Welcome to Delta

In 2021 the Digital Enlarger Lens Test Archive (D.E.L.T.A) outgrew its original home at 16-9.net – and its remit. It continues to expand, and is now the most wide-ranging resource for film-makers and photographers seeking and using enlarger, projector, macro, repro, process and cine lenses to create digital work. Spanning more than 170 years, Delta collates information on almost 4,000 universally-adaptable lenses, and contains hundreds of unique reviews and articles.

The quick-browse catalogue below orders every lens by manufacturer and can be filtered by category or keyword.

The primary archive tracks generations of lenses with more in-depth information, and ranks hundreds for sharpness and rendition. Please use the main menu and search function to access further articles, pictures and videos.

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Schneider G-Claron WA 210/11
Repro lens optimised for 2:1-1:2. Very large image circle. Lens cell available in various mounts.

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Schneider G-Claron WA 240/11
Repro lens optimised for 2:1-1:2. Very large image circle. Lens cell available in various mounts.

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Schneider G-Claron WA 270/11
Repro lens optimised for 2:1-1:2. Very large image circle. Lens cell available in various mounts.

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Schneider G-Componon 100/5.6
Enlarger lens optimised for > 20x enlargement

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Schneider G-Componon 150/5.6
Enlarger lens optimised for > 20x enlargement

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Schneider G-Componon 210/5.6
Enlarger lens optimised for > 20x enlargement

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Schneider G-Componon 240/5.6
Enlarger lens optimised for > 20x enlargement

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Schneider G-Componon 300/5.6
Enlarger lens optimised for > 20x enlargement

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Schneider G-Componon 360/6.8
Enlarger lens optimised for > 20x enlargement

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Schneider G-Componon 480/9.4
Enlarger lens optimised for > 20x enlargement

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Schneider Kiptar S 50/1.6
Projector lens.

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Schneider M-Componon 28/4
Macro lens optimised for 1:1-20:1. At 2.5x magnification the image circle is 76mm diameter. At 4x magnification the focal-flange distance is 140mm. Product image by CloseUp Photography >

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Schneider M-Componon 50/4
Wide angle macro lens for medium and large format, optimised for 1:1-12:1. At 1.3x magnification the image circle is 76mm diameter. Many samples fitted with M39 adaptor.

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Schneider M-Componon 80/4
Wide angle macro lens for medium and large format, optimised for 1:1-7:1. At 1.3x magnification the image circle is 76mm diameter. Many samples fitted with M39 adaptor.

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Schneider Macro Varon 85/4.5
Line scan lens optimised for 0.5x-2x. 400 to 1,000nm broadband coating

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Schneider Makro-Symmar 120/5.9 [0058]
MSR Macro/line scan lens based on Makro Symmar HM large format taking lens. Optimised for 1:1. Reversible V38 mount allows for wider magnification range. Some versions marked [0158] and/or f5.6.

schneider-makro-symmar-120a

Schneider Makro-Symmar 120/5.9 [0059]
MSR Macro/line scan lens based on Makro Symmar HM large format taking lens. Optimised for 1:1.33. Reversible V38 mount allows for wider magnification range. Some versions marked [0159] and/or f5.6.

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Schneider Makro-Symmar 120/5.9 [0060]
MSR Macro/line scan lens based on Makro Symmar HM large format taking lens. Optimised for 1:2. Reversible V38 mount allows for wider magnification range. Some versions marked [0160] and/or f5.6.

schneider-makro-symmar-120a

Schneider Makro-Symmar 120/5.9 [0061]
MSR Macro/line scan lens based on Makro Symmar HM large format taking lens. Optimised for 1:3. Reversible V38 mount allows for wider magnification range. Some versions marked [0161] and/or f5.6.

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Schneider Makro-Symmar 80/5.6
SR80 macro lens optimised for 1:1. ID: 1070160. Multicoated. Late sample (adjusted optical formula) tested sharper than early sample.

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Schneider Makro-Symmar 80/5.6
SR80 macro lens optimised for 1:1. ID: 1097785. Multicoated.

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Schneider Makro-Symmar HM 80/5.6
SR80 macro lens optimised for 1:1. Multicoated. Various mounts

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Schneider Makro-Symmar R 80/5.6
SR80 macro lens optimised for 1:1. ID: 1077240. Multicoated. Made to order.

