Types of Lens Mounts

Bayonet

• The bayonet mount aligns both the electrical and mechanical components of a camera, and is what is found in new cameras. This alignment is done using three tabs of different sizes, each meant to align in only one correct position. Once inserted, the lens is twisted and the lens is locked into place.

Screw-threaded

• Older screw-threaded lens mounts are not able to align the lens as precisely as the bayonet, but are still used in video cameras, as well as other optical instruments.

Friction Lock

• The most popular movie cameras, Panavision and Arri, both use friction locks. These locks hold the lens in place using pins that align the camera and friction locking rings designed to twist the lens securely into place.

Types

• Depending on the type of camera used--stills, cinematography or industrial--the type of lens mounts used can vary accordingly, depending on the camera manufacturer. Still cameras can include both bayonet and screw-threaded lens mounts, cinematography includes all three types of lens mounts and industrial-use cameras are screw-threaded.