12mm 4/3-Inch 20MP C-Mount Machine Vision Lens | POMEAS

12mm 4/3-Inch C-Mount Machine Vision Lens

The POMEAS PMS-LFHHG-1220M(B) is a 12mm C-mount machine vision lens designed for cameras with sensors up to 4/3 inch. Its short focal length and large sensor coverage provide a wide field of view for capturing large objects, multiple components, or broad production areas in one image.

The lens covers a specified spectral range of 420-1000 nm and can therefore be evaluated for visible-light and selected near-infrared inspection systems. It also provides an F2.0-F22 manual iris, a focusing range from 0.15 m to infinity, multilayer optical coating, and manual focus and aperture adjustment.

Typical applications include packaging inspection, large assembly verification, robot guidance, part localization, wide-area surface inspection, and visible or near-infrared contrast imaging.

Key Features

Large 4/3-Inch Sensor Coverage

The PMS-LFHHG-1220M(B) supports camera sensors up to the specified 4/3-inch format, listed in the product data as 23 mm.

This allows it to be considered for large-sensor machine vision cameras that require wider image coverage than conventional lenses designed only for 1-inch or 2/3-inch sensors.

The lens can also be used with smaller compatible sensors. When a smaller sensor is used, the camera captures a smaller central portion of the lens image and produces a narrower field of view at the same working distance.

12mm Focal Length for Wide-Area Imaging

The 12mm focal length provides wide scene coverage when paired with a 4/3-inch sensor.

This is useful when:

• A large object must fit into one image

• Several components must be inspected simultaneously

• A wide conveyor or production area must be monitored

• Camera installation distance is limited

• More surrounding context is required for robot guidance

• A large-format sensor must be fully utilized

Because the camera pixels are distributed across a larger object area, very small defects may require a longer focal length, a smaller field of view, or a camera with a suitable pixel count and pixel size.

420-1000 nm Spectral Range

The specified 420-1000 nm range covers visible light and part of the near-infrared spectrum.

This allows the lens to be evaluated for systems using white, red, green, blue, or selected near-infrared illumination. Different wavelengths may improve contrast between materials, coatings, printing, contamination, or surface features.

The specification does not guarantee identical focus, transmission, or image quality at every wavelength. Systems using a specific narrow-band light source should be tested with the actual camera, filter, and illumination.

Multilayer Optical Coating

The product sheet specifies a multilayer coating designed to provide high light transmission and reduce stray light.

Reducing unwanted internal reflections can help maintain image contrast when strong or directional illumination is used. Actual transmission, flare resistance, and contrast performance should still be evaluated under the intended lighting conditions.

No numerical transmission curve or coating efficiency value is provided in the product data.

F2.0-F22 Manual Iris

The adjustable F2.0-F22 iris allows the system integrator to balance image brightness, exposure time, and depth of field.

Opening the iris allows more light to reach the sensor and may support shorter exposure times. Closing the iris can increase depth of field when the inspected object has height variation, although stronger illumination may then be required.

The final aperture should be selected together with:

• Camera exposure time

• Object speed

• Illumination intensity

• Required depth of field

• Acceptable image sharpness

0.15 m to Infinity Focusing Range

The lens provides a published focusing range from 0.15 m to infinity.

This makes it suitable for both compact inspection stations and systems requiring longer camera installation distances.

The focusing range should not automatically be interpreted as a working distance measured from the front surface of the lens. The exact mechanical reference point should be confirmed when installation space is tightly controlled.

Manual Focus and Iris Adjustment

Focus and aperture are manually adjusted.

This allows the integrator to set the focus position, exposure level, and depth of field according to the camera, working distance, lighting, and object conditions.

The supplied data does not specify motorized focus or motorized iris control.

Vibration- and Shock-Resistant Construction

The product sheet describes the lens as having vibration- and shock-resistant construction.

This design direction is relevant for industrial equipment exposed to routine machine movement or vibration. However, no numerical shock or vibration test standard is provided, so the lens should not be represented as meeting a specific rating without further confirmation.

