With the introduction of motorized zoom lenses, the next logical step was matching the sensor board. Sure there are countless suitable sensors from various manufacturers like Sony semiconductors, Onsemi, Aptina, and many more. But lack of good support from the SOC side suggested starting from IMX477. It is a reasonably modern 12M image sensor used […]
Read MoreNew motorized zoom lenses coming soon
Short announcement – it has been a few years since Kurokesu introduced motorized zoom cameras. So far there was a very limited selection, and it’s finally the time to grow the product line with lenses designed for larger image sensors. While cameras are still in development, only motorized zoom lenses and controllers will be supplied. […]
Read MoreExperiments with parfocal motorized zoom lens
Motorized zoom camera C1_PRO_X18 has two independent stepper motors for Zoom and Focus control. More specifications can be found in the documentation area. By design, this varifocal lens means the focus will be lost after the magnification motor is moved. However, the lens has linear rail reference points and it is possible to calibrate the lens so it will behave like […]
Read More18x optical zoom motorized camera kit
Recently released smallest motorized lens controller which could be suitable to drive advanced lenses. And after a few iterations finally, the SCF4 controller is released. It is time to introduce a new camera module C1_PRO_X18. MK2 updates Specs 5.5~96mm optical zoom (approximately 54.2° to 3.4° horizontal view angle) Motorized Focus, Zoom, Day/Night filter Reference points […]
Read MoreMotorized lens controller mk2 updates
It has been a while since zoom lens controller v1 was discontinued. The reason was very simple and happens to the best of us – the manufacturer made critical part outdated. Half a year ago swept all available stock and manufactured the last batch. An updated version was in development, but only internal use sample […]
Read MoreSecond life for x18 motorized lens
Had this 18x (5.4-96mm focal distance) salvaged zoom lens in my “inbox” for a while. Finally made it “tick” again with C1 camera and motorized lens controller. Replacing imager was a matter of unscrewing old one and screwing on C1 PCB – mounting hole spacing matched. And talking of controller – it was not even […]
Read MoreMaking best webcam even better
I have been planing to release Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam aluminium unibody rework kit for a while and as soon as I got time, designed and ordered a prototype. After receiving manufactured parts found few minor overlooked issues, but all has been fixed now. Can’t believe how small and slim it is compared to Logitech […]
Read MoreMeasuring minimal and maximal microscope magnification and zoom ratio
Magnification ratio is one of many parameters to describe optical instrument – microscope in this case. Magnification ratio usually comes along with zoom range. These terms are often being misused. In this post I will measure zoom range and magnification ratio of monocular video microscope lens and stereo inspection microscope (Konus #5424) head. Despite being […]
Read MoreMicroscope lens for SMD inspection
Every proud DSLR owner knows that no universal lens is good enough. While there are tons of lens reviews out there for larger cameras, smaller cameras are mostly left outside. Today I will be reviewing microscope lens. Will be using my own camera C1. Overview Lens is manufactured in China and sold various places. Also […]
Read MoreEngineering samples of motorized zoom lens controller
Today finally assembled few zoom lens controllers to be evaluated by early testers. Had to build test jig to flash bootloader. Boards will be shipped with latest firmware loaded. But new features are being developed and you should update with recent firmware before use. Therefore any feedback is highly appreciated. While forum on kurokesu web […]
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