Panavision's compact 35mm film camera (1986), 40% lighter than the original Panaflex. Enabled the first professional handheld work with sync sound and revolutionized mobile film production.
What is the Panaflex Gold?
The Panaflex Gold (also known as the GII) is Panavision's compact 35mm film camera that revolutionized handheld cinematography in 1986. Weighing 40% less than the original PSR, it enabled professional, sync-sound quality shoulder-mounted shots for the first time.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Panaflex Gold | Panaflex Gold II |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | 1986 | 1991 |
| Weight (Body) | 5.1 kg | 4.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 228 × 178 × 102 mm | More Compact |
| Frame Rate | 4–40 fps | 4–40 fps |
| Shutter | 180° Mirror | 180° Mirror |
| Noise Level | <22 dBA | <20 dBA |
| Mount | PV Mount | PV Mount |
Key Features
- Weight Savings: 40% lighter than PSR (5.1 kg vs. 8.2 kg)
- Handheld Optimized: Ergonomic grip, balanced for shoulder mounting
- Sync Sound Quality: <22 dBA without blimp
- Steadicam Compatible: Ideal weight for stabilizers
- Magazines: 400 ft / 1000 ft (4-11 minutes @ 24 fps)
- PV Mount: Exclusive Panavision lenses
Comparison: Gold vs. Original PSR
| Feature | PSR (1972) | Gold (1986) | Gold Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.2 kg | 5.1 kg | -38% |
| Handheld | Difficult | Optimal | ✓ |
| Steadicam | Possible | Ideal | ✓ |
| Tripod Work | Excellent | Very Good | ≈ |
| Running Noise | 20 dBA | 22 dBA | PSR quieter |
| Max Frame Rate | 36 fps | 40 fps | +4 fps |
Notable Films
| Film | Year | DP | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platoon | 1986 | Robert Richardson, ASC | First major Gold production |
| Die Hard | 1988 | Jan de Bont, ASC | Action sequences |
| Goodfellas | 1990 | Michael Ballhaus, ASC | Famous Steadicam shot |
| Schindler's List | 1993 | Janusz Kamiński, ASC | Documentary style |
| Saving Private Ryan | 1998 | Janusz Kamiński, ASC | D-Day handheld |
| The Matrix | 1999 | Bill Pope, ASC | Action/Bullet-Time |
The Gold Revolution
The Panaflex Gold changed the cinematic language of the late 1980s and 1990s:
Before (with heavy PSR):
- Handheld only for short sequences
- Steadicam shots were complex and expensive
- Mobile shooting required 16mm
With the Gold:
- Entire films possible with a handheld aesthetic
- Steadicam became a standard tool
- Documentary style in 35mm
History & Milestones
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1986 | Panaflex Gold introduced |
| 1986 | Platoon – Oliver Stone uses Gold for war realism |
| 1988 | Gold becomes standard for action films |
| 1991 | Gold II with improved ergonomics |
| 1997 | Millennium replaces Gold series |
Today
The Panaflex Gold was succeeded by the Millennium series in 1997 but is still available from Panavision for nostalgic productions and period films. The "Gold look" – a combination of handheld movement and Panavision optics – defined an entire era of American cinema.