12mm 2/3-Inch 10MP Close-Focus C-Mount Lens | POMEAS

12mm 10MP Close-Focus C-Mount Lens for 2/3-Inch Cameras

The POMEAS PMS-LFEHH-1218M(D) is a 12mm fixed focal FA lens designed for C-mount machine vision cameras with sensors up to 2/3 inch. It is rated for 10MP imaging and features an F1.8-F22 manual iris, a focusing range from 0.1 m to infinity, and separate locking mechanisms for focus and aperture adjustment.

The 12mm focal length provides a more concentrated inspection area than an 8mm wide-angle lens while retaining broader coverage than longer focal-length options used with the same sensor and working distance. Its short minimum focusing range and compact housing make it suitable for machine vision stations with limited installation space.

Typical applications include component inspection, assembly verification, label and code reading, robot guidance, packaging inspection, and surface-defect detection.

Key Features

10MP Resolution Rating

The PMS-LFEHH-1218M(D) is rated for 10MP machine vision imaging.

The lens resolution rating should be evaluated together with the camera sensor dimensions and pixel size. Cameras with the same total megapixel count may use different pixel pitches and place different demands on the optical system.

For final selection, confirm the camera resolution, pixel size, required field of view, and smallest feature that must be detected.

Supports Sensors up to 2/3 Inch

The lens is specified for sensors up to 2/3 inch, with an active image size of 11 mm.

It may also be used with smaller sensor formats, including compatible 1/2-inch cameras. A smaller sensor captures a reduced central portion of the image and produces a narrower field of view at the same working distance.

Cameras with sensors larger than 2/3 inch should not be used unless image-circle coverage and edge performance are separately confirmed.

12mm Focal Length for Balanced Coverage

The 12mm focal length provides a balance between wide-area coverage and pixel concentration.

Compared with an 8mm lens used on the same camera and at the same distance, the 12mm model captures a narrower area and places more camera pixels across the inspected object. Compared with a longer focal-length lens, it retains a wider view and can be easier to use in compact equipment.

This makes it relevant for inspection stations that need more detail than a wide-angle lens can provide without reducing the field of view too aggressively.

0.1 m Minimum Focusing Range

The published focusing range begins at 0.1 m and extends to infinity.

This allows the lens to focus in compact inspection systems where the camera must be positioned relatively close to the object. It can be useful for benchtop equipment, small assembly machines, electronics inspection stations, and space-limited automation systems.

The exact reference point used for the focusing distance should be confirmed when installation clearances are critical.

F1.8-F22 Manual Iris

The adjustable F1.8-F22 aperture allows the integrator to balance image brightness, exposure time, and depth of field.

Opening the iris allows more light to reach the camera sensor and may help reduce exposure time. Closing the iris can increase depth of field when the object has moderate height variation, although additional illumination may then be required.

The final aperture should be selected together with the camera exposure settings and machine vision lighting.

Lockable Focus and Iris Controls

Both focus and iris adjustments include locking mechanisms.

After focus and aperture have been set, the adjustment rings can be secured to reduce accidental movement during equipment installation, maintenance, camera handling, or machine operation.

This is useful for fixed inspection stations that require repeatable imaging conditions.

Low-Distortion Optical Design

The supplied product sheet describes the lens as providing low-distortion imaging and uniform image quality from the center toward the edge.

These characteristics are relevant for edge detection, part localization, label inspection, and geometry-sensitive applications. However, the sheet does not provide a numerical distortion percentage, so dimensional measurement systems should still be calibrated and tested against the required tolerance.

Compact C-Mount Structure

The lens uses a C-mount interface. The dimension drawing shows a maximum outer diameter of Ø29.7 mm and an overall length of 50.4 mm.

The relatively narrow housing can help reduce interference with camera brackets, lighting systems, protective covers, and nearby machine components.

Mechanical clearance around the two locking mechanisms should still be checked before installation.

