ROBUSTO Series Optics

The amazing journey of developing the TS-160 for cinematography continues. With input coming from some of the most honored cinematographers in the world, we set about bringing the TS-160 up to their more demanding OPTICAL and MECHANICAL standards. The result was what we have called ROBUSTO—Infinity's line of optics primarily designed for cinematography (and still photography, as well).

Once the use of the TS-160 for Cine was proposed, we set to work to provide it with objectives more suited to imaging at distances. This realization led to the development of the SFX-series consisting of three objectives: SFX-1, -2 and -3.

But one more step could be taken—and it was. By adding aspherical correction, the performance of the SFX objectives could be fully realized. The spherical optics of the Standard TS-160 were—and still are—perfectly suited for use with the Macro and Micro HM objectives. In fact, most all sample macro and micro images shown on the regular TS-160 page were taken with a Standard spherically-equipped TS-160 model. But the performance of the TS-160 with the SFX objectives is best attained when aspherical correction is incorporated in the Main Body. All TS-160 modules bearing the ROBUSTO designation are aspherically equipped.

But better optics for Cine also suggested incorporating better mechanics as well. Clearly, the aspherically-equipped TS-160 deserved being supported by some of the finest, most precise MECHANICS that have already been used on Infinity's world-class K-series long-distance microscopes. A degree of unsurpassed refinement. In the process, we added high quality stainless steel parts that can withstand even the most rigorous day to day usage. And, as if that were not enough, we provided TS-160 ROBUSTO with the POTENTIALS for future accessories and capabilities already planned but yet to be announced.

The TS-160 ROBUSTO handles silkily yet with authority, retaining all the unique features of the original and more. It has the literal robustness to utilize Mirror Diverters or Beamsplitters so that TWO cameras can be mounted on it. And the interchangeability to be used with ALL camera formats used in cinematography. Finally, the mark of a full ROBUSTO system is that 0.8mm pitch gearing is built-in for industry-standard follow-focus motor drives.

But we also found that some Cine applications could benefit by offering a lighter-weight version of the full ROBUSTO. So, we created a ROBUSTO-Lite model— a "hybrid" of sorts. It is intended for MOST future ROBUSTO accessories and capabilities, yet retains compactness and light weight for macro out in the field. In fact, many will find that having both main body types will prove useful for meeting a slew of assignments.

There are 2 more ROBUSTO models - K1 CentriMax and K2 DistaMax

... Also sent to us by Roberto Laguna Ditleff - cinematography by Ronaldo Moreira

And we continue to get input from famous cinematographers.

Below are some of the actual commercials shot by Stephen McGehee:

We invite others who are using the TS-160 to submit their work for inclusion on this site.

ADVANCED CAPABILITIES

The ROBUSTO models are not only better-suited to cine and photography, they can be utilized for many more advanced imaging purposes. All future accessories that expand the horizons of the InfiniProbe TS-160 concept will be made in and for the ROBUSTO versions.

In order to permit this, ROBUSTO models have provisions to interchange or accept various components. In some cases, such as when the InFocus Microscope Objective Converter is used, the TS-160 is transformed into what can virtually be considered to be an entirely new optical device. Yet, all accessories and converters can be carried on-location with the regular components, ready to be applied on-the-spot to solve even the most unanticipated challenges that arise.

SUFFOCATOR™

The SUFFOCATOR™ for the InfiniProbe TS-160 ROBUSTO™ is a module that conveniently replaces the standard rear tubes of the TS-160 and acts as an extremely sensitive secondary fine focus. It does so without introducing breathing (the changes in magnification when focus adjustments are made) for virtually any and all imaging accessories used with the TS-160.

From variable focusing Macro and Micro objectives—to a series of distance-corrected taking objectives—to snorkel dipping objectives (in preparation)—to fixed working distance microscope objectives potentially reaching the limits of classical microscope resolution—all can be fine focused essentially without breathing. When equipped with a SUFFOCATOR, the TS-160 can literally be used to image a Blood Moon to a Blood cell. Since the TS-160 maintains focus out to infinity, it is ideal for forced perspective. Now, once a primary focus is set by the TS-160’s main focusing control, the SUFFOCATOR can then be used to provide an incredibly sensitive fine focusing capability which is devoid of breathing as well.

What is SUFFOCATOR?

Lenses that exhibit little or no breathing have been produced for some time. The SUFFOCATOR makes no claim to be the first to accomplish that. What, then, distinguishes the SUFFOCATOR from other lenses that successfully counter breathing?

