Panavision

[c_77]

So what's the story on these? I mean, like why are they the standard in Hollywood? I was interested because I read some of your posts out there, and some of you have used them. I even read that some of the rentals were pieces of crap! How can people like us get our hands on one? (the camera, not a piece of crap)
Just wonderin'-Chris

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[rollemfilm]

you can only rent them. they never sell. that's it.

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[Matt Pacini]

Yeah, they don't sell Panavision cameras, so if you know someone who has one, he stole it!
They're almost the standard, Arri's are used quite a bit too, but Panavision has done so well by being a great camera, always keeping up by implementing things to their product line that are suggestions and modifications from DP's etc.
I've never personally used one, but I hope to one day!
I did play around with a couple at the Showbiz Expo in L.A. a few years ago, and it was a dream. They should makea Super 8 model! (har har!)
P.S. They do make 16mm cameras! though!

Matt Pacini

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[crimsonson]

Panavision is the standard because of their relationship with the Studios. They offer solutions, not just packages. When a studio needs to shoot a high budget film, Panavision has the lens (contrary to popular belief finding good lenses, especially anamorphic primes is hard, especially when DPs/directors tend to like a certain brand/model), custom tripods, cranes, grips, all accessories, and almost all camera related objects.

And yes their lens are very good. Most high budget DP's swear by either Cookes, Zeiss or Panav's primes and zoom primes. Schneider lens and Angeniuex are actually not as sought after as much as the big three. If you read interviews from DPs from Hollywood, Europe, Taiwan, HK and China a good 75% of the time they will mention lenses from these three.

Also, consider the fact that went you rent Panavision you also get a company with opticians especializing only with their products in house. You dont have too look for Irv type across the globe. You call your Panav contact and they will solve your optics problem.

Also remember that studios want to simplify and streamline their equipment needs. What better solution than a company that offers a complete package, experts to maintain it and the quality to back it up?

Arri quality is no doubt on par and at some products superior with Panavision (Arri 35mm cam 535/435 is considered the QUIETEST cam in the world) but the Panavision infustructure in the major cities in the world is something to be considered when shooting a major project.

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[Matt Pacini]

Uhhh, can you tell me what exactly is a zoom prime?

A zoom is a zoom, and a prime is a prime... (i.e. NOT a zoom, righto?)

Matt Pacini

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[MovieStuff]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Courier, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Matt Pacini:
Uhhh, can you tell me what exactly is a zoom prime?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

There are prime lenses and there are variable prime lenses. Unlike a zoom, a variable prime has click stops that let your put it in specific focal lengths. One of the reasons that zoom lenses aren't as sharp as primes is because the excentric cams inside the zooms are a compromise used to enable the transition from wide angle to telephoto, with the elements never really in the best position for any given focal length.

A variable prime has mechanical stops internally that assure the elements stop in the correct position to facilitate the best image possible for each focal length. As such, you can't do a smooth, traditional "zoom" with a variable prime.

Theoretically, a factory fresh and calibrated zoom could be as sharp as a variable prime, but in practice it never really happens due to a variety of factors not the least of which is a difference in the number of elements. A standard zoom requires more than a variable prime. More glass means more distortion, even if minimal.

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Roger Evans
MovieStuff
http://www.afterimagephoto.tv/moviestuff.html

[crimsonson]

thanx Rog!

Also, they tend to have a same T stop across the zoom. Zoom/Variable primes is probably the biggest lens breakthrough in years.

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[dogstarman]

James Cameron (Titanic, Terminator) owns a Panavision Super-35 camera.

Off course, they only let him buy it AFTER he threw it to the ground in a fit of rage, reducing it to twisted, useless bits...

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[Nigel]

I don't like Panavision cameras. I shot on a Pana Elaine 16mm once--it was the worst camera I have ever sat behind. It only went to 32fps, was heavy and bulky--don't count on handholing it. They have a brace that you can put on but it is very odd and uncomfortable--at least for me.

I must say that they do have some great glass--The horizontal Panavision Flare is unmistakable. I will take my Aaton any day with a good set of Cooke Primes. Good Luck

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