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  • Chris Bell

    May 29, 2007 at 2:54 pm

    Mike,

    I have used both the Fujinon C and E series lenses. I own a pair of C series: the 13×4.5 and the 15×7.3. Both of these lenses are quite superior to their ENG brothers. Specifically, there is no vignetting at the end of telephoto range and the stop remains consistent. The images are sharp and luminous. I fine ENG lenses dull in comparison.

    The E series are in a completely different league. You would not believe how much detail it is possible to resolve in 720p until you use these lenses. Color and flesh tones are spectacular. The 10×10 is enormous, as big as an Optimo. You are going to need a good assistant.

    Most manufactures can arrange demos.

    Chris (I think I just wrote and ad for Fujinon) Bell

  • Providmike

    May 29, 2007 at 4:48 pm

    How did the HAc18

  • Providmike

    May 29, 2007 at 7:44 pm

    I also wanted to ask if anyone has used the Angenieux 11.5×5.3 HD Cine
    https://www.angenieux.com/pages/308.php?URL_Id=90&URL_Page=/pages/003.php

  • Chris Bell

    May 29, 2007 at 9:41 pm

    The 18×7.6 is a re-barreled ENG lens. While it does not have constant stop, it’s superior mechanics will contribute to a better image.

    Chris

  • Peter Corbett

    May 30, 2007 at 1:45 am

    I bought a used Canon HDx 21×7.5 HD lens. It’s got a 117mm front element with no thread which makes it tricky for matteboxes. It seems very very sharp on my SDX900 in PRO50. The lens seems closely related to the Canon 21×7.5 cine-style lens. It also has very little breathing. Has anyone else come across this lens? I’d be interested in comments.

    Peter

    Peter Corbett
    Powerhouse Productions
    http://www.php.com.au

  • Bruce Greene

    May 30, 2007 at 5:01 pm

    Name: Chris Bell
    Date: May 29, 2007 at 7:54:39 am
    Subject: Re: Cinema Lens Experiences

    Mike,

    I have used both the Fujinon C and E series lenses. I own a pair of C series: the 13×4.5 and the 15×7.3. Both of these lenses are quite superior to their ENG brothers. Specifically, there is no vignetting at the end of telephoto range and the stop remains consistent. The images are sharp and luminous. I fine ENG lenses dull in comparison.

    The E series are in a completely different league. You would not believe how much detail it is possible to resolve in 720p until you use these lenses. Color and flesh tones are spectacular. The 10×10 is enormous, as big as an Optimo. You are going to need a good assistant.

    Chris,
    I own the c series 13×4.5 and it takes very nice images. I’ve noticed a few things though.

    1. It does not have a constant iris and stops down past about 40mm.
    2. There is significant light fall off towards the edges of frame at stops wider than 5.6 but this is normally not noticeable.
    3. There is little to no focus “breathing” (good!) But there is significant chromatic abrasions evident in shots that show it off. (not so good)

    I’ve also used the e series 10×10 and it is a superb lens that surprisingly inter-cuts very well with the 13x. For most real life images it’s hard to tell which lens was used, unless an a/b comparison is made of the same shot. Of course the 10×10 is a very, very large lens!

    To my knowledge all the compact zooms are available as cine style and ENG style and are in fact optically the same lenses. From my experience, if using a focus puller (camera assistant) the cine style lenses are preferred. If pulling your own focus (hand held) then I prefer an ENG lens. The ENG lens also comes with a zoom motor (which is also good for holding the camera handheld) and the cine style lenses do not. The cine style lenses are also more expensive.

    One further note about the cine style zooms: Both the Canon and Fujinon compact zoom lenses I believe have fluorite elements which change the distance scale as temperature changes. This is a different issue than back focus. To accurately focus by distance, the witness mark must be adjusted as the temperature changes. To do this, one needs to pull out a focus chart, measure the distance and remark the witness mark on the lens. FWIW the panavision zooms for the f-900 don’t seem to have this issue. I believe that the prime lenses do not have this issue as well.

    Mike, best of luck with your purchase.
    -bruce

    Varicam/Steadicam Owner
    Los Angeles, CA
    http://www.brucealangreene.com

  • Chris Bell

    May 30, 2007 at 10:04 pm

    Yes Bruce you are correct, the 13×4.5 is not a constant stop lens. The 15x is, however.

    My guess is that Fujinon takes the best yields from their optics production and sets them aside for the C series. Better mechanics also contribute to better images.

    I must also say that Fujinon’s customer service is second to none. Nice folks who are very responsive.

    Chris Bell

  • Providmike

    May 31, 2007 at 2:45 pm

    Bruce have you at any point had the chance to use theAngenieux 11.5×5.3 HD Cine?

  • Bruce Greene

    May 31, 2007 at 5:26 pm

    [providmike] “Bruce have you at any point had the chance to use theAngenieux 11.5×5.3 HD Cine?
    “

    Sorry Mike, haven’t used that lens…
    -bruce

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