TV camera zoom lensIn 1947, the first zoom lens for the television camera was demonstrated by the National Broadcasting Company in New York City. Previously, moving into a closeup shot required moving the entire camera toward the actor or object, or away for a long-distance shot. Now the same zoom effects could be produced using the Zoomar lens, which revolutionized TV sports. It was patented as a "varifocal lens for cameras" on 23 Nov 1948 by its inventor, Dr. Frank Gerard Back of New York City. His company, Zoomar, continued to develop his technologies into the 1970s, with optical innovations for television and motion pictures, as well as astronomical, medical, commercial, and even military applications.«[Image: Dumont camera with Zoomar lens extending over two feet from its front, c.1950's] |