What the thread found

• Hawk C-Series anamorphic lenses exhibit significant barrel displacement during focus, with the front element shifting up to approximately 3 centimeters along the optical axis on the 35mm model.
• The focus ring also experiences substantial displacement during focusing, requiring a wide-gear focus motor for complete barrel coverage.
• Clip-on matte boxes are not recommended because they amplify balance shifts caused by barrel displacement, particularly problematic on steadicam rigs.
• Rail-mounted matte boxes on 15mm or 19mm rods provide better stability and can be integrated with standard camera plates like the Alexa baseplate.
• A snoot or extended donut adapter is necessary between the lens barrel and matte box to prevent light leakage caused by the rotating barrel.
• When using these lenses on steadicam, balance the sled at infinity focus so that focus shifts cause a forward lean, which is easier to counteract than backward movement.
• Faster drop times help operators react to weight balance shifts caused by focus pulls during handheld or steadicam work.
• Wide focus gears are available from various manufacturers including options for Arri motors and other motor brands, enabling full focus range coverage despite barrel displacement.

Depends on

• The specific amount of barrel displacement may vary depending on lens focal length, with longer focal lengths experiencing more pronounced shifts.
• 15mm rail matte box solutions may not be available at all rental facilities; 19mm rod systems are more universally available.
• The discussion focuses primarily on steadicam and Alexa camera applications; applicability to other camera systems or rigs may differ.
• Wide gear availability depends on the specific focus motor brand in use.

Parts

Base Plate

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