Abstract: An anamorphic imaging system is disclosed which maximizes the use of available image area to minimize display magnification and image degradation due to display magnification, reduces the amount of anamorphic squeeze or stretch during photography to lower image degradation due to anamorphosis, and in film applications, utilizes a film frame that is only three perforations in height to reduce the amount of original film needed. The frame for either film or digital applications has an aspect ratio of approximately 16:9, is contained within the total available frame area of a three-perforation frame or digital imager, and is sized to maximize image area. In preferred embodiments, the image capture area is approximately 0.900 inches wide by approximately 0.506 inches tall.

Abstract: A compact zoom lens system providing a wide-range, ultra-wide angle optionally rotatable compound zoom is disclosed. In one embodiment, the optical design is comprised of an NPP kernel followed by a PP relay with four independently moving groups, two on each side of an intermediate image. The front group is stationary with respect to the image plane, as are two fold prisms. The kernel has a zoom ratio of about 2:1, and the zoom relay has a magnification ratio of about 4:1, giving a total zoom ratio of about 8.6:1. The PP relay is comprised of two independently moving positive groups. The focal lengths covered by the zoom range have a 35 mm still camera equivalent of about 21 mm to 180 mm. The aperture of the system ranges from about f/2.8 to f/6.3, but is constant at about f/2.8 from about 3 mm through 6.2 mm focal length.

Abstract: A zoom lens is disclosed having a zoom ratio larger than four with a field of view at the short focal length position larger than 85 degrees and with a minimal number of moving groups. The zoom lens utilizes a compound zoom structure comprising an NP or NPP zoom kernel followed by a P or PP zoom relay, with only two or three moving groups that can be used for both zooming, focusing and athermalization. An overall compact package size is achieved by the use of prisms to fold the optical path in strategic locations. An optional variable power liquid cell can provide close focusing with little or no focus breathing.

Abstract: A zoom lens system is disclosed. The zoom lens system forms a final image of an object and a first intermediate real image between the object and the final image. The zoom lens system includes a first optical unit located between the object and the first intermediate real image. The first optical unit comprises at least one optical subunit which is moved to change the size (magnification) of the first intermediate real image. The zoom lens system also includes a second optical unit located between the first intermediate real image and the final image, at least a portion of which is moved to change the size (magnification) of the final image. The zoom lens system provides a wide zoom range of focal lengths with continuous zooming between the focal lengths.

Abstract: An anamorphic imaging system is disclosed which maximizes the use of available image area to minimize display magnification and image degradation due to display magnification, reduces the amount of anamorphic squeeze during photography to lower image degradation due to anamorphosis, and in film applications, utilizes a film frame that is only three perforations in height to reduce the amount of original film needed. The frame for either film or digital applications has an aspect ratio of approximately 16:9, is contained within the total available frame area of a three-perforation frame or digital imager, and is sized to maximize image area. In preferred embodiments, the image capture area is approximately 0.900 inches wide by approximately 0.506 inches tall.

Abstract: A compact high performance objective zoom lens system is disclosed that provides optimum optical performance over the entire zoom focal length range at focus distances from close to infinity. The system comprises, from object space to image space, one focusing objective lens group (comprising a focus lens group and a stationary lens group) and three zoom lens groups aligned on the optical axis. The focus lens group and the zoom lens groups are axially movable along the optical axis for focusing and zooming. In one embodiment, the system has a focal length zoom region from about 19 mm to 90 mm, an aperture of F/2.7 and substantially the same optical performance as high quality fixed objective lenses of the same range. The performance characteristics of this system makes it suitable for use with both film and electronic detector cameras.

Abstract: A compact high performance objective zoom lens system is disclosed that provides optimum optical performance over the entire zoom focal length range at focus distances from close to infinity. The system comprises, from object space to image space, one focusing objective lens group (comprising a focus lens group and a stationary lens group) and three zoom lens groups aligned on the optical axis. The focus lens group and the zoom lens groups are axially movable along the optical axis for focusing and zooming. In one embodiment, the system has a focal length zoom region from about 19 mm to 90 mm, an aperture of F/2.7 and substantially the same optical performance as high quality fixed objective lenses of the same range. The performance characteristics of this system makes it suitable for use with both film and electronic detector cameras.

