I'm wanting to do a little side project from my main projector using a 2.6" lcd screen... Would it be possible to sit this lcd right at the base of a large projection triplet and come away with something? I know that with a screen this size, I'll be having a huge screendoor effect if I pull the projector back very far. Would a screen with the following dimensions be small enough to fit inside the 18" Buhl lens diameter?

1 7/8" wide x 1 3/4" tall

The only way to get this sort of thing is to use a lens off a old CRT projector as they have a very short focal length to put the lens against the crt tube. Should work fine

Wow, I wasn't even thinking about using one of those. Thanks!

I'll post up pics in the gallery when I'm finished.

Do you think the lens from a rear projection crt would also work?

Possibly. Some of those lenses had special optical correction designed in because of the curvature in the face of the CRT.

Actually, it should work fine. I know at some point I was looking at getting one of these for the project I'm just now starting on specifically due to the fact it says "Designed to be nearly in contact with subject surface." Only problem is that the LCD I'm going to use isn't small enough, from what I can tell. But something as small as 2 1/2"... I'm sure there's something in the forums here using an LED spotlight (PAR38, if I remember right) that I've seen while bringing myself up to speed the past week or so.

I had one of thoes NEC lens they are supper nice like 8lb too. really really sharp.

they are make for a LCD to be place almost right on them.

You will still need a rear fresnel ot just a short condenser lens would work.

Some of the CRTs were flat and others had the standard CRT bulge a different lens is required to be used for each but they are only ever sold as CRT lenses so some will work and others won't, just gotta try and see. Rear Projection is the same thing

This might be OT but I thought it was interesting. If we are referring to this NEC projector lens then I, also, have...had one of these. I disected it with my dremel 2 days ago since I couldn't unscrew it apart. I pulled out 6....count them...6 different lenses. All different sizes and shapes. I assume they are crown glass and coated. Perhaps I'll post some pic of the lenses at mikyd's precon thread.

Yep, that's the one.

Wow... six lenses. Those short throw lenses are really neat, aren't they?

I think I'm going to just order one of the NEC lenses. I've seen someone on another forum doing almost the same thing, so I think I'll order one to try.