NEWS AGENDA Nikon’s Red redemption The first hardware collaboration could be cinema salvation for the Japanese brand F itting the latest Nikon Z lens mount to Red’s Komodo-X and V-Raptor X cameras is not just the first joint hardware tie-up between
of Sony lenses. The Nikon-mount Reds can also work with lenses to fit Leica L, Canon RF and Arri PL and LPL, with suitable adapters. That’s in addition to the fast- growing range of native Nikon Z mount lenses as well as legacy Nikkor F mount optics with an adapter that also maintains autofocus. The Z mount used on the new Reds is also a locking-style version to give precise fit, especially with heavier lenses. Although the current RF-fit Reds will still be available, the new Z mount versions allow filmmakers to use existing lenses on the latest Red cameras and take advantage of the brand’s legendary colour science and high-performance image-compression technology for incredible Raw files. The V-Raptor X is recognised for its low-light performance, huge dynamic range of around 20 stops, high frame rates and 8K VV global shutter sensor to eliminate rolling shutter image skewing. The Komodo-X boasts a 6K Super 35 global shutter sensor with a wide dynamic range
the two companies, but could prove to be a lifeline for Nikon as a brand with a future in professional video. That’s because the 55mm Z mount is the largest of the modern mirrorless-style mounts, with the shortest flange distance of 16mm. This means that, with suitable adapters, it can accept lenses from all other manufacturers’ mirrorless, DSLR or cinema ranges. Crucially, it opens the Red ecosystem up to filmmakers who own Sony E-mount glass – the most popular choice after the demise of Canon’s EF optics. With a very slim adapter, it means the new Red Super 35 Komodo-X and full- frame V-Raptor X cameras can not only accept Sony E lenses, but also use them in autofocus mode. For manual focus, there are more customisation options through Red’s own interface to alter the response
and high-speed performance in a compact form factor. It offers 6K recording at up to 80fps and 4K recording at up to 120fps. To use either of the Red Z cameras with PL lenses, there are two PL adapter packs; a standard version and a second that includes an electronic ND filter. Although it has now been a year since Nikon bought Californian cinema brand Red, this is their first joint hardware project. Red CEO Keiji Oishi says it’s the
SPEEDY 35MM PRIME FOR Z MOUNT Nikon has expanded its premium
It has Nikon’s most advanced anti-reflective coatings - Meso Amorphous, Arneo and Nano Crystal – to eliminate flare and ghosting even when backlit. Focus breathing is suppressed and linear focusing can be enabled for controlled manual focus pulling via the focus ring. The multi-focusing system offers precision and speed even when using an ultra-shallow depth-of-field, thanks to dual stepping motors. There are two customisable function buttons and the solid body is sealed at the barrel joints and buttons with a rubber gasket to fend off dust or moisture.
range of f/1.2 lenses with the addition of the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.2 S. The £2899/$2797 lens is designed for smooth bokeh but with in-focus areas that are sharp and finely rendered, allowing subject isolation with a 3D sense of depth. The classic 35mm focal length prime is optimised for clarity of colour and contrast throughout the frame. Its 11-blade, rounded aperture and optical design of 17 elements in 15 groups with four ED and SR lens elements work together to counter light dispersion and prevent colour fringing and aberrations.
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