Panoscan MARK TWO Installation manual

PANOSCAN MARK TWO
OPERATION MANUAL
V1.1

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IMPORTANT ADDENDUM
This manual was written before the OS-X version 6.0.3 was released. Most of the features and
operation are identical in OS-X. There are a few things that you will need to be aware of when
using OS-X with this system.
Using the Firewire Converter with OS-X
The drivers for the Firewire converter are built into OS-X 10.2 or newer. There is no need to install
any additional drivers to use the camera system or converter. However there is an issue with the
OS-X and its ability to mount the camera. It is very important that you follow these steps exactly in
the correct order for the camera to mount on the system and work.
1. Before proceeding with connections power up the computer so it can be booting while you set
up the rest of the system.
2. Connect the converter SCSI connection to the processor module. DO NOT CONNECT THE
FIREWIRE YET.
3. Power up the processor module and verify that the green light on the converter is lighted.
4. Assuming the computer is now running, plug in the Firewire converter connection to the
computer. You will see the converter’s green light blink off for a moment. The red activity light on
the Processor will light up for several seconds. Wait for the red activity light on the Processor
module to go off.
5. Now unplug the Firewire connection. Wait at least 5 seconds and then restore the Firewire
connection. Wait another 10 seconds.
6. Start up the ViewFinder Software and you should now see that the camera is now ready to use.
Failure to follow these steps in order may cause the software to not recognize the camera is
connected. If you have trouble unplug the Firewire connection. Turn off the processor and repeat
steps 1 – 6.

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Scanning to RAM under OS-X
On page 20 of this manual there was a recommendation to scan to RAM with OS-9. This was due
to the fact that the file transfer mode in the ViewFinder 5 did not work correctly with the FireWire
converter. In ViewFinder 6 these issues have been corrected. Be sure “Small Transfers” option is
selected in the Preferences.
We now recommend saving and scanning to the processor’s hard drive for the best performance.
Scanning to RAM in OS-X is somewhat speed limited and the 125th shutter speed may corrupt full
resolution images. For this reason we recommend scanning to the camera’s hard drive when
running OS-X.
Sound
The “play sound after scanning” in this new 6.0.3 version is not fully implemented. There is only
one tome available and it is a 3 second long tone.
Known Issues with ViewFinder 6.0.3
You may notice a lag when first clicking on the color balance preset menu or the curve preset menu
for the first time. Be patient it will load in a second or two.
From time to time the file manager menu item may gray out and become unavailable. If this
happens just click on the focus or color tabs. This will reset the file manager menu item.

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Table of Contents
Pg.
5 Introduction
6 Parts List
7 Connector Identification
9 Installing and Configuring the ViewFinder™ Software
10 Memory Requirements
10 Scan to RAM Mode
10 System Requirements
11 Setting Up the System
22 Making Your First Scans
29 The Focus Tool
31 Saving Scans
32 Using the File Manager
34 Changing Filters
35 Cleaning the CCD
37 Focus Chart

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Introduction
Your Panoscan MK2 camera system is the result of a cooperative development project between
Panoscan Inc. and Better Light Inc. Mamiya-Sekor also contributed lenses and advice to the project.
Without the cooperation of these partners the MK2 could not have been developed. Panoscan
would like to thank our partners for their help with the MK2 camera and this manual.
Although Better Light offers a panoramic adapter solution for their 4 x 5 scan back this system was
not well suited for wide angle photography. While the 4 x 5 cameras offer unparalleled flexibility
for studio photography they are somewhat limited with respect to wide angle lens choices. The
typical 4 x 5 camera setup was also limited in portability.
At Panoscan we understood that the Better Light scanning system was producing the best image
quality with the shortest scan times possible. We also saw that the system was far more sensitive
than our original MK1 camera system. It became clear that a system that combined the Better Light
technology with a camera body that could accept wide angle lenses would make the ideal
panoramic camera solution.
The MK 2 camera is the unique result of combining Better Light’s extraordinary scanning system
with our custom designed camera body that accepts superb Mamiya-Sekor optics. This camera was
designed from the ground up to provide the best possible image quality attainable in a panoramic
scene. The 645 format Mamiya lenses were selected because they cover the CCD perfectly and
Mamiya is the only 645 system that offers a 180 degree fisheye lens. The optical quality of the
Mamiya 24mm fisheye lens is extraordinary.
This manual will take you through the basic setup and operation of the MK2 camera system. It is
intended to familiarize you with the unique features of this system. We have also included Better
Light’s manuals with your system. Better Light’s manuals will go into more detail on specific
software features and we encourage you to read that manual too.
While we make every attempt in suggesting tips and techniques for getting the most out of this
system we make no attempt to teach basic photographic skills in this manual. We are assuming a
professional level of photographic proficiency on the reader of this manual. Ultimately the results
you achieve with this system are dependent on your skill, experience and creativity.