Abstract: A zoom lens is disclosed having a zoom ratio larger than four with a field of view at the short focal length position larger than 85 degrees and with a minimal number of moving groups. The zoom lens utilizes a compound zoom structure comprising an NP or NPP zoom kernel followed by a P or PP zoom relay, with only two or three moving groups that can be used for both zooming, focusing and athermalization. An overall compact package size is achieved by the use of prisms to fold the optical path in strategic locations. An optional variable power liquid cell can provide close focusing with little or no focus breathing.

Abstract: A rear anamorph is disclosed with at least two cylindrically surfaced elements oriented in one direction primarily for squeezing or stretching the image with a ratio of less than 2:1, and at least two cylindrically surfaced elements oriented in a second direction primarily for aberration control. The cylindrically surfaced elements oriented in one direction may be moved as a group along the optical axis, and the cylindrically surfaced elements oriented in the second direction may also be moved as a group along the optical axis. In addition, the entire rear anamorph may be moved together, and a lens unit attached to the rear anamorph may also be moved with respect to the rear anamorph. With these adjustments, the two image planes formed by the two focal lengths created by the cylindrically surfaced elements in the two directions may be aligned with each other and superimposed on the nominal image plane.

Abstract: A compact zoom lens system providing a wide-range, ultra-wide angle optionally rotatable compound zoom is disclosed. In one embodiment, the optical design is comprised of an NPP kernel followed by a PP relay with four independently moving groups, two on each side of an intermediate image. The front group is stationary with respect to the image plane, as are two fold prisms. The kernel has a zoom ratio of about 2:1, and the zoom relay has a magnification ratio of about 4:1, giving a total zoom ratio of about 8.6:1. The PP relay is comprised of two independently moving positive groups. The focal lengths covered by the zoom range have a 35 mm still camera equivalent of about 21 mm to 180 mm. The aperture of the system ranges from about f/2.8 to f/6.3, but is constant at about f/2.8 from about 3 mm through 6.2 mm focal length.

Abstract: A zoom lens system is disclosed. The zoom lens system forms a final image of an object and a first intermediate real image between the object and the final image. The zoom lens system includes a first optical unit located between the object and the first intermediate real image. The first optical unit comprises at least one optical subunit which is moved to change the size (magnification) of the first intermediate real image. The zoom lens system also includes a second optical unit located between the first intermediate real image and the final image, at least a portion of which is moved to change the size (magnification) of the final image. The zoom lens system provides a wide zoom range of focal lengths with continuous zooming between the focal lengths and optional image stabilization.

Abstract: A rear anamorph is disclosed with at least two cylindrically surfaced elements oriented in one direction primarily for squeezing or stretching the image with a ratio of less than 2:1, and at least two cylindrically surfaced elements oriented in a second direction primarily for aberration control. The cylindrically surfaced elements oriented in one direction may be moved as a group along the optical axis, and the cylindrically surfaced elements oriented in the second direction may also be moved as a group along the optical axis. In addition, the entire rear anamorph may be moved together, and a lens unit attached to the rear anamorph may also be moved with respect to the rear anamorph. With these adjustments, the two image planes formed by the two focal lengths created by the cylindrically surfaced elements in the two directions may be aligned with each other and superimposed on the nominal image plane.

Abstract: A zoom lens system is disclosed. The zoom lens system forms a final image of an object and a first intermediate real image between the object and the final image. The zoom lens system includes a first optical unit located between the object and the first intermediate real image. The first optical unit comprises at least one optical subunit which is moved to change the size (magnification) of the first intermediate real image. The zoom lens system also includes a second optical unit located between the first intermediate real image and the final image, at least a portion of which is moved to change the size (magnification) of the final image. The zoom lens system provides a wide zoom range of focal lengths with continuous zooming between the focal lengths.