Technical Specifications

Model: PMS-LFHHG-1220M(B)
Lens Type: Fixed focal machine vision FA lens
Focal Length: 12 mm
Maximum Sensor Format: 4/3 inch
Specified Sensor Diameter: 23 mm
Spectral Range: 420-1000 nm
Aperture Range: F2.0-F22
Focusing Range: 0.15 m to infinity
Camera Mount: C-Mount
Filter Thread: M77 × 0.75 mm
Back Focal Length in Air: 18.8 mm
Focus Adjustment: Manual
Iris Adjustment: Manual
Weight: 438 g
Operating Temperature: -20°C to +60°C

Angle of View

4/3-Inch Sensor

Diagonal: 89.1°
Horizontal: 75.6°
Vertical: 61.2°

1-Inch Sensor

Diagonal: 69.0°
Horizontal: 57.6°
Vertical: 44.3°

1/2-Inch Sensor

Diagonal: 37.4°
Horizontal: 30.2°
Vertical: 22.7°

The same lens captures a wider scene on a larger sensor because the sensor records a larger portion of the lens image.

Object Size at Minimum Focusing Distance

The supplied data lists the following reference object coverage at the minimum focusing distance:

4/3-inch sensor: 319.4 × 262.7 × 204.4 mm
1-inch sensor: 235.5 × 189.9 × 143.2 mm
1/2-inch sensor: 119.8 × 95.9 × 72.0 mm

The values are provided in diagonal, horizontal, and vertical order.

Actual coverage should still be confirmed using the active dimensions of the selected camera sensor, the real focusing position, and the mechanical distance reference used in the system.

Distortion

The published distortion values are:

4/3-inch sensor: -2.05% at y = 11.5 mm
1-inch sensor: -1.73% at y = 8.0 mm
1/2-inch sensor: -1.01% at y = 4.0 mm

The negative values indicate barrel-type geometric distortion at the stated image heights.

For presence inspection, packaging verification, recognition, and general robot guidance, this may be acceptable depending on the application. Coordinate positioning and dimensional inspection should include camera calibration and distortion correction where required.

Published lens distortion is not equivalent to guaranteed system measurement accuracy.

Camera and Sensor Compatibility

The PMS-LFHHG-1220M(B) is designed for C-mount cameras with sensors up to 4/3 inch.

The product data also provides optical information for 1-inch and 1/2-inch sensor formats. A smaller sensor captures a narrower scene at the same working distance because it records a smaller portion of the lens image.

Before confirming compatibility, check:

• Camera model

• Active sensor width and height

• Actual sensor diagonal

• Camera resolution

• Pixel size

• C-mount interface

• Camera flange configuration

• Camera housing dimensions

• Available installation space

• Optical filter requirements

• Illumination wavelength

The datasheet does not provide a numerical megapixel rating. Camera resolution and pixel size should therefore be submitted to POMEAS for optical compatibility confirmation.

The Ø79.8 mm front structure and M77 filter thread require more installation space than a compact FA lens. Mechanical interference with lighting, brackets, protective covers, and nearby machine components should be checked before installation.

Field of View and Working Distance Guidance

The actual field of view depends on:

• Lens focal length

• Active camera sensor dimensions

• Working distance

• Sensor aspect ratio

• Focusing position

For the same lens:

• A 4/3-inch sensor captures a wider scene than a 1-inch or 1/2-inch sensor.

• Increasing the working distance increases the visible object area.

• Reducing the working distance decreases the visible object area.

• A 12mm focal length provides wider coverage than a longer focal length.

• A wider field of view distributes the camera pixels across a larger object area.

The product data provides object-size references at the minimum focusing distance but does not provide a complete field-of-view table for other working distances.

For final selection, 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 feature to detect

• Required inspection accuracy

Recommended Applications

Large-Object and Packaging Inspection

The wide field of view can help capture cartons, trays, containers, caps, labels, seals, and multiple packaging features in one image.

This configuration is suitable for checking overall presence, orientation, packaging completeness, label placement, and visible defects.

Application boundary: Fine characters, small barcode modules, and minor defects must be evaluated against the total field of view and the camera pixel size.

Wide Conveyor Inspection

The combination of a 12mm focal length and 4/3-inch sensor coverage can support inspection of a wide conveyor section or multiple products moving through one imaging area.

Application boundary: Conveyor speed, exposure time, motion blur, illumination intensity, and product spacing must be evaluated separately.

Assembly and Multi-Component Verification

The lens can capture a large assembly or several components in one image, supporting checks for presence, orientation, completeness, and general position.

Application boundary: When individual components are very small, a longer focal length or a separate inspection station may provide more camera pixels on each feature.

