Optimator for Critical Back Focus Adjustment

Band Pro Film and Digital announces it has become the worldwide distributor of the new OptiTek Optimator, a high-precision instrument that assures precise sensor location checking and adjustment of camera back focus and sensor flange depth.

Traditional methods of back focus checking that have long been used with cine cameras are not possible with digital cinema cameras because of sensor design and the possibility of damaging it. Yet the extremely high resolution of digital cinema cameras amplifies the effect of any sensor geometry or back focus location errors. The Optimator is an easy to use, cost-effective solution for owner/operators and rental houses alike.

This precision device simply mounts in place of the lens on any single sensor, PL mount digital cinematography camera such as the Sony F35 and the Red One, and projects a high-resolution test chart onto the sensor. When the camera’s video output of the Optimator’s test chart is viewed on an instrument-grade monitor, the chart becomes clearest when the lens mount is precisely positioned relative to back focus. To achieve optimum back focus positioning, lens mount adjustment can be accomplished with the Optimator in place.

Optimator

The Optimator’s high resolution optics are capable of resolving in excess of 5,000 lines per inch (196.8 lines per millimeter), which is several times more than the resolution of any current digital cinema camera. And because the Optimator’s extremely flat field displays the whole frame accurately, it makes sensor tilt errors easy to spot. The test image coverage area is 34mm, which exceeds the imaging area of a 5K sensor.

Optimator’s test image is projected by a white LED backlight with a power supply that is precisely calibrated to assure identical light intensity on each step, and on each Optimator. A built-in rechargeable battery and on-board battery charger are provided to power the LED.

The system’s lens mount adapters are precision-ground of stainless steel to minimize thermal expansion issues. They provide for quick remounting on various systems such as PL, Canon, Panavision, Nikon, etc.

For more information, contact: Band Pro Film & Digital, 3403 West Pacific Avenue, Burbank, CA 91505, Phone: 818/841-9655, e-mail: info at bandpro dot com

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