Optex Excellence Probe for Hire
Discover the Optex Excellence 35mm Probe/Periscope System – an unparalleled engineering marvel in the realm of probe lenses. As the world’s first modular probe system, every component is meticulously colour-matched, ensuring seamless continuity whether used as a probe or periscope. The system’s universality across various formats allows Prime Lenses to be marked in Degrees, providing equivalent focal lengths for ⅔” Video, Super16, 35mm, 35mm Anamorphic, Vistavision, and 65mm.
Renowned for its optical sharpness and adaptability in challenging lighting conditions, the Optex Excellence sets itself apart with unique lenses crafted for creating stunning images. This cutting-edge lens system can be employed as a probe, 45° periscope, or 90° periscope, offering unmatched versatility.
Because the system is universal across a wide range of formats, all the Prime Lenses are marked in Degrees, rather than focal length. The Table below shows the equivalent focal lengths for ⅔” Video, Super16, 35mm, 35mm Anamorphic, Vistavision and 65mm. The Aperture scale is in T Stops measured at Short Infinity. There is no need to compensate for exposure, no matter what module is used. The only exception to this is where magnification may affect exposure.
| Focal Lengths of OpTex Excellence Periscope/Borescope System | |||||
|
Format
|
Stop
|
Lens (Diagonal AoV) | |||
| 120° | 100° | 78° | 60° | ||
| 2/3” Video HDTV/SDTV | T2.2 | 4mm | 5.6mm | 8mm | 11.2mm |
| Super-16 | T2.8 | 5mm | 7mm | 10mm | 14mm |
| 35mm Full Aperture/Super35 | T5.6 | 10mm | 14mm | 20mm | 28mm |
| Anamorphic | T8.0 | 10/20mm | 14/28mm | 20/40mm | 28/56mm |
| Still-35/Vistavision | T8.0 | 14mm | 20mm | 28mm | 40mm |
| 65mm | T11 | 20mm | 28mm | 40mm | 56mm |
The Excellence Periscope/Probe lens raises the bar in quality, surpassing modern prime and zoom lenses. Overcoming limitations of previous designs, it ensures exceptional optical performance and optimal Depth-of-Field, particularly on Television formats. A truly versatile system, Excellence excels at a wide range of tasks.
For normal use, the main focus control on the relay is used. In order to extend close focus, each of the four prime lenses is fitted with a focussing mount. The mount is continuously variable between infinity and extreme close focus. Because of this, when using the Prime Lenses at Distant focus, the main relay will focus beyond infinity. This is quite deliberate. The following guidelines should be used for close-up work.
| MAIN RELAY | ||||
| NEAR | FAR | |||
| LENS | NEAR | FAR | NEAR | FAR |
| 120° | SURFACE | .25″/8mm | 1.25″/35mm | INF |
| 100° | .25″/8mm | 2″/50mm | 1″/25mm | INF |
| 78° | .75″/20mm | 7″/180mm | 2.5″/65mm | INF |
| 60° | 1.75″/45mm | 9.5″/240mm | 6″/150mm | INF |
Built with Telecentric optics, the Optex Periscope is a multi-format system compatible with both 2K/4K Digital and Film cameras. It covers full S35 aperture without vignetting and comes with five super compact dedicated lenses offering 120°, 100°, 78°, 60°, and 45° angles of view. The unique design ensures constant angles regardless of the taking format used, providing equivalent focal lengths for 35mm PL module Full Aperture. The Optex Excellence stands out with extreme close focus ability almost down to the front element.
The system is calibrated in true T Stops so that there is no need for exposure compensation – no matter what configuration is used. However, like any other optical device, exposure is affected by magnification. For
general guidance, the following horizontal dimensions may be used in
calculating the Magnification.
| FORMAT | mm | Inches |
| 2/3″ Video | 8 | 0.346 |
| Standard 16mm | 10.26 | 0.404 |
| Super 16 | 12.52 | 0.517 |
| 35mm Academy | 21.95 | 0.864 |
| 35mm Full Aperture | 24.92 | 0.98 |
| 35mm Anamorphic | 21.95 | 0.864 |
| Vistavision/Stills | 37.72 | 1.485 |
| 65mm (5 Perf) | 52.5 | 2.066 |
| IMAX | 71.09 | 2.799 |
Experience the magic of the Optex Excellence in product and macro photography. This lens system creates a unique and immersive point of view, making it perfect for commercial objects and props like cell phones, wearables, toys, food, and cosmetics. With approximately 20 of these lenses built before Optex ceased operations in the mid-2000s, the Optex Excellence remains unrivalled in the world of Immersive Close Up Macro Cinematography. It has become the industry benchmark for Macro Photography, and we are thrilled to share this extraordinary tool with you.
The following table should be used to calculate movement nodes for pan and tilt. The Table shows the approximate front nodal plane of each prime lens. However, we advise individual tests for precision work. The measurements have been taken from the front ring of the lens.
| LENS | ENTRANCE PUPIL |
| 120° | 13.6mm |
| 100° | 15.2mm |
| 78° | 19.9mm |
| 60° | 23mm |
MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY
For extreme close- up shots, it is possible to use the Relay Module (either Film
or HDTV) alone, without either the Prism or Probe Modules attached.
In this mode, the system will work at approx 1:1.
FILTER
The filter fitted to the rear of the system is a standard 49mm round filter. In
addition to the clear filter fitted, it is also possible to use combined 85, ND, Pola
and Star filters.
In the latter case, the filter may be rotated by means of the small rubber wheel.
Please note that a filter must be used at all times in order for the system to
deliver best results.
Find out more of the features available by using this kit, read the Optex Excellence Probe System Brochure
Find out more about how the Optex Excellence probe system works read the Optex Excellence Probe System Instruction Manual
Hire the Optex Excellence Probe from Transmission TX today, Contact us to find out more about availability and rates.
