Lens compatibility question

[JimBartell]

I got the following e-mail from a potential client:

 

"Hi Mr. Bartech,

 

I am using an Éclair ACL with small primes such as Angenieux, Kinoptic, Switar.

 

Is there a way to use your remote focusing devices with these lenses?"

 

Since I know as much about this topic as I do about Ming dynasty vases (i.e. nothing, other than the fact I recognize the names) I thought that someone here undoubtedly knows the answer.

 

Opinions, anyone?

 

Jim "Do what to who, now?" Bartell

[Fred Davis]

I got the following e-mail from a potential client:

 

>"Hi Mr. Bartech,

 

>I am using an Éclair ACL with small primes such as Angenieux.

 

Opinions, anyone?

 

Jim "Do what to who, now?" Bartell

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

My notes show that the Angenieux has a HIROSE 12-pole connector w/ this pin assignment:

 

1 = 7.5................... 7 = Zoom follow

2 = 2.5V................... 8 = N/C Focus Follow

3 = G 0V...................9 = VTR switch

4 = Zoom speed...................10= SW common

5 = VR=5V ...................11= Vid Rtn Swtch

6 = +V Camera...................12= Shot tele switch

[Brad Hruboska]

I think we are talking about smallc mount swotars and such here. the lens could probably have 32 pitch gear adapters made for the focus, but the throw is really small. the othe issue here is the c -mounts are a thread in lens not bayonet or p lmount, so you couould in theory spin the lens out of its mount. In fact i think i did just that in the old seitz days on a SR2 that had a b mount push and turn style lens mount. The ACL has a mount that will take certain anginue zooms and those could easlily have a lens gear machined. I bet if you went to a rental company or two, or derrick whitehouse and rummaged around you would find a ring the right size or a little small for the lens and have it machined open to the exact diameter.

I know i messed around with an ACL and even build a tap arrangement for it when my father was alive and had his machine shop running, but found the optics just not up to the job of producing a usable image. I might have an angeniuex zoom with a mount stiill from that camera if the gentleman needs it.

Brado.

[Mitch Gross]

The pin configuration Fred replied with is for modern Ang. video lenses--they have nothing to do with film style lenses old or new.

 

The Eclair as originally designed (back in the early 70s) had no power ports or accessory mounts of any kind, save for a couple of 3/8"x16 holes on the top & bottom. Some aftermarket companies such as Visual Products in Ohio and Les Bocher in the UK have made frontrod mounts for it and retrofitted PL lens mounts. The old lenses described are most likely c-mount, which as noted can rotate within their mounts given enough pressure. Also those old lenses will have no gearing in which to engage a follow focus device. Gears can be added to any lens from an aftermarket company such as Focus Optics for around $100/lens. Since the lenses mentioned aren't worth much more than that I question the value of the commitment. I also question the value of the entire endevor, as a BFD system with motor and a couple of cables will likely be worth more than this camera and its lenses.

 

Hope this helps. Jim, if you want more info I am intimately knowledgeable about the old Eclair ACLs as I shot a few docs with them and used them quite a bit in college.

[JimBartell]

Thanks everyone! Your responses helped a lot. The client is now trying to figure out how to proceed, but at least he understands the situation better. And so do I.

 

Jim "a little older, a lot wiser" Bartell