ROUND TABLE
– FUJIC – specifically designed and dedicated for optics design. We can input a number of data points, such as front lens diameter, focal length, weight, chosen T stop etc, to see what’s possible within our chosen size, weight, focal length and – most importantly – cost. It’s the first of its kind and was originally manufactured by Fujinon in 1956, since progressing into a much smaller, more manageable computer. The original is now in a museum in Japan! Def: With the push towards sustainability, how are lens manufacturers innovating to create environmentally friendly products? LC: Fujinon TV and cinema lenses are designed to last the test of time in all conditions, and we see it time and time again in the service department. Lenses in typically grubby conditions after a hard time on cinematic TV series in harsh environments; broadcast lenses back from big worldwide events, away for months at a time, only to find they need a dust down and the front and rear elements need cleaning. Having a reputable service centre that will keep you going long after a typical five-to- seven-year lifespan definitely helps old lenses in service and looking sharp. In the early stages, we also have a very effective development process for new products, where we can really nail down the design without creating numerous pieces and keep material wastage at a minimum. DM: For ZEISS, this is not a recent push, but a long-standing goal that’s deeply rooted in our company. ZEISS has been producing cine and photographic lenses for a long time – in fact, some of the lenses that we produced in the sixties are still being used now. Our lenses are known for their reliability and longevity, and we ensure service for used lenses
long after we stop producing them, thereby allowing them to be viable in the long term. Our internal requirements for materials and processes have always been ahead of their time, for example in not using glass containing lead. A more recent example is that ZEISS is proactively working to eliminate PFAS – known as forever chemicals – materials from all of our products, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and product safety ahead of any enforced regulatory requirements. Also, we have recently enhanced our cine lens packaging, transitioning to plain carton boxes and reducing plastic foam use, making our packaging fully recyclable and significantly lessening our environmental impact. Def: What trends do you foresee in the future of lens technology? SR: We’re working on a few great ideas we can’t talk about yet. But I would say that the focus should be looking at lighter, smaller smart lenses, but not compromising on principal features such as the look of the lens, a low T stop, build quality and mechanical performance – what creatives are looking for in a lens in the first place.
CINE SPECIALIST The Fujinon Duvo 24- 300mm is seeing a rise in demand for broadcast and cinema applications
SE: How the industry and lens business will evolve from here is a big question mark. Manufacturers and rental companies are facing extreme pressure to provide products and services at lower costs with a preference for older aesthetics over new tech. The well-worn product management adage of ‘fast, cheap, good – pick two’ is still useful, but ‘good’ has become so relative that it’s almost an unusable metric, and ‘fast’ is only relevant to market demand. Cost-efficiency has become the mantra of the industry and is disrupting the balance. If downward economic pressure continues to be the main driving force, we all face significant changes and challenges ahead – and technological innovation might not be the best way to weather the storm. LC: Moving further towards smaller, lighter lenses, mirrorless mount options expanding and larger sensors in smaller bodies – something Fujifilm has been ahead of the curve on for a while now with the GFX medium format camera and recently announced upcoming GF cinema lens. It’s the same as cameras: UI systems becoming easier to navigate and better integration into third-party accessories creating workflows that quite literally are your mobile device. We’re at a pivotal point in TV and cinema where advancements in technology are coming thick and fast – Fujifilm is sticking alongside it with exciting new products and more in the pipeline!
COST-EFFICIENCY HAS BECOME the mantra of the industry ”
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