Opera Glasses " Much More Than Just Small Binoculars

By Jeff Bridges

If it wasn't for the Dutch optician Hans Lipperhey, we might not have had either binoculars or opera glasses today. He first started manufacturing simple binoculars in 1608. These were not much more than two telescopes connected by a central bridge, but they led to many further modifications and improvements. His early binoculars had a magnification capability of x3. Within less than a year the Italian mathematician and inventor Galileo Galilee made another drastic stride forward by increasing the magnification ability of telescopes to x30.

Binoculars gave a much wider field of view than telescopes, but since they had 2 convex lenses, the picture that you saw was inverted. It wasn't until 1617 that Anton Schyrle added an additional lens to re-invert the image. In 1758 John Dollond of England invented the achromatic (color free) lens and thereby solved the problem of color distortion.

Another major step forward was the development of prismatic binoculars by an Italian by the name of Ignazio Porro - a gunnery officer. Prismatic binoculars had a much wider field of vision than before and offered dramatically improved magnification abilities as well.

Opera glasses are mentioned for the first time in London newspaper advertisements dating back to 1730. These were not binoculars, but small Galilean telescopes. They were both used decoratively and to watch opera with. The bodies were often inlaid with gems, mother of pearl, ivory, enamel and other types of decorations.

It wasn't until 23 in Vienna that we first find mention of binocular-type opera glasses. These were in fact simply two small telescopes with a bridge connecting them. The telescopes had to be focused individually by extending the tubes.

They proved to be very popular, however, and quickly became items of high fashion. The designs were so elaborate that one often would find both a painter and a goldsmith working on the end product. They were used as much to impress people as to watch opera - not to mention scrutinizing other opera goers to see if their opera glasses were perhaps more fashionable than yours!

The design was further improved substantially when it became possible to adjust both lenses at the same time using a small wheel in the center. This made opera glasses even more popular and soon everyone who was anyone had to have one. They were highly regarded as gifts - as one can clearly see when you study the inscriptions on many of these glasses dating back to the 17th century.

Although there are nowadays a multitude of different types of opera glasses on the market, they fall into two categories: monocular and binocular. Within those categories you get all the colors of the rainbow and all the styles and materials you can think of. You even get opera glasses with handles and reading lights. One of the more unusual types is one with a jealousy glass - so you can unobtrusively watch someone else in the audience! - 18758

About the Author:

Jeff B. has always loved the theater and opera, he currently helps run an opera glasses retail site where they sell opera glasses. Including Opera Glasses with handle, flashlight, chain and more!

Opera Glasses, A Excellent Method To View All The Action On Stage From Far Away

By Jeff Bridges

Opera Glasses are somewhat like binoculars except that they are for seeing stage performances. The opera houses of yesterday had seats that were free or cheaper for people but they were far away from the stage up on balconies. The stage was so distant that one could only see the figures moving around on stage. Props were nonexistent and seeing the singer or actors face was impossible. Opera glasses would make it a little easier for those sitting in the cheap seats to see what was happening on stage and see what the actors actually looked like. Opera glasses have been in use since the 50's.

Binoculars and Opera Glasses have several major differences including the fact that opera glasses are smaller and made to be unnoticed or be tucked away where no one could see them until the performance started. Today there are several types that look like a flat case easily carried in a women's bag or in a suit pocket, but touch a button and they pop up. There are some that fold up on each other and hard to notice unless they are fully pulled out and ready to use. Some manufactures make reproductions of older models that have a rod from which to hold them called lorgnettes enabling the view to hold with one hand. This rod folds and practically disappears when not in use.

Opera glasses can be found for purchase today. There are inexpensive ones that cost about $50 to $100 but there are others that can be more expensive. These kind are equipped with better optics and larger magnifications and may be unique in the way they look. You can also get vintage opera glasses that may cost much more merely because they are antique. Always try them out to make sure they are still in working order.

Often times theaters and opera houses will rent opera glasses for a nominal price. If you go often you may want to consider purchasing your own, but if your visits are infrequent plan on renting. Before purchasing it is a good idea to try out different styles to see what suits you best. There are those people who don't mind holding them with both hands and some that would prefer using the one hand hold with the rod at the side. You may even find you don't want to use them as they interfere with the performance or you find it hard to hold them in place.

