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Camera compatibility with M12 microlenses

M12 Products

M12 (sometimes referred to as S-mount) optics are often a popular alternative to C- or CS-mount optics due to their smaller size and lower cost. We offer a variety of M12-based products, including lens mounts (plastic or metal), lenses, a CS-to-M12 adapter, and some cameras with M12 lens mount pre-installed.

The cast metal M12 lens holder is made of zinc alloy and is designed to fit larger format sensors such as the Sony ICX445 CCD and the Sony IMX035 CMOS. Additional features include a set screw for adjusting back focal distance, dowel pins for precise alignment of the lens holder to the camera circuit board, and an infrared (IR) cut filter pre-installed to reduce sensitivity in the visible light spectrum and help prevent smear.

We also offer a CS to M12 lens adapter, which is useful for attaching M12 lenses to a camera equipped with a CS-mount lens holder. There may be some compatibility issues with particular wide angle (short focal length) M12 lenses - see below for more details.

For more information about M12 microlenses or adapters available, visit our Product Accessories Site.

Compatibility with Third-Party Lenses

We cannot comment on either of the following scenarios:

    • The compatibility of third-party lenses that are outside of the specifications for those supplied with our imaging products.
    • The compatibility of CS-to-M12 lens adapters for your particular imaging requirements.

Compatibility issues are primarily a result of back focal length differences, as explained below. See "Selecting a Lens for your Camera" for lens specifications and back focal lengths.

The distance required for the lens to be in focus is greater than the length of the lens holder, requiring the lens to be unattached from the holder in order for it to be focused.

 

 

The distance required for the lens to be in focus is less than the length of the lens holder. The image will still be unfocused even with the lens screwed all the way into the lens holder.

 

 

The microlens may encounter the IR filter before being able to come into focus.

 

 

The microlens may be in focus, but is too short to be fixed in place by the lens set screw.