anamorphic question

[Lee Kelly]

I know there are a few different anamorphic lens options out there, however I dont have access to these and figure may as well use my reduser friends to help answer a question or make a suggestion.

If you had limitations with your camera build and needed a set (range) of anamorphic lenses to be exactly the same dimensions, for placing follow focus, iris motors filters etc which is the dream set?

I know Kowas are nice and small and pretty much the same size throughout the range (not EXACTLY sure of this) and they would suit my needs perfectly as I will explain.

I work as an underwater camera op and have a project that my director and DP are adamant they want to shoot anamorphic. In the past I have offered up spherical alternatives and set frame guides to match main unit anamorphic settings. Obviously you dont get the same flare characteristics but its a viable cheat.

Now, because I am operating a camera in a waterhousing, I want to build ONE lens port to fit the whole range of a particular set of anamorphic lenses so that essentially that one port can be used with all controls lining up.

Panavision G series?
Hawks?

Any suggestions?

 

[Martin Ubilluz]

Only new anamorphics will be like that .
Cooke and master anamorphics.

Kowas and other vintage glass does not have focus rings in the same place.
Although I've used kowas underwater before in housings .
If you go panavison g those lenses can work

 

[Dan Kanes]

Since they are very adamant - maybe get them to commit to one or two focal lengths, and then you may be able to get set up with those one or two lenses. Alternatively - maybe a short anamorphic zoom.

do you usually use a wide variety of focal lengths under water ?

Also, remember that the horizontal field of view of an anamorphic is roughly equivalent to 1/2 the vertical (if a 2x) (named) focal length - so a 35mm anamorphic has has roughly the horizontal field of view of an 18mm.

if you have the luxury of going Panavision on this shoot, I think as Martin suggested that May be a great option.

alternately Hawk V lites seem amazing - never had the chance to use them though.

 

[Andreas Mendritzki]

Lee: Please do some checks with your underwater housing. Its my experience that anamorphic doesn't play nice with underwater housings. I'll check with my underwater guy and get back to you with more details

 

[Andreas Mendritzki]

We needed to add diopters to get focus if I recall... maybe an underwater guy can chime in?

 

[Lee Kelly]

Thanks guys,

Yes Andreas, you would be correct. Close focus is not one of anamorphic strong points.
I could have been clearer in my questions.
There will be elements of 'underwater' where I will use my current setup, with nikonos lenses and set the camera guides to match the main unit camera.
There will be on the surface of the water shots with potential dipping of the camera for a transition moment, which is when I would need to use the anamorphic glass.
Essentially the camera would be in a water housing on the surface shooting waves, or boating or whatever it might be.

I have given my producer all the info I can so far but honestly a lot of the time the director, producer and even some DPs dont really understand the limitations of the gear they want to use and get caught up in the 'word' like anamorphic, like its the cool thing to do, and all the other good guys are shooting with it so we should too. Right tools for the job is more important than whats trendy.
That being said, we all do love the anamorphic look when it is shot right and utilized correctly but I have mixed spherical optics with anamorphic shots and in an advertising edit (fairly quick) you would be not instantly notice, or atleast you would not notice enough to get vocal about it.

Ill see how my sales pitch goes...