Panavision’s Famous Primo Spherical Optics Are Being Resurrected for the 65mm Format

Panavision Primo 65 Motion Picture Lenses

Announced via the company’s blog and with some very sexy images of this new lineup, we have some new Panavision lenses for you to check out. The new Primo 65 series of spherical primes was specifically designed to deliver Primo characteristics for 65mm-format camera sensors.

This was apparently a direct request from DPs and filmmakers, and Panavision has been hard at work on it ever since the new large-format revolution began over the past few years. This new Primo 65 line will include 12 focal lengths, ranging from 21mm (T2) to 225mm (T2.5). Here’s the full lineup to come:

• 21mm T2
• 27mm T2
• 30mm T2
• 35mm T2
• 45mm T2
• 50mm T2
• 65mm T2
• 80mm T2
• 100mm T2
• 125mm T2
• 170mm T2
• 225mm T2.5

All of the focal lengths are set to feature Panavision’s proprietary SP70 mount and will share the same common 4.44-inch (112.8mm) front diameter, which should be helpful for working with focus and iris rings as well as changing lenses.

“An Exciting Evolutionary Step”

Set to be an "exciting evolutionary step for the Primo family of lenses,” the company shares that the optical approach for this new lineup will favor an artistic touch over a pure mathematical design, enabling it to deliver the clean, high-contrast looks that the original Primos are known and regarded for.

“The new Primo 65 series marks an exciting evolutionary step for the Primo family of lenses and for Panavision’s continuing optical innovation. As camera manufacturers continue to unveil digital systems with 65-format sensors, Panavision remains ready to support filmmakers with an unprecedented range of high-performance lenses offering the optical attributes they’re looking for and the coverage they need.” - Sherri Potter, Chief Revenue Officer for Panavision.

Since being introduced in the 1980s, the Primos have been synonymous with iconic cinematography projects, shots, and looks, having been used on everything from Empire of the Sun to The Matrix to The Sopranos.

Price and Availability

While the company just announced it, we don’t have full details on pricing or availability for this new lens series just yet. Stay tuned, though, as we’d expect more info to be available here soon, with the first rollouts later this year.

For more info, you can keep tabs on the company’s website here.