this post was submitted on 01 Feb 2025
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What is this thing?

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It has 4 lenses in total, two at each end. The only text on it is the number 50, stamped into the bottom of the ring that goes around the outside to attach it to whatever it goes with

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[–] [email protected] 27 points 1 month ago
[–] [email protected] 18 points 1 month ago

I'd guess some kind of vintage microscope 50mm eyepiece. Maybe telescope

[–] [email protected] 16 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (2 children)

Camera or projector lens, probably of petzval type.

Edit: the lack of an iris or slot for waterhouse stops makes me think projector lens.

[–] [email protected] 20 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

My first thought, too. Its almost identical to the image from wikipedia's article on petzval lenses, even.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 month ago

If you look at the photo of a magic lantern here https://blog.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/christmas-magic-lantern-slides/

The front lens cap is very similar.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

Looks like a microscope or ~~telephone~~ telescope insert with adjustable eye correction.

Edit: Autocorrect

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 month ago (2 children)
[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago

I assume they mean telescope

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

Thank you, autocorrect to the rescue, again. Edited.

I wonder how many times autocorrect errors cause mayhem in communication compared with misspellings or mistyping?