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Schneider PC-Cine-Xenon 105/2.8
Black metal-barrel slide projector lens with perspective correction. Similar optical formula to Cine-Xenon cine projector lenses.

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Schneider PC-Cine-Xenon 45/2.8
Black metal-barrel slide projector lens with perspective correction. Similar optical formula to Cine-Xenon cine projector lenses.

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Schneider PC-Cine-Xenon 60/2.8
Black metal-barrel slide projector lens with perspective correction. Similar optical formula to Cine-Xenon cine projector lenses.

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Schneider PC-Cine-Xenon 90/2.8
Black metal-barrel slide projector lens with perspective correction. Similar optical formula to Cine-Xenon cine projector lenses.

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Schneider Procolar 100
35mm slide projector lens for Kodak Carousel. Black plastic body. Aperture estimated.

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Schneider Procolar 100/2.8
35mm slide projector lens for Kodak Kodamat. Metal body, black nose.

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Schneider Procolar 180/4
Slide projector lens for Kodak Carousel. Aperture estimated.

schneider-procolar-60a

Schneider Procolar 60/2.2
Slide projector lens for Kodak Carousel. Black plastic barrel. Aperture unmarked. Samples available for sale converted to M42.

procolar85a

Schneider Procolar 85/2.8 [V1]
Slide projector lens for Kodak Kodamat. Metal body (detachable), black nose.

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Schneider Procolar 85/3.5
Slide projector lens for Kodak Carousel. Black plastic body. Aperture estimated.

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Schneider Prolux 135/3
Black metal barrel 35mm slide projector lens.

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Schneider Prolux 150/3
Black metal barrel 35mm slide projector lens.

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Schneider Prolux 180/3
Black metal barrel 35mm slide projector lens.

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Schneider Prolux 200/3
Black metal barrel 35mm slide projector lens.

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Schneider Prolux 250/4.3
Black metal barrel 35mm slide projector lens.

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Schneider Prolux 300/4.5
Black metal barrel 35mm slide projector lens.

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Schneider Pyrite 28/2.8
Six-element macro/enlarger lens with Makro Iris. Post-2021 rebrand of Componon 28/2.8.

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Schneider Repro-Claron 135/8
Repro lens optimised for 1:10-10:1. Radioactive thorium element pre-1977. Silver body to 10xxx. Image circle 85mm.

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Schneider Repro-Claron 210/9
Repro lens optimised for 1:10-10:1. Radioactive thorium element pre-1977. Image circle 111mm.

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Schneider Repro-Claron 305/9
Repro lens optimised for 1:10-10:1. Slot for Waterhouse stops (f128, f180, f260)

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Schneider Repro-Claron 355/9
Repro lens optimised for 1:10-10:1. Slot for Waterhouse stops (f128, f180, f260)

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Schneider Repro-Claron 420/9
Repro lens optimised for 1:10-10:1. Slot for Waterhouse stops (f128, f180, f260)

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Schneider Repro-Claron 485/9
Repro lens optimised for 1:10-10:1. Slot for Waterhouse stops (f128, f180, f260)

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Schneider Repro-Claron 55/8
Repro lens optimised for 1:10-10:1. Radioactive thorium element pre-1977. Image circle 57mm.

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Schneider Repro-Claron 610/9
Repro lens optimised for 1:10-10:1. Slot for Waterhouse stops (f128, f180, f260)

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Schneider Repronar 110/6.3
Repro lens marked ‘Schneider-Göttingen f=11cm’. Aperture unmarked (estimated).

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Schneider Super Kiptar Anamorphic 57.5/2
Cine projector lens. Brass body.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 100/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 50mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 24/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 26/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 28/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 30/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 32.5/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 35/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 37.5/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 40/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 42.5/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 40mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 45/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 40mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 47.5/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 40mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 50/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 52.5/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 55/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 57.5/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 60/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 35mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 62.5/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 65/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 67.5/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 70/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 72.5/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 75/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 77.5/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 80/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 82.5/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 85/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 39mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 90/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 42mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 35 95/2
35mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel diameter: 46mm. FFd given from rear element.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 70 100/2
70mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel: 70.65mm. 6+ elements. Upgraded Cinelux 35.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 70 29/2.8
70mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel: 70.65mm. 6+ elements. Upgraded Cinelux 35.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 70 50/2
70mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel: 70.65mm. 6+ elements. Upgraded Cinelux 35.

