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C Series Anamorphic Prime Lenses
Since the late 1960s the C series line has been the lens of choice for productions in need of a compact and lightweight anamorphic lens. These lenses are particularly attractive to cinematographers because of their flat field and corrected edge to center performance. The lenses also have a very pronounced anamorphic flare which is common with anamorphic lenses and desirable by some cinematographers for specific photographic effects. This flare or “blue line” is due in part to earlier generation anti-reflective coatings on the lenses.
The distinct anamorphic look and small size of the C series lenses appeal to many cinematographers who require the visual signature that defined the credit “Filmed In Panavision”. The C series is characterized by a graduated depth of field, predictable full field performance at all apertures, and a flattering bokeh or the character of the out-of-focus areas of the shot. These lenses also possess an organic feel to the image that many cinematographers prefer to the synthetic look that is sometimes associated with many modern day optics. Because of their compact and lightweight size, the C series anamorphic lenses were ideally suited to handheld work as well as use on the Steadicam.
Recently, many C series lenses have been retrofitted with later generation primes and adjusted to enhance their optical performance. These upgraded lenses are frequently employed as the sole set of anamorphic primes on a production. The upgraded set can also be used seamlessly with other sets of anamorphic lenses such as the E series, Primo AL series, and the G series lenses. There are also several custom versions including flare and close focus.
The current set of C series anamorphic lenses includes a 20mm, 30mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 60mm, 75mm, 100mm, 150mm and 180mm. These lenses have widest apertures ranging from T2.3 to T3.5 and close focusing distances from 2 feet 6 inches to 7 feet depending on which lens you are using.
The continuous upgrades and modifications done to the C series line serves as a base to evolve the Panavision anamorphic line to a more sophisticated and optically superior product. A recent testament to this process is the successful introduction of the G series anamorphic line that was initially inspired by the C series lenses.
