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The team developing the MFT lens mount system for the Nexus G1 has conceived, designed, developed, and prototyped what they say is the world’s first Automatic Lens mount: the AutoLock!
This is an interesting one to say the least. The film clip below demonstrates what Nexus project chief Thomas Boland says is prototype v27.2 of the new AutoLock system and shows how the new lens mount works.
It's a simple process, the mount automatically locks onto your lens when the lens is inserted, and then releases the lens with the press of a button. The AutoLock mount doesn’t require rotation of the lens (which makes lens changes smooth with Cine lenses and FIZ systems), and positive locks the lens rock solid to prevent any vibration or movement.
"Development of the AutoLock mount marks a crucial step in the development of the Nexus G1, because everything including a positive lock lens mount, electronic components, lowpass filter, and electronic ND module must fit inside the front of the camera, in the tiny 19.25mm flange distance of the MFT mount," writes Boland.
For all this to actually work, the lens mount must be extremely thin, a lot thinner than the average positive lock type mount.
"We are excited to say, at an insanely low profile of only 6mm (less than 1/4"), the AutoLock mount achieves this requirement perfectly, and we can now dive into the complex lens-sensor interface design of the Nexus G1!" he says.
This present version of the AutoLock mount is for the cameras chosen Micro Four Thirds format, but the company says that the AutoLock mechanism design can be applied to any bayonet lens mount type. All of which opens up some rather exciting future possibilities for other mount types.
There are questions, of course. As with the Nexus G1 itself, it will be good to see it working out in the real world. And there is going to be a definite psychological leap required to trust your precious glass to a click and not a twist. But it's still a hugely interesting development.
As to the progress of the Nexus G1 itself, new high performance materials are now being used in the construction of the body and Boland says the next update will show some BTS of the company tearing down one of the Blackmagic Pocket 6K G2s it's using to design the Nexus. And, drum roll please, after that a prototype of the new Nexus G1 will be demonstrated.
Tags: Production Cameras Nexus G1
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