In the Search for Truth: Telephone Lens from 1960

Methods in Madness with Adrian Shine: Loch Ness Investigation Telephoto Lens, 1962-72

23rd Jan 2024

Embark on a journey of intrigue and discovery with Adrian Shine, a seasoned investigator of Loch Ness. Adrian Shine, renowned for his unwavering commitment to unveiling the truth, presents the first in a series of monthly blogs that will delve into the artefacts within the experience.

This month, our focus turns to the iconic 36-inch Newman lens, a silent witness to the decade-long surface surveillance conducted by the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau during the 1960s.

In the Search for Truth: Telephone Lens

In the Search for Truth area of the exhibition you can see one of the huge 36-inch Newman lenses used throughout 10 years of surface surveillance by the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau during the 1960s. The telephoto lens was attached to a 35mm movie camera. The objective was to achieve photographic records of the highest possible quality of the phenomena reported by so many eyewitnesses, and especially to reveal details of any head and neck exposed by any unusual creature. The Newman lens had a 140ft width of field at a mile range. An object only one foot wide could be resolved at that range. A continuous vigil was maintained from the expedition’s base on high ground at Achnahannet, awaiting the calm ‘Nessie weather’ associated with monster sightings. Then, vehicles mounting cameras were dispatched to vantage points along the northwestern shore. A number of inconclusive films were shot.

The telephoto lens on location looking at Loch Ness during the 1960s

The classic telephoto lens that was used in the 1960s search for Nessie

As Adrian’s blog unravels another layer of the Loch Ness mystery, we invite you to take a closer look in “Search for Truth” room at the Newman lens, a symbol of persistence in the search the the monster.

Stay tuned for the next blog in the series from Adrian.