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Parts List
Your Panoscan MK2 camera system comes with the following parts. The standard configuration
should have included a wheeled hard case, which is not shown in the picture below.
If you notice that any pieces are missing please contact Panoscan immediately for assistance.

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Connector Identification
There are two main parts to your camera system. There is the main camera body shown on the
bottom and the processor module shown on the top.
The camera contains the CCD and an electronics bay that drives the pan motor and shutter motor.
The camera is powered through the DB-25 cable that connects the camera to the Processor. Use
only the double-shielded cable supplied with the camera. The interface between the
camera and processor module is proprietary, and NOT SCSI !

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The Processor module contains the power supply, battery charger, digital signal processor and hard
drive. The processor is the ‘heart” of the system. The processor module is equipped with air vents
and a fan to circulate air through the electronics. Care must be taken to avoid blocking the fan and
air vents. The case provided by Panoscan is designed to allow air to flow correctly around the
processor module so you do not need to remove it from the storage case during use.
Also… Extreme care should be taken to avoid bumping the processor module while the system is
powered up because it contains a hard drive. We recommend leaving the processor module in the
storage case during use to ensure it is protected from bumps and it gets proper airflow.
WARNING: Blocking the air vents or fan WILL cause damage to the processor module.
(Especially while charging a battery.)

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Installing and Configuring the ViewFinder™ Software
Your MK2 camera comes with software that has been developed by Better Light Inc. This software
is called ViewFinder™. Insert the CD containing the ViewFinder camera control software and click
on the installer. The installer will place the application folder at the root level of your boot drive.
The Installer will also install the drivers for the Firewire converter. After the computer reboots you
may remove the CD and store it in a safe place.
Although Better Light distributes their new software versions on the Better Light web site we strongly
recommend that you only download software versions for the MK2 from the Panoscan web site.
Panoscan will test and verify compatibility with the MK2 before posting any new versions. Beware
any versions that have not been specifically tested by Panoscan for use with your MK2 camera.
The ViewFinder software maintains a preferences file, named “ViewFinder Prefs”, which
must be in the same folder as the application itself. Preferences stored in this file are used to
determine startup settings each time the software is launched. You can alter these settings and save
new preferences, which will then be used on subsequent startups of the software.
You may also save and reload different settings files, which you create, each containing a complete
set of camera control selections that are customized to your unique camera setups (e.g. client
project, or lighting system). A saved group of camera settings will include all settings for all controls
and tab windows as they were at the time the settings were saved, including: Line Time, ISO, Size,
To save a new choice of camera settings as the startup set, use the Save Preferences menu item
under the File menu. To save a group of camera settings for future recall at any time, use the Save
Settings... menu item under the File menu; this will bring up a standard Save dialog, which allows
you to name this settings file and place it in the folder of your choice. To load a settings file, use the
Load Settings... menu item under the File menu; this will bring up a standard Open dialog, which
allows you to open and load a previously saved settings file from any folder.

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Memory Requirements
In OS-9. The ViewFinder software requires about 20,000K bytes (about 20 MB) of memory to
operate,
as shown in its Get Info window. There is no performance advantage to assigning additional
memory to the control software application. For proper operation, VIRTUAL MEMORY MUST BE
TURNED OFF.
Scan to RAM Mode
For scans to be taken directly to the host Macintosh’s RAM, enough uncommitted (not already
assigned to any application) RAM memory must be available to hold the desired image size for the
scan. The amount of uncommitted memory may be determined from the “Largest Free Memory”
field within the “About this Macintosh” menu selection. Otherwise, the “Scan to RAM” checkbox
will be disabled (grayed out) in the main control window. If enough free memory exists, the control
software will “borrow” it from the System for the duration of the scan, and then release it back to the
System after writing the new image data to the computer’s internal disk drive.
System Requirements
Macintosh Computer
G3 processor or better (iBook and Powerbook supported.)
Mac OS 9.2 or OS-X 10.2 or later. (Classic mode in X NOT supported.)
24-bit color graphics display and video card with 1024 x 768 minimum resolution
SCSI-2 Interface (HD-50), or Firewire converter provided by Panoscan.
128 MB RAM minimum (additional RAM required for Scan to RAM operation)

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Setting Up the System
1. To begin we will make a few recommendations about your tripod. The Panoscan MK2 must
remain completely rigid while the scan is in progress. And flex or shake in the tripod can blur or
distort the image. For this reason we recommend that you use a heavy duty tripod fitted with a ball
level head like those found on video and motion picture tripods. One such tripod is the Gitzo™
G505 series. Gitzo has a Ball head called the G1321 that has a spirit level built in. The Bogen™
3283B with a 3241 ball head is also an excellent choice. You may find the Bogen 3296 quick
release bracket convenient as well.
Gitzo G505 Tripod with G1321 Ball Head Bogen 3296 Quick Release
Begin by placing the camera on the tripod as shown above. Make sure the camera is level and the
tripod legs are secure. Remember that the slightest bump or slip in the tripod will ruin your scans.
At the high resolution settings even soft carpeting can cause the tripod to settle which makes
blending the seam difficult. In this case use points on your tripod and consider sandbags. At
medium or low resolution settling is not a problem.

