By technical editor Matt Allard, video by Adam Plowden:
At Cinegear 2015, we spoke to OptiTek, who produce lens adapters that offer full electronic control when using standard autofocus SLR lenses on cameras such as the Sony F5 and 55. Sony US now bundle the popular EF and Nikon adaptor to Sony FZ mount in their cinema kits for a simple integrated solution.
The lenses are powered via wire, which means no external electronics are required to use the focus and iris control. Also available is a wired/wireless handheld remote follow focus unit, which can also be easily mounted onto the camera via a rail system.
New at the show were working prototypes of their Canon EF and Nikon mount to fit the ARRI Alexa Mini and Amira. Both mounts are now available to order.
Canon ProLock-i for Arri Amira/ Alexa Mini cameras:
Lens compatibility:
EF mounted Canon, Tamron, Tokina, Sigma.
Voltage- 7-35V
power draw- 1W-5W depending on lens attached.
Features:
-Replaces the PL adapter on camera.
-Positive locking transform any unmodified Canon EF mounted lens into PL lens.
-Lens stabilization activated in lenses so equipped.
-Combined with OptiTron2 lens controller kit provides electronic drive by wire follow focus and remote iris control, in wired or wireless mode.
-Power supplied from camera contacts internally so no power cable is necessary.
Price is $1795 US
Nikon Prolock for Arri Alexa Mini and Amira:
OptiTek Nikon ProLock is a field proven robust and reliable Nikon F mounting system. It will provide years of reliable service and professional results with ARRI Amira, Alexa Mini cameras.
Main features:
-Positive locking to eliminate slop between the lens and the adapter
-Aperture control for AF-S lenses built into the adapter.
-The control is a traditional iris ring with standard pitch gear so motor can be used to control aperture remotely
-Iris scale engraved on the control ring to read the lens aperture value for reference.
-Iris scale is adjustable so it can be quickly precisely calibrated to the lens on the camera for even more precise aperture reference.
-full compatibility with the AI, AI-S, AF-S lenses.
The Nikon Prolock mount is now averrable to purchase for $995 US.
Newsshooter will be reviewing both the Canon and Nikon mounts for the Arri Alexa Mini and Amira shortly.