Technical Specifications

Model: PMS-LFEHH-1218M(D)

Lens Type: Fixed focal machine vision FA lens

Resolution Rating: 10MP

Focal Length: 12 mm

Maximum Sensor Format: 2/3 inch

Active Image Size: 11 mm

Aperture Range: F1.8-F22

Focusing Range: 0.1 m to infinity

Filter Thread: M30.5 × 0.5 mm

Camera Mount: C-Mount

Angle of View on 2/3-Inch Sensor: 50° diagonal × 40.9° horizontal × 31° vertical

Angle of View on 1/2-Inch Sensor: 37.3° diagonal × 30.1° horizontal × 22.7° vertical

Focus Adjustment: Manual, with locking mechanism

Iris Adjustment: Manual, with locking mechanism

Operating Temperature: -10°C to +50°C

Maximum Outer Diameter Shown in Drawing: Ø29.7 mm

Overall Length Shown in Drawing: 50.4 mm

Camera and Sensor Compatibility

The PMS-LFEHH-1218M(D) is designed for C-mount cameras with sensors up to the specified 2/3-inch format.

It can also be used with smaller C-mount sensors. When installed on a smaller-format camera, the sensor records a smaller central area of the lens image and therefore captures a narrower field of view.

Before confirming compatibility, check:

• Camera model
• Active sensor width and height
• Sensor optical format
• Camera resolution
• Pixel size
• C-mount interface
• Flange and adapter configuration
• Camera housing dimensions
• Clearance around the locking mechanisms
• Filter or protective-window requirements
• Illumination wavelength

The 10MP rating does not automatically guarantee compatibility with every 10MP camera. Sensor dimensions and pixel pitch must also match the required inspection detail.

A larger sensor should not be selected unless POMEAS confirms image-circle coverage and acceptable image quality toward the sensor edges.

Field of View and Working Distance Guidance

The actual field of view depends on:

• Lens focal length
• Active sensor dimensions
• Distance between the camera and object
• Sensor aspect ratio
• Camera resolution and pixel size

For the same camera:

• Increasing the working distance increases the visible object area.
• Reducing the working distance decreases the visible object area.
• A 12mm lens captures a narrower area than an 8mm lens.
• A 12mm lens captures a wider area than a longer focal-length lens.
• A 2/3-inch sensor captures a wider scene than a 1/2-inch sensor.

The published angles of view are:

2/3-inch sensor:

• Diagonal: 50°
• Horizontal: 40.9°
• Vertical: 31°

1/2-inch sensor:

• Diagonal: 37.3°
• Horizontal: 30.1°
• Vertical: 22.7°

These angular values should not be treated as guaranteed linear field-of-view dimensions in millimeters.

To confirm the actual field of view, provide POMEAS with:

• Camera model
• Sensor size
• Camera resolution
• Pixel size
• Available working distance
• Required horizontal field of view
• Required vertical field of view
• Smallest inspection feature
• Required inspection accuracy

POMEAS can then evaluate whether the 12mm focal length provides sufficient coverage and pixel resolution.

Recommended Applications

Electronic Component and Connector Inspection

The 12mm focal length can help concentrate camera pixels on connectors, terminals, switches, components, and defined PCB areas while retaining enough coverage for surrounding assembly features.

The 0.1 m minimum focusing range can also support compact electronics inspection stations.

Application boundary: Very small solder defects, fine traces, or microscopic features must be checked against the camera pixel size and actual field of view.

Assembly and Part-Presence Verification

The lens can be used to inspect screws, clips, connectors, seals, inserted parts, and assembly completeness.

Its field-of-view range is suitable when an 8mm lens captures too much background but a longer focal-length lens would make the inspection area too narrow.

Application boundary: Large height variation may require a smaller aperture, stronger illumination, or another optical design.

Label, Barcode, and Character Inspection

The PMS-LFEHH-1218M(D) can support inspection of labels, serial numbers, printed characters, and machine-readable codes.

The 12mm focal length provides more pixel concentration than a wider 8mm view when the inspection distance remains unchanged.

Application boundary: Barcode module size, character height, camera resolution, motion speed, and illumination must be confirmed before readability can be guaranteed.

Robot Guidance and Part Localization

The lens may be used for part-presence detection, orientation recognition, pickup-area monitoring, and general position guidance.

Its 12mm focal length provides moderate scene coverage without the stronger wide-angle appearance associated with shorter focal lengths.

Application boundary: Object-height changes can alter apparent position and scale when using a conventional FA lens. Telecentric or 3D imaging may be more appropriate for height-sensitive positioning.

Packaging and Surface Inspection

With suitable lighting, the lens can support inspection of package components, seals, labels, contamination, scratches, missing material, and visible surface defects.

Application boundary: The smallest detectable defect depends on the camera pixels distributed across the complete field of view. Fine defects may require a longer focal length or a smaller inspection area.

