Description
The TS-160 is a radically new approach to macro/micro imaging. It has a Variable Iris, but no f/stops. It focuses internally without any changes to its outer dimensions. Its front lens is a specially-calculated microscope objective or a macro auxiliary. It ranges magnification from 0 to as much as 16x and can focus anywhere from infinity down to 18mm. Almost any camera up to and including those with 35mm sensors can be used with it. It is so easy to use that it literally sets the best image for you every time you focus. It may be a "counter-intuitive" experience even to experienced photographers. It is the InfiniProbe TS-160 from Infinity Photo-Optical Company. Quality macro/micro imaging has become simple and easy.
The TS-160 System
If you are reading this, you probably use zoom microscopes or macro lenses. Until now, you could use a zoom microscope in your lab or take a macro lens into the field. It was either/or. No longer. InfiniProbe TS-160 is a small wonder that weighs as little as 295g [10.5 oz], focuses internally, and (once configured) never changes its dimensions or balance.
The TS-160 consists of a Main Body which contains a patent-pending internally focusable optical system, activated by a Focusing Ring which turns 360-degrees. Inside is a provision for 25mm diameter filters (for example, polarizers or fluorescence types). At its rear are T24mm tubes which allow access to accessories when one is temporarily removed—or permit one to be exchanged with a mount for use on a stereo microscope stand. A Clamp is available so that the TS-160 can be mounted on tripods or fixtures via 1/4-20 or two "outboard" M4 taps. A Variable Iris allows contrast and aberrational control.
The InfiniProbe TS-160 is not a zoom lens. It is a continuously-focusable microscope. This means you can focus on any suitable object at a distance and move in to see it become a single frame at great magnification. Instead of being limited to a single working distance, you can choose whatever standoff you wish. You will never lose sight of your object as you focus closer and closer. As you focus, detail (resolution) increases and depth of field gets shallower. If you need more depth of field, just back up to get what you need. The depth of field and magnification are then balanced for best results.
Formats
What makes the TS-160 universal is its format compatibility. Depending on the adapter, the TS-160 can be used with all cameras up to and including 24 x 36mm (35mm format).
Objectives
Use with the Macro Objective
To use the TS-160 properly with the Macro Objective, simply focus and then stop down the Iris until the contrast "jump" is seen. Then, the advantage of the TS-160 internal focusing allows a slight change to be made in focus above and bellow the originallly-chosen plane without physically moving it. If the focus above and bellow the originally-chosen plane blurrs equally at the Iris setting, that is the optimal point. Opening or closing the Iris from the optimal point will degrade the image. Still, it should be noted that it is possible due the coincidental characteristics of the object that if equal blurring above and bellow focus does ocurr, that may indeed be the proper position even if the Iris is not activated. In any case, it is always advisable to use several Iris positions por bracketing purposes.
Use with the Micro HM Objective
There is only one Iris position (with slight tolerances) to which the Micro HM must be set. Using it more enclosed or more open will not provide optimum results. This Iris position sets the Focuser for highest performance. Optically the Iris is not used for any other real purpose with the Micro HM Objective. The sharpest images will result from adherence to this setting.
Depht of Field Adjustment. If there is only one point where the best image can be obtained, is closing the Iris to gain depht of field a proper thing to do? This is where the TS-160 is unique. While it is possible to close the Iris to increase depht of field, due to optical laws, the image will inevitably be more or less degraded. The TS-160 can provide greater depht of field by moving it up or away from the object, refocusing and using the Iris to find the best image. In this way every chosen depht can be taken at the optimal point. You can enlarge the images later, but they will be captured with the greatest fidelity.
Cinematography with the SFX Lens
Cinematographers were quick to see that the ability of the TS-160 to focus out to infinity was of great potential, for example, for shooting commercials and the like. When "focused out" the depht of field is almost perfectly maintained to infinity.
While the TS-160 can be used from 16mm out to infinity when equipped with the Micro HM Objective, that front objective is desinged for optimal imagery from 40cm and closer. To solve this, we adapted the TS-160 to use a third front lens option: The SFX Lens.
Just the opposite correction of the Micro HM Objective applies when the new SFX Lens is used on the front of the TS-160's main body. The SFX focuses out from 40cm (usefully) to infinity. It is configured on the TS-160 exactly as the Micro HM and has the advantage of better image quality at a distance.
Using the SFX Lens is as simple as mounting it on the Main Body and focusing. Then optimal imagery and depht of field results by simply stopping the Iris control to the first observed "jump" in contrast. Virtually all is in focus out to infinity.
But that is not all. An AUX Lens fits the SFX built-in front lens shade. It provides a wider field of view while retaining it's range of operation.
The SFX Lens acepts scientific grade 25mm filters, M27 photo filters and, with an accessory adapter, M49mm photo filters.
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