Kowa, the quality manufacturer who has developed state-of-the-art optics for more than 40 years, recently launched their JC10M lens series. With a choice of 2/3-inch lenses with fixed focal lengths of 5mm, 8mm, 12mm, 16mm, 25mm, 35mm and 50mm, these higher resolution lenses replace any need for numerous lenses of lower resolution. Additionally, a special feature of the Kowa lenses is their extremely short Minimum Object Distance (MOD) of only 10cm. The advanced optical design of the new JC10M lens series is supported by the incorporation of aspherical lens elements, and the usage of special XD (exXra low Dispersion) glass. All lenses are made of a minimum 7 to 9 lens elements in order to achieve the exceptional requirements of resolution and contrast. With Kowa's broad band coating and floating mechanism design, the JC10M series lenses are able to reduce chromatic aberration from close distance to infinity. These 10 MegaPixel (mp), high-resolution lenses are designed for the most demanding machine vision and surveillance applications. Using this type of precise resolution is essential when viewing the finest of structures on a large surface for inspection. This amazing series has a resolution of 200lp/mm, and, along with extra low distortion, maximizes the performance of high-end inspection. All 2/3-inch lenses in the JC10M lens series include locking screws for manual iris, manual focus, C-mount, and metal housings.

The Kowa 2/3 inch, 10MP lens Series include:

Name               Focal length                    Sensor size F-stop

LM5JC10M 9 elements in 8 groups       5 2/3 inch 1.8-16

LM8JC10M 11 elements in 9 groups       8.5 2/3 inch 1.8-2

LM12JC10M 9 elements in 9 groups       12 2/3 inch 1.8-11

LM16JC10M 10 elements in 8 groups      16 2/3 inch 1.8-16

LM25KC10M 10 elements in 9 groups      25 2/3 inch 1.8-16

LM35jC10M 9 elements in 7 groups        35 2/3 inch 2.0-16

LM50JC10M 10 elements in 9 groups       50 2/3 inch 2.8-16

Several camera manufacturers are able to utilize these new Kowa lenses.

The Allied Vision Tech Oscar camera (F-810 and F-810 C) 8.13 megapixel (3272 x 2469 resolution equals number of megapixels) camera, with 2/3-inch sensor, is designed for sophisticated still imaging, and is capable of outstanding image quality under almost any condition. This camera is perfect for applications where motion or low light levels are factors, such as microscopy or medical use. The Sony ICX-456 sensor is well suited for this 8mp CCD camera, and the 2/3-inch Kowa LM8JC10M lens is the compatible choice for this C–mount camera. The Pixelink PL-B782F high performance 6.6 mega pixel color camera, available thru Aegis Electronic Group, Inc., accepts this innovative new lens, increasing its use and ability for precise applications. The Aptina Imaging 10mp sensor is a CMOS devise capable of acquiring as many as 2 million pixels at a sustained input rate of 60 frames per second (fps). By integrating the Aptina 10 MP sensor into the Ambarella platform, surveillance cameras and media video recorders can purchase a hybrid camera that fits into a shirt pocket, while maintaining the ability to shoot high-quality digital still images and full, high-definition video separately or in combination. The introduction of these new Kowa lenses represents an enormous leap in the ability to support the 5 megapixel and higher sensors in this ever-growing industry of higher resolution cameras. Aegis Electronic Group, Inc. is totally committed to delivering value added solutions with the highest levels of technical support, customer service and quality hardware. Aegis has, over the last 20 years, been transformed from a hardware provider into a full systems integrator of industrial analog and industrial digital camera systems. Gail  De Salvo Aegis Electronics Group, Inc.