Binoculars differ from opera glasses in magnification. The system used in opera glasses is a simple system whereas that used in binoculars is quite extensive. The system used in opera glasses is based on the simple system invented by Galileo called the Galilean optical system. The images will not be as sharp with opera glasses but you can still see most of what you need to on the stage

Most opera glasses today are made in China. Most of them have a magnification to 3 X which is adequate for a large auditorium or concert hall. Exceptions to the rule go to 5 X but they are quite expensive. Some will have a center focus and some don't have one at all. Usually the non focus glasses have a small red LED light that appears between the eye barrels. This will enable you to read the program in dim light without disturbing your neighbor. If you have good vision these will be the ones for you however, if you have a problem with vision and wish to use the opera glasses without your corrective lenses it is better to go with the ones that can be focused. Since there is a central focusing mechanism there is no room for the light so focused opera glasses will not have one.

Opera Glasses usually are accompanied by a case and especially look for this in the vintage ones. Some are soft sided and others hare hard and can be lined with velvet. Some antique glasses are made of ivory or enamel with cloisonne and they may be bejewelled or framed in gold or silver. Old ones were very beautiful and elegant. Either vintage or modern glasses make a great gift for those who love the ballet, opera or theater. - 18758

About the Author:

Before you attend any performance make sure that you have a good pair of opera glasses. Here you can check out Opera Glasses with handle, flashlight, chain and more!

The Phantom of the Opera: A Review with Opera Glasses

By Jeff Bridges

Phantom of the Opera is a marvelous performance that will send your feelings through an array of emotions from sadness, happiness, to fright. When planning on attending a performance of the Phantom of the Opera make sure you bring your opera glasses.

The story of the Phantom of the Opera begins in Paris sometime in the 1800's when two men take ownership of an old theater house believed to be haunted by a ghost. The ghost is said to be the spirit of a construction worker of the theater named Erik, who haunts the theater. The truth of the matter is that Erik is very much alive, although severely disfigured from birth. To cover his disfigured face, he wears the mask which has become the symbol of this wonderful performance.

As time goes on the Phantom come to one of the performers; Christine, and tells her that her father who has passed away, has sent him from heaven to give her voice lessons. The Phantom begins to train her through the walls of her dressing room, as these take place over the course of time Christine becomes a remarkable singer, and takes the leading role in the opera.

Christine, one night, faints during a performance. A daring man in the audience comes to her rescue. We come to find out that this daring man is Raoul, a childhood friend of Christine. We find also that Raoul has fallen in love with her. Raoul begins to attend Christine's performances regularly, showering her with gifts.

Jealousy of Christine and Raoul begins to consume Erik, for the Phantom has also fallen in love with Christine. Erik can no longer restrain himself from meeting in person with Christine. When he finally appears in her dressing room, he does so wearing the famed mask. He then takes Christine deep within the catacombs of the opera house to his secret home.

Christine finds out that The Phantom does not plan to release her. At this point she becomes very fearful and also very angry. Erik then makes a promise to her that she will be let go after staying for five more days. At this point he takes Christine on a tour of his underground home, which features many strange things. Be sure to be using your opera glasses at this point of the performance, for this part can truly not be forgotten.

Christine desires to see the man behind the mask, and wonders who he really could be. In an amazing duet she pulls the mask by surprise from his face. We recommend using your opera glasses at this point to see if you can catch a glimpse of the Phantom's face. After this amazing pinnacle of the duet, Erik feels betrayed and angry and vows to never release Christine from his underground lair. The Phantom, simply loves Christine, and more than anything wants this true love to be returned.

As the storyline carries on you will continue to be mesmerized by the music and wonderful performance that is given. But to see how The Phantom of the Opera ends, you will have to see it for yourself. This is one performance that you will want to see again and again. The wonderful storyline of the Phantom of the Opera with opera glasses is highly recommended. - 18758

About the Author:

Jeff Bridges has always loved the theater and opera, he currently helps run an opera glasses retail site where they sell opera glasses. Including Opera Glasses with handle, flashlight, chain and more!

Green Screen Hollywood - Brief History

By Phillip Guye

Green screen Hollywood technology, also known as chroma key is a system employed by filmmakers to mix 2 separate pictures together. This works by making the background ( a solid color which is mostly green or blue ) transparent to reveal another image which is the actual background that will be shown on film. This strategy of filming is also known as color keying, blue screen, and color separation overlay ( CSO ). It was basically used for weather reports. Forecasters were shot in front of chroma key screens and the background got replaced by actual maps that indicate weather estimates. The chroma key system is also used by filmmakers and photographers alike.

