New Series Uses Primo Lens Elements, Adapting Original Designs for Smooth Images

Panavision's latest line of Primo lenses, the Primo V series, are engineered to get some of the harshness out of digital images. The full set of Primo V lenses will include 14.5mm, 17.5mm, 21mm, 27mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm focal lengths.

"Cinematographers tell us that the hyper-sharp sesnsors in today's digital cameras can result in images that are harsh and lack personality," said Dan Sasaki, Panavision VP of optical engineering, in a prepared statement. "Our philosophy is to take what cinematographers love about the Primos and update them for the digital world."

The new Primo V lenses will use the lens elements from existing Primo lenses, Panavision said, with new designs adapted to make the most out of high-resolution digital cameras with Super 35 sensors.

Re-engineering the Primo lenses addressed issues specific to digital cinematography, like the additional presence of low-pass, IR, and ND filters that can increase aberrations. The Primo V lenses have new modifications that Panavision says eliminates aberrations introduced by the additional glass, resulting in a more balanced image.

The lenses will have the Primo feel and will work with any digital camera that has PL or Panavision 35 mount systems, but the company said they won't work on film cameras.

Panavision tells us that if you're attending the Cameraimage film festival, which begins Saturday in Poland, you'll have a chance to get a first look at the new Primo V series.