52774 1940s MANUFACTURE OF LENSES, PRISMS, OPTICAL EQUIPMENT
Directed by Bob Lapresle and prepared by the British Film Council, “Let’s See” is a 1945 Technicolor picture that takes a look at the manufacture of optical lenses and their many uses throughout the different industries, from microscopes to spectacles to full use in the war effort during World War II. It opens by mentioning how a camera lens can capture any moment for posterity’s sake. Although most people see a lens only as a glass object “with mysterious properties” (mark 01:10), the narrator notes that “the lens is a think of beauty, an accessory to the human eye.” At mark 02:10 the narrator explains how all lenses and prisms are made of glass prior to launching into a discussion of how such items are produced, while the process unfolds on the screen. It’s explained how lenses have a variety of uses, including binoculars, cameras, and sextants. In an era before computers, mathematical work is seen (that can last up to a year!) to figure out proper lens shape. At mark 03:15, the film reminds us that as Britain became embroiled in WW2, lenses were used for such devices as field glasses and aerial cameras. In peacetime, they are also used by optometrists to correct eyesight (mark 03:55). By mark 05:50 there is a discussion of how sand is used in the making lenses and the process involved. Several minutes later, at mark 09:30, lenses are shown being refined and polished, with one finished product — a prism — being checked for accuracy at mark 12:45. Other lenses are shown at mark 13:52 projecting and making films. “In peacetime … the British optical industry reflects in its own fine products the determination to supply none but the best,” the narrator says at mark 16:00.<p><p>We encourage viewers to add comments and, especially, to provide additional information about our videos by adding a comment! See something interesting? Tell people what it is and what they can see by writing something for example: "01:00:12:00 -- President Roosevelt is seen meeting with Winston Churchill at the Quebec Conference."<p><p>This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com