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Schneider Super-Cinelux 70 65/2
70mm projector lens. Brass body. Barrel: 70.65mm. 6+ elements. Upgraded Cinelux 35.

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Schneider Swiron 40/2.8
Industrial lens for SWIR wavelength range in C- and V-Mount

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Schneider Vario-Cinelux 85-210/3.9
Zoom slide projector lens.

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Schneider Vario-Prolux 70-120/3.5
Black multicoated zoom projector lens. Cat. 37482.

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Schneider Vario-Prolux 85-210/3.9
Black metal barrel 35mm slide projector zoom lens. AKA Kodak S-AV 2000 85-210/3.9.

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Schneider Vario-Xenotar 70-120/3.5
Black plastic-barrel HFT multicoated zoom lens for Rolleivision projectors. Cat. 85149.979.415. AKA Rollei Vario-Xenotar. Much sharper at 70mm than 120mm: here, well above average for a PJ lens. CA throughout but attractive rendition.

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Schneider VP Cinelux 28.9-31.2/2
Zoom projector lens. Brass body. 13 models from 28.9-63.7mm

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Schneider VP Cinelux 35.8-38.6/2
Zoom projector lens. Brass body. 13 models from 28.9-63.7mm

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Schneider VP Cinelux 43.4-46.9/2
Zoom projector lens. Brass body. 13 models from 28.9-63.7mm

compon-wa-40-v1a

Schneider W.A. Componon 40/4 [V1]
Wide coverage enlarger lens. [Cat 13320].

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Schneider W.A. Componon 40/4 [V2]
Wide coverage enlarger lens with aperture preset lever (BK 15). [Cat 14853].

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Schneider W.A. Componon 60/5.6 [V1]
Short, wide angle enlarger lens for medium format (6×6) with 77.8mm image circle.

schneider-wa-componon-60b

Schneider W.A. Componon 60/5.6 [V2]
Short, wide angle enlarger lens for medium format with aperture preset lever (BK 15). [Cat 14854]

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Schneider W.A. Componon 80/5.6 [V1]
Wide-angle enlarger lens covering medium format (6×9) with 94.9mm image circle. Single-coated. Some versions have no threaded rear mount. [Cat 10598].

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Schneider W.A. Componon 80/5.6 [V2]
Wide-angle enlarger lens covering medium format (6×9). Preset aperture lever (BK 15). [Cat 14855].

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Schneider Xenar 100/3.5
Enlarger version of Tessar bellows lens with ninja-star aperture.

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Schneider Xenar 100/3.5
Tessar bellows macro lens.

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Schneider Xenar 105/3.5
Tessar bellows macro lens.
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Acknowledgements: The DELTA project wouldn’t have been possible with the naysaying of experienced lens collectors; the death of film; the opposition of my wife; the embezzlement of shady eBay sellers and Japanese auction agents; the re-branders; the same 50/3.5 seen in a thousand guises; the unhelpful attitide of extant manufacturers who jettisoned their history without a backward glance (Schneider, Rodenstock et al); the corporations who swallow the legacies of decades without concern for their preservation; the disregard of librarians and archivists who no longer value photographic publications; the copyright laws prohibiting reproduction of adverts advertising things no longer made, once made by people and companies that no longer exist; the museums failing to digitise their collections and refusing to grant access to material rotting unseen in their basements; the sheer bloody-mindedness of Agfa serial numbers; the arrogance of those who have previously written about alt.lenses and imagine their sayings to be unalterably definitive, despite being patently erroneous;  widespread dementia and death befalling a generation of those with inside knowledge of the industry; widespread withering of the information internet and the rise of regurgitated AI gobbledygook; the majority of used camera dealers who regard these lenses as pointless relics and have no interest in deploying them as taking lenses and regard their slow-moving stock as an irritation; clueless marketing people devoid of specific product knowledge; an overwhelming majority of photographers apathetic about the benefits and possibilities of alt.lenses; the publishers who failed to express an interest in a book deal; the army of DIY botchers who took their lenses apart and didn’t know how to put them back together again; a postal system that loses packages as a normal happenstance;  and all the fungus. Against this tide stand we few. You know who you are. Thank you.