Robot Guidance and Part Localization

The wide field of view can help locate parts across a large pickup, loading, sorting, or positioning area.

Application boundary: Wide-angle imaging introduces perspective effects, and the published distortion values should be considered. Height-sensitive positioning may require calibration, 3D imaging, or telecentric optics.

Visible and Near-Infrared Inspection

The 420-1000 nm spectral range allows the lens to be evaluated for visible-light and selected near-infrared applications.

Near-infrared illumination may help increase contrast for certain materials, printing, coatings, contamination, or surface features.

Application boundary: Camera sensitivity, filter transmission, focus shift, and image quality should be tested at the actual operating wavelength.

Selection Notes

Choose This 12mm Model When

• A 4/3-inch or smaller C-mount sensor is being used

• A wide inspection area must fit into one image

• Several components or products must be captured simultaneously

• Camera installation distance is limited

• Visible or selected near-infrared illumination is required

• A 0.15 m or longer focusing condition matches the installation

• A large-format wide-angle machine vision lens is required

Choose a Longer Focal Length When

• The 12mm field of view is wider than required

• The target occupies only a small part of the image

• More camera pixels are required on a small feature

• Unnecessary background should be reduced

• Perspective appearance should be reduced by increasing the camera distance

When a Standard FA Lens Is Usually Sufficient

A conventional FA lens may be suitable for:

• Presence and absence inspection

• Packaging verification

• Assembly completeness

• General surface inspection

• Robot guidance

• Part localization

• Label-position checks

• Wide-area monitoring

When to Consider a Telecentric Lens

A telecentric lens should be considered when:

• Dimensional measurement accuracy is the primary objective

• Object height changes during inspection

• Magnification must remain stable at different depths

• Perspective error cannot be accepted

• Edge position must remain consistent

• The published distortion exceeds the application tolerance

When This Lens May Not Be Suitable

The PMS-LFHHG-1220M(B) may not be suitable when:

• The camera sensor is larger than the specified 4/3-inch format

• The camera does not use a compatible C-mount interface

• The required inspection area is much smaller than the available field of view

• Very small defects must be detected across a large object area

• Strict dimensional measurement is required without calibration

• Object-height variation creates unacceptable perspective changes

• Installation space cannot accommodate the Ø79.8 mm front structure

• A motorized focus or motorized iris is required

• A confirmed numerical resolution rating is required before camera selection

• Identical optical performance across the complete 420-1000 nm range must be guaranteed

FAQ

Can the PMS-LFHHG-1220M(B) be used with a 4/3-inch camera?

Yes. The lens is specified for sensors up to 4/3 inch, listed as 23 mm in the product data. The camera must also use a compatible C-mount interface.

Can it be used with 1-inch or 1/2-inch sensors?

Yes. The product sheet provides angle-of-view, object-size, and distortion data for both sensor formats. Smaller sensors capture a narrower field of view at the same working distance.

What resolution cameras does this lens support?

The supplied datasheet describes the lens as high resolution but does not provide a numerical megapixel rating. Submit the camera resolution, sensor dimensions, and pixel size to POMEAS for compatibility confirmation.

What field of view does the 12mm lens provide?

The exact linear field of view depends on sensor size and working distance. At the minimum focusing distance, the sheet lists horizontal coverage of 262.7 mm on a 4/3-inch sensor, 189.9 mm on a 1-inch sensor, and 95.9 mm on a 1/2-inch sensor.

Can the lens be used with near-infrared illumination?

The specified spectral range is 420-1000 nm, so the lens can be evaluated for selected near-infrared illumination within this range. Final focus, transmission, and resolution should be tested at the intended wavelength.

Is this lens suitable for dimensional measurement?

It may be used in a calibrated system after the complete camera and lens setup has been validated. The distortion is specified as -2.05% on a 4/3-inch sensor, so correction may be required. A telecentric lens may be more suitable for strict measurement.

Does POMEAS support customized configurations?

Customization is not confirmed in the supplied datasheet. Provide the required camera, sensor, wavelength, field of view, working distance, mount, and mechanical restrictions for technical review.

Request Lens Selection Support

Please provide POMEAS with:

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

POMEAS will review sensor coverage, expected field of view, camera pixel requirements, wavelength conditions, distortion requirements, and mechanical compatibility before recommending the final lens configuration.