With the constant evolution of the photography industry, the Nexus G1 Project team takes a remarkable leap by introducing AutoLock, the very first Automatic Lens mount in the world. The authors of this innovative design and the team have put in considerable effort to transform the concept into an interesting prototype.
An Insight into AutoLock’s Functioning
Project leader Thomas Boland gave a demonstration of the model labeled as v27.2 highlighting how this new lens mount operates.
The distinguishing characteristic of the AutoLock mount is its automatic locking mechanism. The mount securely locks onto the lens as soon as it’s inserted and can be easily released by pressing a button. There’s no need for the rotation of the lens, making lens changes a smooth process, is especially beneficial for Cine lenses and FIZ systems. Apart from this, the mount ensures a robust lock of the lens, preventing any unnecessary vibration or movement.
The Journey to AutoLock’s Development
The development of the AutoLock mount encompasses a series of considerable advancements in Nexus G1’s evolution. It comprises the creation of a positive lock lens mount, electronic components, a lowpass filter, and an electronic ND module, all of which needed to fit within the 19.25mm flange distance of the MFT mount in front of the camera.
In order for these elements to function seamlessly, the lens mount had to be incredibly thin, significantly slimmer than the conventional positive lock models.
The AutoLock mount perfectly meets this requirement with its exceptionally slim design, a mere 6mm in profile. With this breakthrough, the team is now ready to venture into the intricate lens-sensor interface design of the Nexus G1.
Potential Expansion of AutoLock Design
While the current version of AutoLock is designed for the camera’s chosen Micro Four Thirds format, the team anticipates that this design can be adapted to any type of bayonet lens mount. This opens up a multitude of exciting prospects for future mount types.
Of course, there exist questions that will only find answers in the real world where the Nexus G1 and its AutoLock mount will face the ultimate test. There’s certainly a psychological hurdle involved in entrusting your precious lens to a simple click rather than a twist, but this novel development is certainly worth exploring.
With the Nexus G1’s journey progressing at an impressive pace, the use of new high-performance materials in the body’s construction signifies its advancement. As per Boland, the forthcoming update includes behind-the-scenes footage of the team disassembling a Blackmagic Pocket 6K G2, being used in designing the Nexus. The updates culminate in the unveiling of the Nexus G1 prototype.
