(in Japanese, Google translation to English Here)
The phenomenon of ghost images that are caused by the light reflection between the sensor surface and the surface of the rear glass element of the lens is illustrated as follows:-
Pentax' patent works against these reflections with "irregular" micro-lenses put onto the surface/top of the sensor:-
The patent is claimed to be more useful to help reducing ghosts for old film lenses when they are used on digital camera bodies.
Nevertheless, whilst the ghost image effect is reduced, will this measure affect also the final Image Quality? I really doubt it.. It is simply because an irregular sensor surface will probably create unwanted irregularities throughout the image frame, too, at the same time.
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Ying · 709 weeks ago
The idea is to scatter the reflections in multiple directions to reduce the radar footprint size.
Interesting concept but I see it being more costly to make.
Sometimes a patent is just that, an idea, it does not necessarily mean it will become a real product. Or have to wait for years before technology can catch up.
RiceHigh 110p · 709 weeks ago
Chris · 709 weeks ago
There you have it! A really innovative company, Pentax. Cool engineers with independent thinking and great ideas. Strange we don't see this somewhere else...
Manufacturing may appear costly but once mass manufacturing techniques are applied, we'll see.
Rice, of course such a technique will improve final image quality. Ghost images are removed because angular reflection at the sensor is replaced by diffuse reflection. Most of the diffusely reflected light will hit the walls inside the mirror box, not the lens, so there you have it.
The invention is of most value for non-SMC lenses, but might improve pictures taken with SMC lenses as well. While ghosting is not a big issue for most FA/DA limited primes, it is a problem with some zooms. And everybody likes to shoot a sunset...
Tony · 708 weeks ago
RiceHigh 110p · 708 weeks ago
http://ricehigh.blogspot.com/2008/10/sample-photo...
What I want to say is just that the Pentax SMC is already very good. It seems that there is just no real need for such a patent, unless the quality of the coating of the lens in use is inferior.