Steve's Photoblog
The Lens
Posted by Steve Rice (Olympia, United States) on 14 September 2008 in Miscellaneous.
The clamshell Fresnel lens was custom made for this lighthouse in Paris, France in 1895. The two ton (1,814 kilos) lens originally floated in a trough of mercury which made for nearly frictionless rotation. The white beam could be seen 25 miles (46 kilometers) out to sea. The red beam 23 miles (42.6 kilometers). The green background is a curtain to cut the heat, in the light room, on sunny days.
Kylie Greenan from Richmond, Australia
Truly amazing, lovely composition and colour Steve, I love the silhouette of the person on the other side of the lens, very cool!
14 Sep 2008 7:59am
Michael Skorulski from Cigel, Slovakia
This is an immense and unusual lens. Fabulously interesting with a great commentary.
14 Sep 2008 9:42am
Observing from West Cheshire, United Kingdom
I find it simply amazing that they could do this without any computers or laser guided machines. To support this weight of glass they must have had a deep mercury trough.... not very healthy :)
Good shot and details.
14 Sep 2008 5:18pm