Selection Notes

Choose This 12mm Model When

• A moderate field of view is required
• An 8mm lens captures a wider area than necessary
• More camera pixels are needed on the inspected object
• The camera must focus from approximately 0.1 m or farther
• The camera sensor is 2/3 inch or smaller
• A C-mount interface is available
• A compact lens body is required
• Manual focus and iris locking are preferred

Choose an 8mm Lens When

• A wider object area must fit into one image
• The camera installation distance is very limited
• Several objects or inspection areas must be captured simultaneously
• Pixel concentration on individual small features is less important
• The 12mm lens produces a field of view that is too narrow

Choose a Longer Focal Length When

• The required inspection region is smaller
• Small features need more camera pixels
• The camera can be positioned farther from the object
• The inspected object occupies only a small part of the 12mm image
• A more concentrated field of view is required

When a Standard FA Lens Is Usually Sufficient

A fixed focal FA lens may be suitable for:

• Presence and absence inspection
• Label and code reading
• Assembly verification
• General surface inspection
• Component-position checks
• Robot guidance
• Packaging inspection
• Edge detection

When to Consider a Telecentric Lens

Consider a telecentric lens when:

• Dimensional measurement accuracy is the main objective
• The object height changes during inspection
• Magnification must remain stable across different depths
• Perspective error cannot be accepted
• Edge location must remain consistent
• Measurement tolerance is too strict for a conventional FA lens

When This Lens May Not Be Suitable

The PMS-LFEHH-1218M(D) may not be suitable when:

• The camera sensor is larger than 2/3 inch
• The camera does not use a compatible C-mount interface
• The required field of view is substantially wider than the 12mm lens provides
• The required inspection region is much smaller and needs greater pixel concentration
• The required focus condition is shorter than the published 0.1 m range
• High-accuracy dimensional measurement is required without calibration
• Object-height variation creates unacceptable perspective changes
• Numerical distortion data must be confirmed before system design
• Spectral transmission or wavelength performance must be guaranteed

FAQ

Can the PMS-LFEHH-1218M(D) be used with a 2/3-inch camera?

Yes. The lens is specified for sensors up to 2/3 inch with an active image size of 11 mm. The camera must also use a compatible C-mount interface.

Can it be used with a 1/2-inch sensor?

Yes. The product sheet provides complete angle-of-view data for a 1/2-inch sensor. The smaller sensor will capture a narrower field of view than a 2/3-inch sensor at the same working distance.

Does the lens work with every 10MP camera?

Not automatically. Cameras with the same megapixel count may have different sensor dimensions and pixel sizes. The sensor format, pixel pitch, required field of view, and smallest inspection feature should be confirmed.

What field of view will the 12mm lens provide?

The exact field of view in millimeters depends on the active sensor dimensions and working distance. The product sheet provides angular coverage, but the final linear field of view should be calculated or tested for the selected camera.

How does this 12mm lens differ from an 8mm lens?

At the same sensor size and working distance, the 12mm lens provides a narrower field of view and places more camera pixels across a smaller inspection area. The 8mm lens is more suitable when wider coverage is required.

What is the benefit of the 0.1 m focusing range?

It allows the lens to focus in compact inspection stations where the camera must be installed relatively close to the object. The exact distance reference should be confirmed when mechanical space is tightly controlled.

Is the PMS-LFEHH-1218M(D) suitable for dimensional measurement?

It may be used in a calibrated system after the complete camera and lens setup has been validated against the required tolerance. The product sheet does not provide a numerical distortion value or guaranteed measurement accuracy. A telecentric lens may be more appropriate for strict metrology.

Does this lens support custom configurations?

Customization is not confirmed in the supplied product sheet. Provide the required mount, wavelength, field of view, working distance, mechanical dimensions, or other special conditions to POMEAS for technical confirmation.

Request Lens Selection Support

To confirm whether the PMS-LFEHH-1218M(D) is suitable for your machine vision system, please provide:

• Camera model
• Sensor size
• Camera resolution
• Pixel size
• Available working distance
• Required field of view
• Inspection object
• Smallest feature to detect
• Accuracy requirement
• Object height variation
• Illumination method

POMEAS will review sensor coverage, expected field of view, pixel resolution, mechanical compatibility, and application conditions before recommending the final lens configuration.