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2. After mounting the camera securely, select your lens and mount it on the camera. To release the
body cap press the small button on top of the lens mount (12:00 position.) and rotate the cap
counter clockwise. To attach a new lens line up the red mark on the bottom of the lens mount (6:00
position.) with the red alignment dot on the lens barrel and rotate the lens clockwise until the cam
locks securely into place. The lens alignment mark for the Panoscan camera is at the 6:00 position.
This is to ensure that the corner notches on the fisheye lens align to allow the lens to see the 12:00
and 6:00 positions without obstruction.
When the lens is mounted correctly it should be locked so that it cannot rotate without pressing the
release button on the lens mount.
Trick: If the lens mount is excessively tight you can try rubbing your finger on the side of your nose or forehead and then use
your finger to apply the oil from your skin on the front chrome surface of the lens mount. This tiny amount of lubrication will
ensure that the lenses mount smoothly.

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3. Connect the camera to the control unit Plug the male end of the insert connector into
the DB-25 socket on the camera control unit into the (marked as “DB-25 Camera Connector” in the
connector identification image. Make sure the plug is firmly seated in the socket before securing it
to the connector with the two connector screws. Connect or disconnect this cable ONLY when the
camera power is turned OFF.
4. Mate the female end of the cable with the DB-25 plug on the camera, again making sure the
connectors are firmly seated before tightening the securing screws.
Do not allow this cable to run alongside “noisy” cables such as computer, HMI lamp cabling or
electric power cords, or the image data may be compromised.

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IMPORTANT !
• Use only the double-shielded cable supplied with the camera. The interface between the camera and control
unit is proprietary, and NOT SCSI! Use of other cables may damage the system!
• NEVER connect anything except the camera to the DB-25 connector on the control unit.
• Do not use cable extenders to create a longer cable, as power losses and data corruption will occur. In
addition to the 5 meter (15 feet) cable supplied with the camera, an 8 meter (25 feet) cable is available from
Panoscan.
• We recommend that you leave the processor in the storage case to avoid accidental falls which could destroy
the hard drive or corrupt images stored on the hard drive. Otherwise make sure the unit is being used in a
“safe” position.
5. Next you need to connect the processor to the host computer. The camera control unit has a
single SCSI-2 50-pin High Density shielded connector, which is always internally terminated with
active termination. In most cases you will be using the Processor with the FireWire converter
provided by Panoscan. Begin by connecting the SCSI connector to the processor, always being
careful to mate the connector squarely and firmly into its fully locked position. Avoid stress on this
connector, which might damage the locking tabs or cause poor connections. 6. Next plug the other
end of the SCSI DB25 connection into the SCSI converter and secure the connection with the two
screws.
You may also connect the processor to any Macintosh computer equipped with a suitable SCSI host
adapter. Many of the older model Macintosh computer have built in SCSI support which should
work fine with the system. In the case of newer G4 desktop machines we suggest using a host
adapter made by ATTO. The Adaptec 2930 is also a known solution. For G4 Powerbook machines
we recommend the RATOC CB31 Pismo card or the CB32PB cards. (http://www.ratocsystems.com/)

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You should AVOID using the Adaptec 1480/1460 SlimSCSI PC cards. The Adaptec SlimSCSI cards
will not work reliably on any Macintosh systems.
7. Connect the power source to the processor module. It’s a good idea to connect the battery
because it can provide backup power in the event of an accidental power failure. (ie. Kicking the
cord out of the wall.) The battery connector is keyed to insert only in one position. Examine the
connectors carefully and you will see that there is a larger key at the 12:00 position on the
connector. Line this connector up and you will feel it slip into place and the connector will not
rotate. Once the connector is lined up turn the locking ring clockwise until it stops. The connector
should now be locked in place. It is normal for the connector body to feel slightly loose in the
locked position. The pins in the connector are designed to “float” to maintain a perfect connection.
Your camera is provided with an IEC-320 power cord for USA. Use only an approved IEC-320
power cord with a plug appropriate for the power receptacles of the region. The camera has a
universal input power supply, that operates from any AC voltage between 85 and 264 volts (100 to
240 volts nominal), 47 to 63 Hz single phase, without changing switches or jumpers. The camera
consumes a maximum of about 60 watts of power, and should be operated from the same circuit
supplying power to the computer connected to the camera. When AC power is connected to the
camera the AC status indicator will glow green or red depending on the charge rate. Red indicates
the system is in the “rapid” charge mode. Green indicates “trickle” charge mode. We should
mention that it’s best to maintain the battery fully charged. It is impossible to over charge a battery
so feel free to leave it charging overnight.
8. If you are using the camera with a computer that has a SCSI host adapter you should connect the
computer at this time. If you are using the Firewire converter do not connect the Firewire cable
quite yet.

