An anamorphic lens format with a 1.33x squeeze ratio, creating a subtle widescreen effect with minimal distortion. Popular for indie and budget-conscious productions due to lower cost than 2x anamorphics while still maintaining anamorphic character.
Definition
A 1.33x anamorphic lens is a specialized optical format that squeezes a 1.33:1 aspect ratio into a standard frame. Unlike traditional 2x anamorphics that compress the image twice as much, 1.33x anamorphics provide a more subtle squeeze effect while maintaining anamorphic optical characteristics.
Characteristics
- Squeeze Ratio: 1.33:1 (relatively subtle)
- Horizontal Compression: Creates moderate widescreen expansion
- Optical Performance: Preserves anamorphic bokeh and flare characteristics
- Vertical Rendering: Less pronounced vertical distortion than 2x variants
- Cost: Typically more affordable than 2x anamorphic lenses
Applications
Independent Cinema: Budget-friendly anamorphic solution for indie productions that want anamorphic aesthetics without significant investment.
Hybrid Workflows: Works well in mixed anamorphic/spherical setups where you need subtle anamorphic character.
Commercial Work: Used in commercials and music videos where a light anamorphic look is desired.
Documentary: Provides distinctive visual style without the extreme aspect ratio changes of 2x anamorphics.
Visual Impact
The 1.33x squeeze creates:
- Moderate horizontal widescreen expansion
- Characteristic anamorphic lens flares with horizontal streaks
- Soft, artistic bokeh qualities
- Subtle vertical compression (less jarring than 2x)
- Gentle oval bokeh shapes instead of circles
Practical Considerations
Resolution: On 6K or 8K cameras, 1.33x anamorphic maintains better detail preservation than 2x formats when descaled.
Framing: Less aggressive than 2x anamorphics, making composition more intuitive while maintaining anamorphic character.
Desqueezing: Requires proper desqueezing in post-production (1.33x stretch in horizontal axis).
Cost-Benefit: Significantly cheaper than 2x anamorphic systems while delivering recognizable anamorphic aesthetics.
Related Formats
- 1.5x Anamorphic: Slightly more compression
- 1.8x Anamorphic: More aggressive than 1.33x
- 2x Anamorphic: Double the squeeze ratio, more extreme look
Notable Examples
Increasing numbers of indie productions are adopting 1.33x anamorphics as a middle ground between spherical lenses and full 2x anamorphic cinema optics.