Retrofocus lens system and projection display apparatus

The present invention relates to a retrofocus lens system that is suitable for a projection optical system which requires a long back focal length in comparison with a focal distance and a projection display apparatus incorporating the retrofocus lens system. A retrofocus lens system comprises a first lens group having a negative power, a second lens group having a positive power, and a third lens group having a positive power. The first lens group includes a first lens, a meniscus-shaped second lens having a negative power and a convex surface facing the large conjugate side, a third lens having a negative power, and a fourth lens. The second lens group includes a fifth lens having a positive power. The third lens group includes a sixth lens having a negative power, both surfaces of which are concave, a seventh lens having a positive power, both surfaces of which are convex, an eighth lens having a positive power, both surfaces of which are convex, and a ninth lens having a positive axial power. The system satisfies 0.9