Variable anamorphic lens system

A variable anamorphic lens system adaptable for use on an image recording instrument such as a camera (10). The system consists of an image transformation lens (14), a focusing lens (18) and an aperture stop (22). The transformation lens (14) and focusing lens (18) function together to form an image, on the camera's image plane (26), of a remote object at or near an object plane (30) as determined by the field of view. By manipulating the image transformation lens (14), the image of the remote object, or an insolated portion of the object, can be modified or transformed so that an altered image is formed on the image plane (26) of the camera (10).