Due to the presence of an optical prism, 3-CCD C-mount cameras have special optical and mechanical requirements for compatibility with standard C-mount lenses.

Mechanical limitations:

• Depth of C-mount threaded section must be 4mm or less.
• No protrusions beyond the C-mount (even a 1mm extrusion is too much).
• Rainbow specification sheets show depth of C-mount.
• Panasonic requires 3.5mm or less depth and is not compatible with Rainbow lenses.

Note: On fixed lenses, a protrusion may not initially be present depending on where the focus is set. Some lenses have a protrusion when the lens is focus fully FAR which may limit its focus range.

Our standard 6X 1/2" zoom (H6X8 series) may initially appear to have no protrusion until you attempt to adjust the flange back screw when back focusing with a 3-CCD camera. This protrusion will hit the prism filter and will not allow proper back focus. This problem has been remedied with our 3C version of this lens.

Optical Back Focal Distance:

• Must be 14.5mm or higher.
• Distance is listed in our specifications and foldout brochure.

Optical requirement:

• Chromatic aberrations may occur when the iris is opened beyond the F-number of the camera prism. Most prisms are rated at F1.4 or F1.6. Many of our zooms have a maximum aperture of 1.0 or 1.2. Picture will be normal when lens is at or below the prism F-number.

Auto-Iris:

• Depending on camera, auto-iris output may not be compatible with our MEA lenses.

Compatible lenses:

Compatibility with Specific Cameras