What is the difference between C-mount and F-mount?

Differences Between C-mount and F-mount Lenses

C-mount and F-mount lenses are two types of lens mounts commonly used in photography, videography, and various industrial applications. While both serve the fundamental purpose of connecting a lens to a camera body, their specifications, applications, and compatibility vary significantly.

Physical Dimensions

C-mount: Has a flange distance (the distance from the mounting flange to the focal plane) of 17.526 mm and features a 1-inch diameter thread.
F-mount: Characterized by a longer flange distance of 46.5 mm and uses a bayonet mount rather than a screw thread, making it specific to Nikon DSLRs and some industrial cameras.

Compatibility and Use

C-mount: Originally designed for 16mm movie cameras, it is now widely used in machine vision, microscopy, and CCTV due to its compact size and adaptability with various sensors sizes, including 1/2", 2/3", and 1" formats.
F-mount: Predominantly used with Nikon DSLR cameras, it's favored in professional photography and videography. The larger flange distance accommodates a wider range of lenses, including telephoto and specialty optics.

Adaptability

C-mount: More flexible due to its shorter flange distance, allowing it to be adapted for use with many other camera systems with the appropriate adapter.
F-mount: Less adaptable to other camera systems due to its longer flange distance and bayonet mounting system. However, its design supports heavy lenses without the need for additional support.

Conclusion

The choice between C-mount and F-mount lenses depends on the specific requirements of the camera system and the application. C-mount lenses offer flexibility and compatibility with a wide range of systems, making them suitable for industrial and scientific uses. F-mount lenses, on the other hand, are preferred for high-end photography and videography, where the support for a diverse array of lenses, including long telephoto lenses, is crucial.