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Carl Zeiss Sharp Max™ - Maximising the sharpness of B-4-Mount lenses on 2/3rd inch High Definition cameras
The new Carl Zeiss Sharp Max™ precision collimation device is designed to provide accurate and consistent back-focus for the entire DigiPrimeŽ lens series, thus maximising the sharpness actually achieved in camera.
DigiPrimeŽ lenses are the first set of primary lenses – available in 5 mm (T1.9), 7mm (T1.6), 10 mm (T1.6), 14 mm (T1.6), 20 mm (T1.6) and 40 mm (T1.6) – to utilize the full potential of the finest 2/3" High Definition cameras.
The Sharp Max™ is a compact device, not much larger than a lens, designed to go anywhere DigiPrimeŽ lenses go. After using it for the first time, Director of Photography Mike Spodnik, SOC commented, "The new Sharp Max™ alignment device lets me make sure my back focus is properly set. It cuts quite a bit of time, so I can change prime lenses as often as I like within a minute or a minute and a half. It took me about 30 seconds to learn to use it. The fact that it’s field useable, small and self-contained makes it too good a device to leave out of any lens package."
With the Zeiss Sharp Max™, back-focus adjustment is accomplished quickly and easily. With the Sharp Max™ attached to the front of the DigiPrimeŽ lens mounted on the shooting camera, the operator sets the lens focus scale to the mechanical infinity limit and adjusts the back-focus ring for the best visual resolution of the Siemens star image in the camera viewfinder or on the monitor. Finally the operator locks the back-focus ring, removes the Sharp Max™ from the lens, and returns to normal operation. The full procedure usually takes less than 30 seconds.
The Carl Zeiss Sharp Max™ sports a rugged housing of anodized aluminum and has been constructed to match the quality of high precision Carl Zeiss camera lenses. Its athermal design features specially selected materials such as InvarstahlŽ to avoid thermal expansion of critical components which would throw the optical adjustment out of precise alignment. The front of the unit is equipped with a clamping mount for Carl Zeiss DigiPrimeŽ lenses (which feature a uniform 95 mm front diameter). The mount is interchangeable, thus allowing Sharp Max™ to be compatible with other lenses featuring larger or smaller front diameters.
The integral Siemens star size is optimized for the DigiPrimeŽ focal lengths. The user-adjustable illumination is provided by low draw LEDs. After an operator-defined duration, user adjustable between 1 to 10 minutes, the illumination conveniently switches off. This minimizes draw on the internal standard 9 Volt battery that can deliver power for up to 4 hours of continuous operation. Also equipped with an external 12 V connector, the unit can be powered from most High Definition camera's rear 12 V DC accessory output.
The Carl Zeiss Sharp Max™ is available from Band Pro Film/Video in Burbank, California, USA. The Sharp Max™ is also available within the Carl Zeiss program of lens testing technology.
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