I have an older Panamorph product and …

WILL MY OLDER LENS WORK WITH NEWER PROJECTORS? Older Panamorph lens models such as the Phoenix, UH480, DC1 and CineVista will work with newer anamorphic-compatible projector models but are not recommended for projectors with true 4K resolvable pixels because the horizontal expansion technology of those and other lens models does not support that level of detail. In general it may be better to keep the older lens system with the older projector and go with the newer vertical compression technology of today’s current lens models for new projectors having true 4K and especially 8K resolvable pixels. However, in general, the older horizontal expansion lenses will indeed generally work with 16:9 anamorphic modes in newer projectors as long as the lens can be mounted to pass the beam through it. In addition, since newer projectors generally include modes for showing 16:9 content through a fixed anamorphic lens you may simplify your installation by avoiding the attachment of the older motorized transports.

MOUNTING SOLUTIONS: Older lens models were twice as heavy as the newer models and, especially if used with an manual or motorized transport or “sled”, required a heavy steel “AK” plate with specific hole patterns for multiple projectors. We no longer make attachment plate systems for mounting older lenses and transports to newer projectors. The new anamorphic-compatible projectors also have modes for watching 16:9 content without moving the lens so we no longer make transports either. If you want to mount an older lens to a newer projector without using a transport it is possible to use our XM2 Attachment Kit and then to modify the older lens bracket to permanently mount the lens to the XM2. If you still want to use an older lens with its existing transport we recommend building a block structure from the ceiling down to the front of the projector and then securing the transport with mounted lens to that structure.

SERVICE AND REPAIR: While anamorphic lenses seldom need servicing other than typical cleaning, we no longer have parts for the older lenses and transport systems for repairs or maintenance since these were discontinued years ago. However, some ATH transports have been in service for over ten years and occasionally a common issue is for the transport motor to continue running after the lens reaches the non-motor end. There is a sensor emitter/detector in the small end of the transport which sends a beam toward the lens platform and is reflected back from a machined silver circle on that platform. Blowing out the sensor area with air and cleaning the silver circle on the platform often resolves this issue.