The award-winning Cooke S4 prime lenses have been designed and developed in close technical collaboration with industry professionals. They are colour-matched and compatible with Cooke zoom lenses 18-100mm T3.0 and 25-250mm T3.7, 15-40mm, T2.0 CXX and SK4 16mm lenses.

Cooke S4 optics deliver superb optical and mechanical performance, control of stray light, distortion, veiling glare and spherical aberrations at full aperture. The cam-driven focus mechanism enables smooth focus adjustments. Modular construction facilitates servicing and maintenance.

Technology

Since February 2005, all our S4 prime lenses (and the CXX zoom lens) are now equipped with /i technology. S4/i lenses are designed for all professional film and electronic cameras with PL mount. /i technology provides directors of photography and camera operators with essential information about lens settings, focus distance, aperture and depth of field, hyperfocal distance, serial number, owner data, lens type and focal length in both metric and feet measurements. For zoom lenses, the zoom position is displayed.

Soft Effects 65 Accessory

The Soft Effects 65 is designed for the S4/i 65mm and 75mm lenses (via the Cooke 75mm adapter ring). The design of this accessory is based on Cooke's PS945 soft focus lens for 4x5 large format photography. See the effect in the sample photographs taken with the PS945 lens. The effect is high resolution with striking highlight bloom -- subtle, but more pronounced at full aperture at T2, becoming less pronounced as you stop down. (Effect from T2 to T4 with the 65mm lens; T2 to T5.6 with the 75mm lens.)

Cooke S4/i Lens Awards

1998 Cinec Technical Excellence Award, Germany
1999 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Award for optical and mechanical design
2000 Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding achievement in technical development
2001 Two Queen's Awards for Enterprise - International Trade and Innovation, England
2001 Winner, Exporter of the Year, International Business Awards 2001, Export Times and Trade Partners UK
2001 Winner, Product Innovation, International Business Awards 2001, Export Times and Trade Partners UK
2007 NAB2007 Product Première Award - S4/i System



- Maximum format coverage -- 30mm diameter (Super 35mm format)

- Focus scales -- Two opposing focus scales - metric or feet. Scales marked from infinity to minimum focus distance.

- Focus drive gear -- 140 teeth metric module 0.8 x 6.0mm wide x 98mm from image plane. 140 teeth module 0.8 x 6.0mm wide x 99mm from image plane (300mm)

- Iris scales -- Two opposing linear T scales - full stops and thirds marked.

- Iris drive gear -- 134 teeth metric module 0.8 x 4.0mm wide 79.5mm from image plane.

- Front internal filter mount -- Internal thread for M105 x 0.75 pitch filter adapter (not applicable for 12mm and 14mm). M120 x 1.0 pitch (150mm). M131 x 1.0 pitch (180mm, 300mm)

Key Features

Optical Design -- The optics are designed to deliver maximum performance at full aperture with superior control of stray light, distortion and spherical aberration.

Electronics -- Accessible via contacts in the PL mount that synchronise with /i compatible cameras.

Colour Balance -- All S4/i lenses are colour-balanced, colour-matched and compatible with Cooke 5/i, miniS4/i and Anamorphic/i.

Aperture -- All S4/i lenses have a true T2 aperture and cover the Super 35mm format, except the 300mm (2.8).

Index Marks -- Each index mark is labelled. More detailed markings enable more precise focus control.

Focus Movement -- Our Academy Award®-winning cam-driven focus movement, combined with the additional advantage of a large lens barrel diameter, has enabled us to increase the number of focus marks, particularly in close focus. Spherical aberration has been controlled across the entire focal range to eliminate compensation for back focus changes with aperture. A four-point contact bearing provides smooth, positive, backlash-free movement.

Camera Mounts -- Cooke reinforced PL mount with /i technology contacts.

Focus Scale -- Large clear numerals on both sides of the focus barrel benefit the focus puller when shooting in challenging lighting conditions. In addition, the entrance pupil position is engraved on the lens.

Compatibility -- All Cooke S4/i lenses have a common fixed front diameter of 110mm, (except for 12mm, 150mm, 180mm, 300mm) with a 140T x 0.8 mod focus drive gear and a 114T x 0.8 iris drive gear

External Finish -- A scratch-resistant PTFE hard anodised finish is applied to all Cooke optics, providing a durable, wear-resistant surface to meet the most demanding environmental conditions.

Iris -- An eight-blade linear iris assembly is fitted in the S4/i optics with an aperture range from T2 to T22. (Except 300mm)

Weight/Size Ratio -- The optics are designed for all shooting applications, including handheld camera and Steadicam, providing a comfortable balance ratio with the latest compact cameras.

Reliability and Service -- S4/i lenses are designed to meet a market requirement for totally reliable performance with minimal downtime.