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Frequently Asked Questions

Lenses and Lens Adapters for KODAK Digital Cameras

Contents

last update created on 13 February, 2002

Availability

Where can I buy lenses for KODAK Digital Cameras?
You can purchase lenses and lens adapters through dealers of KODAK products as well as popular mail-order catalogs. In the United States, shop online .

To find a dealer:

  • In the United States, call Kodak toll free at 1-800-508-1531.
  • In Canada, refer to the online Canadian dealer list, or call Kodak toll free at 1-800-465-6325. To speak to a French-speaking operator, use extension 36100.
  • In Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, call the Kodak Digital Imaging Support Centre at +44(0)131-458-6714.
  • In other countries, contact your local Kodak office.


Optics in Lenses for Digital Cameras

  1. What is the diopter of a lens?
    The diopter of a lens refers to the curvature of the lens. It is a unit of measurement of the refractive power of a lens equal to the reciprocal of the focal length of the lens. The greater the curvature, the thicker the lens, and the greater the diopter. The plane that the light refracts in widens as well, making the object larger to the viewer.

  2. What do you mean by the power of a lens?
    Power means how much larger an object appears when viewed through a magnifying lens. Power is usually designated with an X, such as 2X, or 4X, for example.

  3. How large do objects viewed with an 8-diopter lens appear?
    Use this simple formula to determine the degree of magnification: diopters / 4 = power. Therefore, an 8-diopter lens / 4 = 2X, or twice as large.

  4. What does the focal length of the lens mean?
    The focal length is the distance from the center of the lens to the focal point - the point where the rays of light converge and are in focus. It is important to know the focal length of the lens when selecting lenses for specific tasks. For example, the focal length decreases as power increases, so it requires great care to work close-up using a high-powered lens.

  5. What is depth of field?
    Depth of field is the portion of the magnified area that is in focus. As power increases, the depth of field decreases. Under some conditions you must choose between the depth of field and the amount of magnification you require.

  6. How important is light to magnification?
    Both light and magnification are important for best viewing results. With proper lighting, less power is needed in magnification, which allows a larger field of view and a better working distance under the lens. Choose carefully when selecting an illuminated magnifying lamp.

  7. What kind of diopter/power relationships am I likely to find?
    Diopter Relationships

    Diopter Power Percent Magnification Focal Length
    3 .75X 75% 13 in. / 33 cm
    5 1.25X 125% 8 in. / 20.3 cm
    8 2.00X 200% 5 in. / 12 7 cm
    11 2.75X 275% 3.75 in. / 9.3 cm
    13 3.25X 325% 3 in. / 7.6 cm
    16 4.00X 400% 2.5 in. / 6.25 cm




  8. Why do my images come out soft and underexposed when I use the lens adapter with additional lenses?
    Occasionally, depending on the accessory lens you use, pictures may appear less sharp than pictures taken with pictures taken with the camera lens alone. This also happens with film cameras, and it is caused by optical elements in the accessory lens that are not part of the original camera lens design.

    The auxiliary lens can also affect exposure. Although your digital camera doesn't meter light through the lens, adding accessory lenses reduces the amount of light that reaches the CCD. Occasionally, the camera does not adjust the Shutter and Aperture settings for proper exposure, causing the picture to be underexposed.

    When you use accessory lenses, use Auto-exposure compensation to increase the exposure.

Compatibility

  1. What cameras are compatible with the 43 mm lenses and adapters?
    Only the KODAK DC4800 with the DC4800 lens adapter are compatible with the KODAK 43mm lenses.

  2. What cameras are compatible with 37 mm lenses and adapters?

    37 mm Lenses and Adapters
    KODAK Camera Model Super Wide Angle Telephoto: Close-up Adapter Required Step Ring Required
    DC210 X X X X NA
    DC210 Plus X X X X NA
    DC215 NR NR X X NA
    DC240 X X X X NA
    DC280 NR X X X NA
    DC260 X X NR X NA
    DC265 X X NR X NA
    DC290 X X X X NA
    DC3200 NA NA NA NA NA
    DC3400 NR X X X NA
    DC3800 NA NA NA NA NA
    DC4800 NR NR NR NA NA
    DC5000 NR X X NA NA
    DX3500 X NR X X NA
    DX3600 X X X X NA
    DX3900 X X X X NA


    X = Recommended

    NR = Not Recommended

    NA =- Not Applicable

Lens Adapters

What lens adapters are available for my camera?
Important! Make sure you use only the adapter and lens cap designed for your camera.

Adapter Description Item Number
Lens Adapter for KODAK DC240 / 280 / 3400 Zoom Digital Cameras A black anodized aluminum adapter that mounts easily on the camera allowing you to mount any lens or filter with 37 mm threads. 160-6763
Lens Adapter for KODAK DC260/265/290 Zoom Digital Camera A high-quality, molded slide-on adapter with twist-lock that allows these cameras to accept auxiliary 37 mm screw mount lenses. 867-5027
Lens Adapter for the KODAK DC4800 Zoom Digital Camera Molded black plastic, allows you to mount 43 mm threaded lenses 118-9745




Lenses

  1. What 37 mm threaded lenses are available?

    37 mm Threaded Lenses and Lens Kits Description Item Number
    Super Wide Angle Lens
    • Lets you take in nearly twice the field of view compared with a standard lens at the widest setting.
    • 0.5X Conversion lens cuts the focal length in half, allowing for panorama shots and more.
    		 114-2413
    Close-Up Lens Kit
    • Capture more detail by optically enlarging the image.
    • Use the +7 and +10 diopters separately, or combine them to create a +17 lens.
    		 138-2175
    2X Telephoto Converter Lens
    • Doubles your focal length.
    • Brings the action closer to you.
    		 179-2860
    Digital Camera Lens Kit Includes:
    • Super Wide Angle Lens
    • 2X Telephoto Converter Lens
    • Close-Up Lens Set
    • Lens Pen
    • Soft-side Carrying Case
    		 157-4193




  2. What 43 mm threaded lenses are available?

    43 mm Threaded Lenses and Lens Kits Description Item Number
    KODAK EKTANAR Digital Camera Wide Angle Lens
    • Lets you take in nearly twice the field of view compared with a standard lens at the widest setting.
    • 0.6X Conversion lens cuts the focal length in half, allowing for panorama shots and more.
    		 124-7964
    KODAK EKTANAR Close-up Lens Kit
    • Capture more detail by optically enlarging the image.
    • Use the +7 and +10 diopters separately, or combine them to create a +17 lens.
    		 106-4419
    2X Telephoto Converter Lens
    • Doubles your focal length.
    • Brings the action closer to you.
    		 808-7975
    KODAK EKTANAR Digital Lens Kit Includes:
    • Super Wide Angle Lens
    • 2X Telephoto Converter Lens
    • Close-Up Lens Set
    • Lens Pen
    • Soft-side Carrying Case
    		 801-5877




Kodak and Ektanar are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company.

Frequently Asked Questions provide information of limited or specific application. Responsibility for judging the applicability of the information for a specific use rests with the end user.

FAQ1601