Jim Chang

I have tested a lot of the popular anamorphics (except Lomo). I sold them all and only kept the most versatile and easy to us Isco pre 36 and 54. I still have the baby Moeller for the most beautiful image and it is also easy to use (you can pull focus with some practice). Regarding Kowas and Elmoscope I think they have to be considered as the best projection lenses and that is how I use them (Elmoscope II). Last but not least: Sharpness is overrated  

Cool.
Pretty sure that the Berkey motor is 12v 1amp...but I'm running it at 6v I think with no torque issues. I've contacted Brian Berkey to get a proper spec sheet. Through luck I wired a custom cable to integrate it to my Dynamic Perception NMX controller and it works perfectly. 
I cant really see if the Berkey motor is massively better than your solution, but I know that a lot of people in the motion control world use them because they are compact and can be configured in many ways... I can get the gear within 1mm of the camera body when using pancake lenses or (as seen in following pictures) when I remount lenses that have a focus gear very close to the lens mount.
Also if it can be an option to integrate into your controller and encoder, there are a few owners out there with Berkey motors on custom live action/ animation motion control rigs that would also appriciate encoder driven control that can act as a slave to rotational input. 

Introducing Rapido Single Focus Solution: http://www.rapidotechnology.com/
Test Video: https://vimeo.com/213997325
 

This would be ideal.
Also, having the encoder (with 0.8 pitch gear with 15mm rod mount) would allow it to be moved and positioned for larger, awkward lenses...that would not work well with traditional FF units (and may be more practical to focus by hand). Having the encoder engaged directly to the anamorphic focus rotation also maintains 'absolute' calibration...if encoder is reading from FF shaft input rotation, sometimes the gear teeth can jump the lens gear if a stiff focusing lens hits a hard stop. That would then throw off any precise sync that would be driving the taking lens stepper motor.
Very interested in the setup, I can see many great applications, especially being able to integrate with other focus solutions.

Wow that is a pretty slick setup. And the price for the kit is not too bad either. Well done.

Introducing Rapido Single Focus Solution: http://www.rapidotechnology.com/
Test Video: https://vimeo.com/213997325
 

Introducing Rapido Single Focus Solution: http://www.rapidotechnology.com/
Test Video: https://vimeo.com/213997325
 

Introducing Rapido Single Focus Solution: http://www.rapidotechnology.com/
Test Video: https://vimeo.com/213997325
 

You read my mind! I thought about that a long time ago and I think this would be awesome.

My humble setup on the beach:

Looking forward to the video. :-)
You are right, mechanical is an important part of the system. At this point, I don't have time to develop a one for all type of single focus solution, the focus will be on the image quality, sharpness & neutral color flares. 
After this, I will probably provide lens rehouse service, which rehouse the single focus solution & the anamorphic lens as one single lens. Then all the mechanical side of the design will be addressed. 
 

I will have to post my humble anamorphic beach test video, somehow...
I love this clamp setup, my rig works great!
Camera: GH4
Taking Lens: Minolta Rokkor 58mm f1.2 - mount converted to Canon EOS
Speedbooster: Metabones 0.64 XL - m4/3 to Canon EOS mount
Anamorphic Lens:  KOWA for Bell & Howell
Anamorphic Clamp: Rapido V2 Clamp

Hi that sounds really good!
if you are working on a new single focus device and it's still in R&D, I would highly suggest you work also on the mechanical part of it.
The perfect single focus device would have a front filter thread/ring that does not rotate, to be able to mount a clip-on mattebox in exemple. the competitors does not have it and it's really annoying.
also the distance travelled by the focusing ring is too long both on the "SLR magic range finder" and on the Core DNA. if you can develop a system that does not travel, that would be awesome and would allow to fix the mattebox bracket to the rods steadily and not letting it slide on them.
- fixed/non rotating front filter/ring for standard cinema clip on mattebox
- non travelling focus ring
- neutral color flares
- metric and imperial marks
-  for the price of the rangefinder
 
if you have the 5  features, your system will sell millions of them!
Good luck in your R&D
 

