The reasoning above explains why the L external filter wheel for G4
cameras as well as the S external filter wheel for G3 cameras offer 7
positions. But when the same S filter wheel is used with the G2
camera, it can accommodate up to 10 (or even 12, depending on the
filter size) filters. Several positions are typically left unused, but
the external filter wheel is bigger and heavier than necessary. So we
decided to design a new filter wheel model — the
XS filter wheel, intended specially for G2 cameras, offering optimal 7
positions for D36 mm filters. The new
filter wheel overcomes the 5-positions limit of the internal filter
wheel and at the same time remains relatively compact and lightweight
compared to the S model.
G2 Camera head with the XS External Filter Wheel
attached
The new XS external filter wheel is intended for G2 cameras only.
Its mechanical dimensions are so small, that it is not possible to
attach it to the G3 or even G4 cameras. Because the wheel is designed
to accommodate D36 mm unmounted filters,
using of such small filters with large sensors of the G3/G4 cameras is
impossible either way.
Compared to S filter wheel, the XS model is smaller and
lighter
The main design goal of the XS filter wheel is the smallest
physical size and lower weight for 7-positions filter wheel, but
keeping the mechanical rigidity and robustness at the same time.
Even with XS external filter wheel attached, the G2 camera
remains reasonably compact
The XS filter wheel remains fully software compatible, it is not
necessary to update camera firmware or install new camera driver.
Everything works from the start providing the camera permanent memory
is properly programmed for 7 filter wheel positions.
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