Raising the Ante with an ACE

Original Post: https://www.avsforum.com/posts/64779403/

Ben and I are very sensitive to feedback received from our early supporters, and thus a lot of time and energy was spent attempting to reduce the chromatic aberration our original design had in the periphery. As mentioned in several of our posts, in anamorphic lens design, it is extremely difficult to minimize all optical distortions, and our prime intent on the original design was to conquer the monochromatic aberrations, particularly distortion(ie. eliminating pincushion and barrel), which historically plagued cylindrical anamorphics. We believe we succeeded in accomplishing just that—a cylindrical anamorphic with virtually zero distortion, even at the Max’s relatively short TR. We were cognizant of the remaining chromatic aberration in the periphery, and felt that it was acceptable, knowing that trying to reduce it and stay within our under $1,000 target, would be very difficult and may even increase some of the other aberrations we successfully minimized. Nevertheless, after several more iterations of designs, we believe we have achieved a significant reduction, further enhancing our goal of ‘complete’ aberration control/reduction. Thus, the moniker for our second gen lens, ‘ACE’, Aberration Control Ehnancement. In the ACE, we now have a good grasp of both monochromatic and chromatic optical aberration, resulting in a lens with superb optics, corner to corner, and still keeping within our price target. Below, some photos of the successful reduction in CA (please keep in mind that photos do not perfectly show what the eye sees, but I believe they give you a good idea of the reduction of CA)(photographed below is the top left 10” x 10” corner of an approximately 100” screen, Max fully zoomed out/longest Throw):

100” Grid

In House Stock Valerion Max Lens

First Gen Spexman Anamorphic Lens

Spexman Anamorphic ACE

We are confident that with the ACE, we have minimized aberrations(please remember that no lens can totally eliminate all aberrations) to the point where it should be a non-issue, even in the periphery. Keep in mind that if the stock projector lens exhibits even a little bit of CA, depending on the orientation, that CA may show through and be slightly amplified. Furthermore, there may be variation from stock lens to stock lens, again, resulting in some CA to show through. And, CA across the screen can vary with zoom and shift position. Nevertheless, the ACE certainly achieves significant CA reduction over the initial design.

The second point that was raised by enthusiasts was the wish to have the Spexman be ‘adaptable’ such that it may have the ability to be used on future projectors. While our mission has always been to fabricate a custom solution, we whole-heartedly agree that an ‘adaptable’ yet still ‘custom’ Spexman that maintains the superb optics custom lenses afford, without the need for the enthusiast to potentially purchase a new lens for every new projector, would be the best of both worlds. And so, Ben and I have done our best to bring that to the ACE as well. What we have created is, hopefully, a Modular Anamorphic Lens system that with the addition of an adapter, can be custom tailored to fit/work with future projectors. The barrel itself utilizes our own in house mounting system that we will carry forward down the line. That barrel will mount onto an adapter which will then mount onto the desired projector, making the Spexman itself future friendly. While we cannot guarantee compatibility across the board(as we are not involved in finalization of manufacturer projector spec and stock lens design), we will do our best to make it happen wherever possible—and please remember, that it is your voices that make things happen, so keep up your vocal enthusiasm to the various projector manufacturers! So, in the Max’s case, we have the Modular ACE Spexman lens available with either a Straight on adapter or a Vertical Offset Adapter.

To complement the upgraded feature set, it also seemed appropriate to give the ACE a barrel redesign and Ben came up with an ace for the ACE. The form is bolder, matching the Max’s contemporary design, and the finish is even more matte black-affording more stray light absorption to better preserve ANSI contrast.

Here it is-The Modular Spexman ACE:

Throw ratios/mounting distances/vertical shift values remain the same.

The ACE is currently available for purchase for the Max(with both Straight on and Vertical Offset Adapters) on our website, spexman.ca.

And a final note for our American enthusiasts—we have been asked how the recent tariff announcement affects the rates imposed on the Spexman. We are happy to inform you that fortunately, our lens was not hit so hard. Duties/tarrifs and shipping to a US address currently come in at $115, all in.(subject to change, should there be a change in law, which we will make you aware of the moment it happens)

Ben and I thank you for you continued support.