Angenieux retrofocus
From Free net encyclopedia
The Angenieux retrofocus photographic lens was invented in France in 1950 by Pierre Angenieux, and is characterized by a large negative meniscus lens element up front followed by four or five small elements in the rear.
The retrofocus lens has its focal point significantly further from the surface of the rearmost lens than would be the case in a lens of conventional construction. Users of 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras and even medium format SLRs appreciate the retrofocus construction, as otherwise very-short-focus lenses would interfere with the operation of the mirror.