Cylindrical lenses and linear flare...

Thanks for responding, BobORama!

BobORama wrote:

I don't think its inherently better - though you could potentially have better control over CA compared to a hunk of glass.

You can model this in an optical software to figure it out.

I'll have to look into what my options are, starting with things that are free / open-source hehe.  Zemax is $$$.

Also EO and so on may have off the shelf cylindrical lenses which you can get specs for.

They are a great resource.  I've indirectly picked up some of their bits and bobs over the years.

I know its possible for anamorphic optics to eliminate most of this, like the arriscope lenses and others for which there may be patents or lens formulas disclosed.

I'm looking to *introduce* linear flare, not eliminate it, all while leaving bokeh mostly unaffected (something that streak filters and fishing line do NOT do - they leave lines in bokeh balls).  A filter made as I propose could end up being a very costly, thick, and heavy piece of glass that would surely introduce its own aberrations and shift focus quite a bit, so I know it has its own set of problems.  But if it works... In combination with an elliptical aperture insert in a spherical lens, it could create a pretty convincing "anamorfake" that would be much easier to use than, say, a dual focus anamorphic attachment both during shooting and in post.

I know that's not the answer you wanted.

Again, thanks for responding - I'll take any answers I can get!