography..…No picture, verbal description or how-to-do-it article can supersede first-hand experience.” - Waclaw Nowak