The green screen first made its appearance in the 1930's at RKO Radio Pictures. The background used back then was blue. This technique of film making was developed in order to create special effects for the film "The thief of Bagdad." aside from the chroma key strategy, filmmakers trusted a really tedious and laborious process called "travelling matte." This made transition such as "wipes" possible.

Larry butler is understood to be responsible for pioneering the blue screen method. In reality, he even took home an Academy Award for visual effects for his work in "The thief of Bagdad." After his pre-eminence in the 30's, servant was the first person to use chroma key technology in Technicolor, clearing the path for modern green screen Hollywood technology.

The 1st films to take advantage of Chroma Key technology was the film adaptation of Ernest Hemingway famous novella, "The Old Man and the Sea," starring Spencer Tracy. After the "Old Man and the Sea," more films used the chroma key methodology. Some famous film that make use of chroma key technology are The Empire Strikes Back, Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Star Trek, and even 300. Films that employ CGI or computer generated photographs are also made with the assistance of green screen technology. This is how having out of this world settings and fantastic creatures can be shown on film.

Today, green screen Hollywood technology isn't just restricted to large budget residences. It is also used in photography. From the original blue screen, green was employed later on because filmmakers found out that a green background doesn't need boring lighting. Cameras are most sensitive to this color, so the result of films shot on green screens are easier to work with and manipulate. With that said, chroma key technology is now known to photographers and filmmakers' best friend. - 18758

About the Author:

There are a lot of other websites offering various forms of advice on how to use green screen but a lot of them are not very detailed or precise. Before following these, be sure to check my own articles and reviews on Green Screen Studio and Green Screen Hollywood, You can also reach me at 1-323-851-3825 or phillipguy@hotmail.com

What it Consists of and How to Use It - Green Screen Hollywood Technology

By Phillip Guye

Hollywood manages to transport moviegoers to different places be it real or normal. With today's sophisticated film making technologies, anyone can have a look at ancient Rome's grand coliseums, walk on the surface of Jupiter, and visit dimensions that was once limited to only our imaginations. Also, creatures such as monsters, angels, and beasts are brought to life with the aid of green screen Hollywood technology. But what precisely is green screen or "Chroma Key" technology? How does it work?

Green screen technology is the mixing of 2 pictures together. A solid background color is utilised so that another image can be transposed in front of the main picture. More frequently than not, green is the color used for this reason although blue is also generally used. Green is more favored among filmmakers because image sensors in cameras are sensitive to it. Green camera channels have less noise and can make the most clean masks. Also, the color green is commonly used as it doesn't have to be illuminated much, in comparison to other colors. This makes the green screen the ideal background of different productions from weather reports to giant budget Hollywood films.

However , there are some things to remember when using green screen Hollywood technology. Good production equipment like lights and quality cameras should be used when using Chroma Key technology screens. Bad lighting can cause unsightly shadows and wrong shades on the screen. Therefore , it is critical to have all of the right gear when filming something that requires the Chroma Key technique.

Green screen Hollywood technology is also used to solve lots of filmmakers and photographers' issues. One vital use of the chroma key screen is that it permits the user to dump the need to find a real background. Green screens allow filmmakers and photographers to be flexible. With green chroma key screen technology, any image can be added and used as the final background. This is how many Hollywood personalities end up in far flung regions of the universe or in ancient cities that don't exist anymore in this era.

Green screen Hollywood technology is principally used by pros. Except for being a typical tool employed in movies, it is also used for mag shoots, TV adverts, and studio photography. This is how shocking photographs and visual spectacles are made available to anyone who would desire something special for movies and photographs. When used the best way, green screens can help produce great pictures only the imagination can cook up. This is precisely why the green screen is one of the most trustworthy and helpful film making and photography tool there is. - 18758

About the Author:

There are so many other sites giving a variety of forms of advice on how to use green screen but most of them are not very detailed or concise. Before following these, make sure to check my own articles and reviews on Green Screen Studio and Green Screen Hollywood, You can also reach me at 1-323-851-3825 or phillipguy@hotmail.com