Making Camera Optics Easy for Engineering Teams Since 2018
From our ISO 9001:2015 certified facilities in San Diego, we combine cost-effective M12 lenses and C-mount lenses with US-based engineering support. Founded at Carnegie Mellon, now serving 1000+ machine vision companies from our 6000 sq ft operation with 3500 sq ft of cleanroom space.
How Do You Select the Right Lens for Your Machine Vision Application?
Understanding lens specifications can be complex. We've created technical resources to help engineers navigate focal length, field of view, MTF curves, and sensor compatibility. Our engineering team helps resolve integration challenges and provide solutions for robotics and automation projects.
Why Was Commonlands Founded?
Commonlands was founded in 2018 to solve a persistent problem for engineers: finding cost-effective, high-quality M12 lenses with reliable supply chains and fast delivery. Too many embedded camera projects get delayed by optics complexity, unclear specifications, and supply chain uncertainty.
Starting within Carnegie Mellon University's Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, we've grown from a camera engineering services company to a leading supplier of M12 and C-mount lenses. Our mission remains unchanged: make optics easy for electrical, mechanical, and software engineers who need reliable optical components without the typical headaches.
🚀 Engineering-First Approach
We handle the technical difficulties and supply chain complexities that come with optics, so you can focus on building great products. From same-day sample shipping to volume production support up to 250k+ units per year, we're here to help teams succeed.
Why Do Leading Robotics Companies Choose Commonlands?
We combine technical expertise with operational excellence to eliminate the typical barriers engineers face when working with optics.
ISO 9001:2015 Certified Quality
Achieved in 2024, our quality management system ensures consistent product excellence, documented processes, and continuous improvement across all operations.
Download Certificate →100% MTF Testing
Every lens undergoes comprehensive modulation transfer function testing using our high-volume MTF systems and HR2 precision testing equipment.
Learn More →US-Based Engineering Support
Our San Diego team provides application engineering consultation, lens-sensor compatibility guidance, and technical documentation.
Get Support →
What Makes Our San Diego Facilities Different?
Our 6000 sq ft operation across two buildings (8170 and 8148 Ronson Road) features 3500 sq ft of Class 10,000 cleanroom space, combining advanced optical testing equipment with precision assembly capabilities, all managed under our ISO 9001:2015 certified quality system achieved in 2024.
3500 sq ft Class 10,000 Cleanroom
Controlled environment for camera module assembly with continuous particle monitoring, laminar flow hoods, and ESD protection protocols
Multiple MTF Testing Systems
High-volume MTF testing machines for production throughput plus Trioptics HR2 system for precision testing.
Expanded 2024 Facilities
Added 8148 Ronson Road location to expand capabilities and capacity for growing customer demand
How Did Commonlands Grow from CMU Startup?
Our journey from Carnegie Mellon's entrepreneurship center to serving 1000+ global customers from Fortune 10 to Series A/B/C to camera module integrators and hobbyists.
Founded at Carnegie Mellon University
Started as a camera engineering and optical design services company within CMU's Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, helping engineering teams overcome hardware DFM challenges.
Relocated to San Diego
Moved to Southern California during COVID, establishing our facility at 8170 Ronson Road and transitioned to M12 lens supply with comprehensive engineering support. Installed high-volume MTF testing systems, Trioptics HR2, cleanroom etc...
Scaling Operations, ISO 9001:2015 Certification & Expansion
Added custom design capabilities, achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management systems. Expanded cleanroom space to 3500 sq ft by adding 8148 Ronson Road facility across the parking lot.
Automate.
The future is here!
How Does Commonlands Stay Connected ?
Active participation in leading industry associations keeps us aligned with the latest standards and technologies
San Diego, California Operations
Our dual-building facility in San Diego provides efficient shipping throughout North America and positions us close to Mexico.
8148 Ronson Road, Suites C & D & E
San Diego, CA 92111
Who Founded Commonlands and Why?
Meet the optical engineer who recognized the need for a better way to source and integrate optical components
Max Henkart
Max founded Commonlands in 2018 after working for a Chinese automotive lens manufacturer for more than 5 years and seeing issues that plague the industry - unclear specifications, limited engineering support, EOL/supply chain risk, and long lead-times.
With a B.S. in Optical Engineering from the University of Rochester's Institute of Optics and an Operations/Supply Chain MBA from Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business, Max combines international business expertise with technical knowhow. Starting within CMU's entrepreneurship ecosystem, Commonlands achieved 2025 INC500 and has grown to serve more than 1000 customers globally while maintaining the startup agility and responsiveness.
Get in Touch with Our Engineering Team
Have questions about M12 lenses or C-mount lenses for your application? Our team is here to help.
Ready to Make Optics Easy for Your Project?
Join hundreds of companies that rely on Commonlands for their machine vision optics. Browse our comprehensive catalog or contact our engineering team to discuss your specific requirements.