Panavision Anamorphics

[Ibrahim Abdulkarim]

Shooting our nest project on dragon and I have yet to use any panavision anamorphics. I Thiiiiiiiiinnnnkkkkk????? I want to use the Primos

Very interested in hearing anyone thoughts.

My concerns are alway sharpness and good contrast and of course FLARES.

 

[Jarrett Morgan]

I have used quite a few different series of panavision anamorphics. My personal favorite are the B series and the G series, both for very different purposes. (the G series are modern and have a very distinct blue flare. Sharp and pretty. The B series, which are very similar to the C series, are softer, but gentler in the rendition. Flares are less abrupt and more organic.)

I used the Primo anamorphics this past summer and they are very pretty. BUT! they are enormous. Some of the largest prime lesnes I have worked with. I would shy away from using them on a handheld or a steadicam show. In addition, make sure to get a set of diopters. The close focus on them is quite rough. We ended up using dioptes on many shots, even just tight closeups of people were inside minimum focus.

They don't flare nearly as easily as some of the other versions, but are very sharp and have a pleasing fall-off. If you have the means to use them (an excellent 1st AC, as they can open up to be very shallow and slow to change lenses since they are all different sizes.) then I doubt you will be displeased with the look.

 

[BRANDON JAMESON]

If you really want to use Panavision lenses, you may have to rent a Panavision camera package too , so you could almost certainly get a better deal on lens-only packages at different rental houses.

 

[Peter Lyons Collister ASC]

Panavision rents Dragons and Alexas as well as many other digital camera bodies. The only issue with PV anamorphic is availability. The C series is their classic. The Primo Anamorphics are very clean. The G's are pretty wonderful.....

Testing the different series is such a treat..... They really know anamorphic better than anyone, and Dan Sasaki, their lens guru is simply amazing with tweaking the specific primes

 

[David Mullen ASC]

Keep in mind that Panavision lenses use a PV-mount, which has a different flange depth than a PL-mount, which is why it is better to just rent the Dragons from Panavision, since they'll be converted to a PV-mount.

Second, Primos come in both spherical and anamorphic varieties.

Third, Primo anamorphics are HUGE and HEAVY. The 50mm Primo anamorphic is similar in size and weight to a 24-290mm Angenieux Optimo zoom. Most 4x5.6 matte boxes will vignette on the shorter Primo anamorphics unless you get the 4x5.6 Panavision matte box with shaved down rings that allow you to get it more flush to the front of the lens, otherwise you'll probably need to use a 6x6 matte box.

 

[Peter Dmitriyev]

I have used quite a few different series of panavision anamorphics. My personal favorite are the B series and the G series, both for very different purposes. (the G series are modern and have a very distinct blue flare. Sharp and pretty. The B series, which are very similar to the C series, are softer, but gentler in the rendition. Flares are less abrupt and more organic.)

I used the Primo anamorphics this past summer and they are very pretty. BUT! they are enormous. Some of the largest prime lesnes I have worked with. I would shy away from using them on a handheld or a steadicam show. In addition, make sure to get a set of diopters. The close focus on them is quite rough. We ended up using dioptes on many shots, even just tight closeups of people were inside minimum focus.

They don't flare nearly as easily as some of the other versions, but are very sharp and have a pleasing fall-off. If you have the means to use them (an excellent 1st AC, as they can open up to be very shallow and slow to change lenses since they are all different sizes.) then I doubt you will be displeased with the look.

can you please recommend where to get (purchase) some decent diopters? Thanks

 

[Eamon Long]

I love this kind of insider info. Yes the glass may be heavier but how sharp and lovely is that image. I mean the cabrio 19-90 is nice, then there's the Angenieux. (Added pic. For those haven't had to "handle" this piece. She's incredibly deceptive.) And then hearing the Primo Ana is same size. David how big is that front element? 95mm? 114? Just curious. :/

The handler:


The cabbie(totally inoperable cam for it's intended purpose. I goofed that one. Let quality get above practicality. Hence the pic)

 

[Illya Friedman]

There is a company (Hot Rod Cameras) that will build you a legit PV mount.

Occasionally, Panavision client's require an additional mount for their own Epics/Dragons and we build something special that allows for a seamless switch to PL without having to backfocus the camera. It is the only PV/PL combo mount like this in existence. It of course also works as just PV or PL.