First, the SUFFOCATOR is totally independent on the choice of frontal lenses or accessories used on the TS-160. It will prevent breathing from Macro, Micro, SFX Series taking lenses, Snorkel—or even regular microscope objectives used with the InFocus(tm) Microscope Objective Converter.

Next, it works as a supplemental system. The regular adjustment of the TS-160 is used to set a primary focus which is “presented” to the SUFFOCATOR. The SUFFOCATOR then acts as an extremely sensitive fine focus operating on the primary focus that has been “presented” to it. The sensitivity is of an extraordinary order of refinement; details seem to “peel away” their depths. This alone would make the SUFFOCATOR a significant Cine optic.

But, in the process of “depth peeling,” the size of imaged detail remains the same throughout. Simply, the sensitivity is complemented by the virtual elimination of lens breathing.

All this means that it should now be possible to use the SUFFOCATOR to monitor images as they would OTHERWISE go in and out of focus. Such monitoring is possible because the sensitivity is so refined that the whole process can occur in REAL TIME. In short, the SUFFOCATOR holds out the POSSIBILITY of being the Cinema counterpart to Z-stacking as known in still photography. And that potentially means that that technique could be used with ANY lens or accessory mounted on the TS-160. This possibility —and the software required are now under further investigation. If successful, new artistic vistas would open to cinematographers.

The SUFFOCATOR in Use

All that is required to use the SUFFOCATOR is to remove the rear T tubes and mount it in their place.

For SFX and for focusing out to infinity turn the SUFFOCATOR’S focus ring in the total clockwise direction. Then focus with the primary focus on the Main Body. By turning the SUFFOCATOR focus ring counter clockwise, focus is “brought close in” from infinity.

InFocus™ Microscope Objective Converter

Removing the Main Body’s Front Lens/Iris Assembly and replacing it with the Microscope Objective Converter, transforms the TS-160 ROBUSTO models into advanced InFocus devices capable of internally focusing infinity-corrected microscope objectives. While the Micro HM Objective provides continuous focus from 0-16x, the InFocus Microscope Objective Converter turns the TS-160 Main Body into a conventional microscope with the additional capability of internal fine focus without the need to change working distance once the initial image is obtained.

InFocus in Use

(A general discussion on the InFocus principle is found on our InFocus site page: http://infinity-usa.com/products.aspx?pg=InFocus)

CORRECT IMAGERY

The major manufacturers of high-quality microscope objectives utilize proprietary color correction factors and tube lengths. This means that in order for the TS-160 to be usable with VIRTUALLY ALL MAJOR BRANDS OF INFINITY-CORRECTED OBJECTIVES, it must by some means provide suitable correction for nearly all. Otherwise, the image quality will be far from ideal due to incompatibility.

FOUR MAJOR SYSTEMS—THREE CORRECTIONS NECESSITATED

NEUTRAL:

Most infinity-corrected objectives are color-corrected within the objective itself. The optics in the microscope need to be NEUTRAL with these. This is the type of correction used by Nikon, Olympus, Mitutoyo and Infinity Photo-Optical’s own Achrovid™ objectives. All are generally computed for 200mm tube length except Olympus which is based on 180mm.

ZEISS ICS™:

Zeiss ICS objectives correct color in the microscope tube itself. The tube lens provides specific reciprocal color correction only for Zeiss objectives.
Their tube length factor is 160mm.

LEICA HC/DELTA™

LEICA utilizes their own color correction factor in the microscope tube, similar to, but incompatible with, Zeiss’ method.
Their tube length factor is 200mm.

To accommodate these incompatible systems, Infinity Photo-Optical offers THREE InFocus Microscope Objective Converters for each major-brandcolor correction system. By switching out one for another, different brands on-hand may be successively utilized.

When the InFocus Microscope Objective Converter is used, the objective’s engraved power is multiplied by the following to obtain actual power due to tube length factors (given on the objective’s engraving):

When the Suffocator™ is used in combination, the objective’s engraved power is multiplied by the following to obtain actual power:

Infinity manufactures many supplemental accessories, including Coaxial illumination interfaces and polarizing attachments. Please contact us for any further assistance or information as to their utilization.

All in the PDFs

All the instructions, data tables and pricelists are in the PDF files. They show how to configure the TS-160 and all dimensions, etc. Contact us to learn more about how the InfiniProbe TS-160 can solve your imaging problems.