Camera Lens Assembly Basics

High resolution lenses for machine vision — standard and custom lens design

Camera Lens Assembly Basics

High Resolution Lenses for machine vision, instrumentation, inspection and vibration-sensitive applications. Standard and custom hi-res lens assemblies.

Camera lenses are complex pieces of machinery and are made up of myriad tiny parts. As far as camera equipment is concerned, the camera lens is the integral part of photography. That being said, there are many elements that make up a camera lens component and it takes all parts working together to allow a photographer to snap his photo.

Here is a breakdown of the camera lens assembly from Universe Optics, a manufacturer of photographic lens assemblies:

• The rear mount assembly is the section of the lens that connects it to the aperture. This is accomplished through a series of interconnected washers, rings and screws. This part of the lens assembly enhances the camera’s stability, and failure to use one can damage the rest of the lens.
• The camera’s iris is aptly named after the human eye. It mimics the eye’s function by limiting the amount of light that makes it into the lens; cameras can be purchased with either automatic or manual focusing iris functions.
• The lens element is small bunches of lenses that can be purchased in various shapes and sizes. These lenses can be convex, plano-convex or biconvex. The lens types describe the shape of the lens and in which direction it curves.
• The focusing ring is the moveable portion of the lens that allows the photographer to focus in on the subject. Today’s digital cameras include an auto-focus function which negates the need for a manual focus ring.
• The electrical connector strip of the lens assembly joins the lens to the camera body. The lens is not mounted with the electrical connector strip but the strip is how the lens “communicates” with the camera itself and allows it to perform its functions.

Cameras are an intricate network of components that, when fit properly together, allow the photographer to capture stunning images.