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The picture below shows how the camera is typically set up for a location shot. Notice the storage
case is located under the tripod to keep it out of your scene. Also notice the storage case is used as
a table for the laptop.
When used in this configuration be sure to prop something in the lid to keep the case from pinching
the cords and to allow for some air circulation.

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9. You are now ready to turn on the power to the camera system. Flip the switch upward and the
system will start up. The status indicator on the processor will glow orange then red then the LED
should go out. The status LED on the camera body should be flashing green to indicate the camera
is ready to scan. If you have a Firewire converter connected please verify that the green LED on the
converter is glowing green. If not please cycle the power to the Processor.
10. Now you should boot up your computer.
11. Once the camera is powered up and the computer is booted you may connect the Firewire
converter to your computer. Note: that it will take you computer 10-20 seconds to recognize the
Firewire converter and mount the camera. During this time you will see the converter’s green LED
blink off and then come back on. Be patient. If you start up the camera software before the
computer has had time to register the camera on the system it will result in the software not
recognizing the camera at all. If you do not see a steady green light on the converter repeat steps
10-12. The Apple System profiler can be useful in troubleshooting you connection. The camera
should show up in the system profiler as seen below. OS-X users please read the Addendum!

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12. Once the LED is glowing a steady green you may launch the Viewfinder camera software. You
should see a display that looks something like the screen below.
Pay careful attention to the camera indicator. It should say it has a Panoscan connected. If not you
need to check you connections, and repeat the start-up procedures.
Correct Processor Not Connected Camera Not Connected
Below the camera indicator you will see a green bar graph that indicates your battery charge status
with the battery voltage as well. When the battery is running low the graph will turn yellow to
indicate you are running out of time.

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Before we start scanning we need to check a few preference settings. If your controls are not
showing along the bottom of the image we recommend doing so now.
It is crucial that the Base ISO setting be set to 200. It is a good idea to create a specific image
folder where you camera will save scans. Select this folder so that the camera will save in your
image folder. The automatic file naming will automatically assign a unique number to each scan
preventing accidentally writing over a pre existing image with the same name. The append file
name automatically adds the .tif file suffix to your scans so that the images can be more easily
opened on a Windows computer. If you are in the USA you need to set the “Line Time Sync” to 60
hz to avoid vertical banding caused by flickering light sources such as florescent lamps. If you are
in Europe set the sync for 50 hz.

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OS-X Users
We recommend that you use the camera’s hard drive for saving images. Scanning to RAM under
OS-X is somewhat speed limited and the 125th shutter speed may corrupt large scans.
OS-9 Users
We recommend for most situations that you scan to the host computer’s RAM. This allows you to
save the images on the host computer’s hard drive. The alternative is to save images on the
processor module’s hard drive. There is one important limitation with using the processor
module’s hard drive: The Firewire converter is not compatible with the processor module’s hard
drive in OS-9 and you cannot retrieve images from the processor modules hard drive with the
Firewire converter in OS-9. In this case you must use OS-X or a SCSI host adapter to retrieve the
files. You may shoot onto the processor’s hard drive but you will not be able to retrieve the files
using the Firewire converter in OS-9. Note: It is very important to disable the automatic save after
scan if you are shooting to the processor’s hard drive with the Firewire converter or the system
will freeze after the scan.
Each method of saving has advantages and disadvantages. Saving to the host computer’s RAM
allows you to quickly open the image after a scan to inspect it. The downside on scanning to the
host computer’s RAM is that you are limited to the maximum picture size according to the amount
of free RAM on the system. Shooting to the processor’s hard drive avoids the RAM size limitations
but pictures must be transferred to the host computer before it can be opened and examined. In
OS-X, the processor’s hard drive allows shooting at faster shutter speeds without data dropouts.
The possible exceptions might be shooting with long lenses and making huge 1.7 GIG images or
you need the fastest shutter speeds when shooting in the 48 bit color mode or in OS-X. To select
the scan to RAM setting the checkbox is located on the bottom left corner of the main interface
screen next to the “Prescan” button.