Check out the test video of the Rapido Single Focus Solution, my setup is as follows:
Camera: GH4 Taking Lens: Rokion 85mm T1.5 Cine Lens for CANON Anamorphic Lens:  KOWA for Bell & Howell Anamorphic Clamp: Rapido V2 Clamp ISO setting: 1600 Shutter speed: 400 Aperture: T1.5 Video format: MOV, FHD Aspect ratio: 3.556:1 (1920:1080 with 2X anamorphic squeeze) The minimum focus is 1 meter. Different anamorphic lenses are used as focus targets,  set between 1 meter and 2.5 meters from the camera.  The video shows racking focusing from close focus to infinity.
The aperture is kept wide open at T1.5. There is no sharpness drop comparing to the original Kowa & Rokinon combination, and there is no change of the original flare/bokeh character from the anamorphic lens.  This is the main difference comparing to other Single Focus Solutions, like SLR Magics, FM Module, and Rectilux.
More test videos will be uploaded soon.
Youtube video is here: https://youtu.be/h96fqNsKpEI
Vimeo video is here: https://vimeo.com/206798264  (better resolution)
Music: Cloud by Ehrling, link: https://soundcloud.com/ehrling/ehrling-clouds

Check out the test video of the Rapido Single Focus Solution, my setup is as follows:
Camera: GH4 Taking Lens: Rokion 85mm T1.5 Cine Lens for CANON Anamorphic Lens:  KOWA for Bell & Howell Anamorphic Clamp: Rapido V2 Clamp ISO setting: 1600 Shutter speed: 400 Aperture: T1.5 Video format: MOV, FHD Aspect ratio: 3.556:1 (1920:1080 with 2X anamorphic squeeze) The minimum focus is 1 meter. Different anamorphic lenses are used as focus targets,  set between 1 meter and 2.5 meters from the camera.  The video shows racking focusing from close focus to infinity.
The aperture is kept wide open at T1.5. There is no sharpness drop comparing to the original Kowa & Rokinon combination, and there is no change of the original flare/bokeh character from the anamorphic lens.  This is the main difference comparing to other Single Focus Solutions, like SLR Magics, FM Module, and Rectilux.
More test videos will be uploaded soon.
Youtube video is here: https://youtu.be/h96fqNsKpEI
Vimeo video is here: https://vimeo.com/206798264  (better resolution)
Music: Cloud by Ehrling, link: https://soundcloud.com/ehrling/ehrling-clouds

Check out the test video of the Rapido Single Focus Solution, my setup is as follows:
Camera: GH4 Taking Lens: Rokion 85mm T1.5 Cine Lens for CANON Anamorphic Lens:  KOWA for Bell & Howell Anamorphic Clamp: Rapido V2 Clamp ISO setting: 1600 Shutter speed: 400 Aperture: T1.5 Video format: MOV, FHD Aspect ratio: 3.556:1 (1920:1080 with 2X anamorphic squeeze) The minimum focus is 1 meter. Different anamorphic lenses are used as focus targets,  set between 1 meter and 2.5 meters from the camera.  The video shows racking focusing from close focus to infinity.
The aperture is kept wide open at T1.5. There is no sharpness drop comparing to the original Kowa & Rokinon combination, and there is no change of the original flare/bokeh character from the anamorphic lens.  This is the main difference comparing to other Single Focus Solutions, like SLR Magics, FM Module, and Rectilux.
More test videos will be uploaded soon.
Youtube video is here: https://youtu.be/h96fqNsKpEI
Vimeo video is here: https://vimeo.com/206798264  (better resolution)
Music: Cloud by Ehrling, link: https://soundcloud.com/ehrling/ehrling-clouds

I now have my rig put together with the Rapido Anamorphic Lens Clamp V2 .  I think I have it set correctly.  I will have to post pictures.