Abstract: An anamorphic imaging system is disclosed which maximizes the use of available image area to minimize display magnification and image degradation due to display magnification, reduces the amount of anamorphic squeeze during photography to lower image degradation due to anamorphosis, and in film applications, utilizes a film frame that is only three perforations in height to reduce the amount of original film needed. The frame for either film or digital applications has an aspect ratio of approximately 16:9, is contained within the total available frame area of a three-perforation frame or digital imager, and is sized to maximize image area. In preferred embodiments, the image capture area is approximately 0.900 inches wide by approximately 0.506 inches tall.

Abstract: An anamorphic imaging system is disclosed which maximizes the use of available image area to minimize display magnification and image degradation due to display magnification, reduces the amount of anamorphic squeeze or stretch during photography to lower image degradation due to anamorphosis, and in film applications, utilizes a film frame that is only three perforations in height to reduce the amount of original film needed. The frame for either film or digital applications has an aspect ratio of approximately 16:9, is contained within the total available frame area of a three-perforation frame or digital imager, and is sized to maximize image area. In preferred embodiments, the image capture area is approximately 0.900 inches wide by approximately 0.506 inches tall.

Abstract: A zoom lens system is disclosed. The zoom lens system forms a final image of an object and a first intermediate real image between the object and the final image. The zoom lens system includes a first optical unit located between the object and the first intermediate real image. The first optical unit comprises at least one optical subunit which is moved to change the size (magnification) of the first intermediate real image. The zoom lens system also includes a second optical unit located between the first intermediate real image and the final image, at least a portion of which is moved to change the size (magnification) of the final image. The zoom lens system provides a wide zoom range of focal lengths with continuous zooming between the focal lengths and optional image stabilization.

Abstract: A high performance, large aperture, long focal length visible waveband objective lens system (60) comprises a telephoto objective lens group (48) spaced from a focusing lens group (49) and an auxiliary lens group (54), all supported in a support assembly (43) of fixed length. The lens groups are aligned on a common optical axis (40) and arranged to form a real image (34) in image space (42) from radiation entering the system (60) from a real object in object space (41). The telephoto objective lens group (48) is stationary and comprises a positively powered lens element (A) and a negatively powered lens sub-group (50) containing a quintuplet lens group (51) with lens elements (B, C, D, E, F) and a lens element (G).

Abstract: A lighting system and method with variable light intensity for use in motion picture photography. In the lighting apparatus, light emitted from a source is passed through an aperture and then through a section of a movable, neutral density filter. The preferred filter is specially designed to have a variable density, continuously increasing from one side of the filter to the other. By changing the position of the filter, selectively placing higher or lower density sections in the light path, the intensity of the light emitted by the lighting apparatus may be varied. The neutral density filter is selected to be generally color neutral so that the color quality of the light passing therethrough remains unchanged. To ensure complete light blockage, a douser of opaque material is provided which is selectively interposed in the outgoing light path.

Abstract: A lighting system and method with variable light intensity for use in motion picture photography. In the lighting apparatus, light emitted from a source is passed through an aperture and then through a section of a movable, neutral density filter. The preferred filter is specially designed to have a variable density, continuously increasing from one side of the filter to the other. By changing the position of the filter, selectively placing higher or lower density sections in the light path, the intensity of the light emitted by the lighting apparatus may be varied. The neutral density filter is selected to be generally color neutral so that the color quality of the light passing therethrough remains unchanged.

Abstract: A camera system including a matte box assembly for use on cameras for supporting a plurality of filters, the matte box assembly including a filter holder mechanism which is insertable into the matte box assembly. The filter holder accommodates a bottom filter element and a top filter element, the filter elements stacked in the frame in parallel relationship to one another, one on top of the other, with the bottom filter element engaging the lower ledge portion of the frame member.