Meike 50mm T2.1 S35 Manual Focus Wide Angle Prime Cinema Lens User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper use and care of your Meike 50mm T2.1 S35 Manual Focus Wide Angle Prime Cinema Lens. Please read it thoroughly before using the lens to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

The Meike 50mm T2.1 S35 lens is designed for Super 35 sized sensors, offering a wide T2.1 aperture for shallow depth of field and excellent low-light performance. Its optical design ensures sharp images with minimal distortion, making it suitable for professional cinematic applications.

Figure 1: Meike 50mm T2.1 S35 Cinema Lens

2. Key Features

• Wide T2.1 Aperture: Enables shallow depth of field and superior low-light performance.
• S35 Sensor Coverage: Optimized for Super 35 sized sensors.
• Manual Focus: Precise control over focus for cinematic pulling.
• Optical Design: 9 groups, 12 elements for sharp images and low distortion.
• Minimal Focus Breathing: Designed to reduce image size changes during focus adjustments.
• Robust Construction: Full metal body for durability.
• Canon EF Mount: Compatible with various Canon EF mount cameras and camcorders.

3. Setup

3.1 Attaching the Lens

1. Ensure your camera is powered off.
2. Remove the rear lens cap and the camera body cap.
3. Align the red dot on the lens with the red dot on your camera's lens mount.
4. Insert the lens into the camera mount and rotate it clockwise until it clicks securely into place.

3.2 Camera Settings

Since this is a manual lens, you will need to adjust your camera settings to allow operation without an electronically connected lens. Refer to your camera's instruction manual to enable the following:

• Enable 'M mode' (Manual Exposure Mode).
• Enable 'Release without lens' or a similar setting.

Figure 2: Lens mounted on a compatible camera body.

4. Operating the Lens

4.1 Focus Adjustment

The Meike 50mm T2.1 S35 features a manual focus ring with a 270° rotation for precise control. Rotate the focus ring to achieve sharp focus on your subject. Use focus peaking or magnification features on your camera or external monitor for accurate focusing.

Figure 3: Detailed view of the focus and aperture rings.

4.2 Aperture Adjustment

The lens has a de-clicked aperture ring, allowing for smooth and silent iris adjustments during recording. Rotate the aperture ring to select your desired T-stop (T2.1 to T22). A wider aperture (lower T-number) provides a shallower depth of field and allows more light, while a narrower aperture (higher T-number) increases depth of field and reduces light.

4.3 Using with Follow Focus Systems

The geared focus and aperture rings are compatible with standard follow focus systems, enabling external control for professional filmmaking setups.

Figure 4: Lens with external follow focus gear.

5. Maintenance

• Cleaning the Lens: Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a lens brush to remove dust. For smudges, use a lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth. Avoid touching the glass elements directly.
• Storage: Store the lens in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Use lens caps when not in use to protect the front and rear elements.
• Handling: Avoid dropping or subjecting the lens to strong impacts, as this can damage the optical elements or mechanical components.

6. Troubleshooting

• Image is blurry: Ensure the lens is properly focused using the manual focus ring. Check your camera's focus peaking or magnification.
• Camera does not recognize the lens: Verify that 'Release without lens' or a similar setting is enabled in your camera's menu.
• Dust on sensor/lens: Clean the lens elements as described in the maintenance section. If dust is on the sensor, refer to your camera's manual for sensor cleaning procedures or consult a professional.

7. Specifications

8. Official Product Videos

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the official Meike website or contact your local distributor. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

For further assistance, you may visit the Meike Store.