Finally got some new products out by this year. When busy with the Rapido Mod project, realize I would need a real solid clamp for adapting larger anamorphic lenses. Thus, here comes the Clamp V2 with rail support. This clamp is designed based on the original M67-M77 verion of the clamp with additional features:
1: Anti-slip feature, the front of the clamp has standard 82mm male thread, and a lock ring is screw on to prevent the anamorphic lens from fall off during adjustment
2: Rail support feature, the external ring is connected to a beam, which can be assembled with standard 15mm rail based lens support bracket, like the one from Neewer, to provide rail support of the anamorphic lens.
3: Additional mounting options, the external ring has multiple standard M4 screw holes, which can be used for mounting additional accessories, like monitors, and etc.
4: Fast & easy change of anamorphic lens or taking lens, loosen the lock ring and three screws, the anamorphic lens is ready to be slide off from the clamp. Changing another taking lens is possible without readjusting the front anamorphic lens, just loosing the lens support bracket, and unscrew the taking lens from the camera, then you can screw in another taking lens to the clamp, and carefully locate the lens mount into camera.
5: Compatible with your existing step down/up rings, you can reuse existing step down/up rings, and pair them with this clamp. Say, you purchased a package before from us for your KOWA B&H lens, all you need is the V2 clamp to work with your KOWA and taking lens. No additional purchase needed.


Following is the setup process using Rokinon 85mm as taking lens, pair with Hypergonar H.F. 2X anamorphic lens on GH4 camera: 
Step 1: screw the correct step up ring on the taking lens
Step 2: screw the external ring onto the taking lens
Step 3: assemble the rail support onto the external ring, having the beam pointing down
Step 4: attach the lock ring onto the anamorphic lens
Step 5: screw the step down ring onto the anamorphic lens
Step 6: secure the camera on the rail
Step 7: attach the rail support to the Lens Support Bracket Mount Clamp from Neewer
Step 8: slide the anamorphic lens from front, and screw the lock ring onto the external ring
Step 9: adjust the orientation of the anamorphic lens by rotating the anamorphic lens
Step 10: lock down the anamorphic lens by tighten three M4 screws

 

Can't wait for mine to arrive.
Currently, I have my Kowa for Bell & Howell connected to my EOS converted mount Minolta Rokkor 58/1.2.
I have it working with a Metabones XL Speedbooster and my good ol' GH4.
I am experiencing the lens attachement error occassionally, as I think the bare aluminum EOS conveterted mount is shorting out the signal.
Trying Hard As Nails nailpolish, as the sharpie trick only got scratched off.
May have to ultimately install the chipped board thingy....
 

Check out the test video of the Rapido Single Focus Solution, my setup is as follows:
Camera: GH4 Taking Lens: Rokion 85mm T1.5 Cine Lens for CANON Anamorphic Lens:  KOWA for Bell & Howell Anamorphic Clamp: Rapido V2 Clamp ISO setting: 1600 Shutter speed: 400 Aperture: T1.5 Video format: MOV, FHD Aspect ratio: 3.556:1 (1920:1080 with 2X anamorphic squeeze) The minimum focus is 1 meter. Different anamorphic lenses are used as focus targets,  set between 1 meter and 2.5 meters from the camera.  The video shows racking focusing from close focus to infinity.
The aperture is kept wide open at T1.5. There is no sharpness drop comparing to the original Kowa & Rokinon combination, and there is no change of the original flare/bokeh character from the anamorphic lens.  This is the main difference comparing to other Single Focus Solutions, like SLR Magics, FM Module, and Rectilux.
More test videos will be uploaded soon.
Youtube video is here: https://youtu.be/h96fqNsKpEI
Vimeo video is here: https://vimeo.com/206798264  (better resolution)
Music: Cloud by Ehrling, link: https://soundcloud.com/ehrling/ehrling-clouds

Check out the test video of the Rapido Single Focus Solution, my setup is as follows:
Camera: GH4 Taking Lens: Rokion 85mm T1.5 Cine Lens for CANON Anamorphic Lens:  KOWA for Bell & Howell Anamorphic Clamp: Rapido V2 Clamp ISO setting: 1600 Shutter speed: 400 Aperture: T1.5 Video format: MOV, FHD Aspect ratio: 3.556:1 (1920:1080 with 2X anamorphic squeeze) The minimum focus is 1 meter. Different anamorphic lenses are used as focus targets,  set between 1 meter and 2.5 meters from the camera.  The video shows racking focusing from close focus to infinity.
The aperture is kept wide open at T1.5. There is no sharpness drop comparing to the original Kowa & Rokinon combination, and there is no change of the original flare/bokeh character from the anamorphic lens.  This is the main difference comparing to other Single Focus Solutions, like SLR Magics, FM Module, and Rectilux.
More test videos will be uploaded soon.
Youtube video is here: https://youtu.be/h96fqNsKpEI
Vimeo video is here: https://vimeo.com/206798264  (better resolution)
Music: Cloud by Ehrling, link: https://soundcloud.com/ehrling/ehrling-clouds

Finally got some new products out by this year. When busy with the Rapido Mod project, realize I would need a real solid clamp for adapting larger anamorphic lenses. Thus, here comes the Clamp V2 with rail support. This clamp is designed based on the original M67-M77 verion of the clamp with additional features:
1: Anti-slip feature, the front of the clamp has standard 82mm male thread, and a lock ring is screw on to prevent the anamorphic lens from fall off during adjustment
2: Rail support feature, the external ring is connected to a beam, which can be assembled with standard 15mm rail based lens support bracket, like the one from Neewer, to provide rail support of the anamorphic lens.
3: Additional mounting options, the external ring has multiple standard M4 screw holes, which can be used for mounting additional accessories, like monitors, and etc.
4: Fast & easy change of anamorphic lens or taking lens, loosen the lock ring and three screws, the anamorphic lens is ready to be slide off from the clamp. Changing another taking lens is possible without readjusting the front anamorphic lens, just loosing the lens support bracket, and unscrew the taking lens from the camera, then you can screw in another taking lens to the clamp, and carefully locate the lens mount into camera.
5: Compatible with your existing step down/up rings, you can reuse existing step down/up rings, and pair them with this clamp. Say, you purchased a package before from us for your KOWA B&H lens, all you need is the V2 clamp to work with your KOWA and taking lens. No additional purchase needed.


Following is the setup process using Rokinon 85mm as taking lens, pair with Hypergonar H.F. 2X anamorphic lens on GH4 camera: 
Step 1: screw the correct step up ring on the taking lens
Step 2: screw the external ring onto the taking lens
Step 3: assemble the rail support onto the external ring, having the beam pointing down
Step 4: attach the lock ring onto the anamorphic lens
Step 5: screw the step down ring onto the anamorphic lens
Step 6: secure the camera on the rail
Step 7: attach the rail support to the Lens Support Bracket Mount Clamp from Neewer
Step 8: slide the anamorphic lens from front, and screw the lock ring onto the external ring
Step 9: adjust the orientation of the anamorphic lens by rotating the anamorphic lens
Step 10: lock down the anamorphic lens by tighten three M4 screws

 

Check out the test video of the Rapido Single Focus Solution, my setup is as follows:
Camera: GH4 Taking Lens: Rokion 85mm T1.5 Cine Lens for CANON Anamorphic Lens:  KOWA for Bell & Howell Anamorphic Clamp: Rapido V2 Clamp ISO setting: 1600 Shutter speed: 400 Aperture: T1.5 Video format: MOV, FHD Aspect ratio: 3.556:1 (1920:1080 with 2X anamorphic squeeze) The minimum focus is 1 meter. Different anamorphic lenses are used as focus targets,  set between 1 meter and 2.5 meters from the camera.  The video shows racking focusing from close focus to infinity.
The aperture is kept wide open at T1.5. There is no sharpness drop comparing to the original Kowa & Rokinon combination, and there is no change of the original flare/bokeh character from the anamorphic lens.  This is the main difference comparing to other Single Focus Solutions, like SLR Magics, FM Module, and Rectilux.
More test videos will be uploaded soon.
Youtube video is here: https://youtu.be/h96fqNsKpEI
Vimeo video is here: https://vimeo.com/206798264  (better resolution)
Music: Cloud by Ehrling, link: https://soundcloud.com/ehrling/ehrling-clouds

Hi, I'm interested in purchasing this but I don't quite understand how it connects to an anamorphic lens? How does that gold slip ring stay secure? Is it customized fit for every vintage lens ?

I wonder if the dual cameras in a smartphone could be combined to create an anamorphic image. That's something I would love to see in a small format.
Still nothing easy for DSLRs. Really a shame.