Panavision anamorphic lenses compress images 2:1 horizontally onto 35mm film for Cinemascope 2.39:1, producing oval bokeh and distinctive horizontal lens flares.
Definition
Panavision Anamorphot refers to the anamorphic lenses developed by the Panavision Corporation, which enable image compression horizontally at a ratio of 2:1 onto 35mm film, and are de-squeezed during projection to the CinemaScope format of 2.39:1. These lens systems use cylindrical elements for horizontal image compression, thereby capturing a wider field of view on standard 35mm film. The term combines the company name with the Greek "anamorphosis" (transformation).
Technical Details
Panavision Anamorphots compress the image horizontally by a factor of 2:1, while the vertical dimension remains unchanged. Typical focal lengths range from 35mm to 200mm, with the 75mm Primo Anamorphic considered the standard focal length. The lenses produce characteristic oval bokeh circles and horizontal lens flares due to their cylindrical elements. Modern series such as the Primo Anamorphics achieve T-stops from 1.9 to 22, while the G-series starts at T1.5. The flange focal distance is 57.15mm for Panavision cameras.
History & Development
Robert Gottschalk founded Panavision in 1954 and developed the first proprietary Anamorphots in 1959, in response to Fox's CinemaScope system from 1953. The breakthrough came in 1959 with "Ben Hur," shot with Panavision Ultra Panavision 70. In 1963, Panavision introduced the Super Panavision lenses, followed by the first Primo Anamorphots in 1982. The C-series (1976) and E-series (1989) established Panavision as a market leader. Today, the digital G- and T-series, developed for 6K-8K sensors, dominate.
Practical Use in Film
Classic Panavision Anamorphots shaped films such as "Lawrence of Arabia" (1962), "Blade Runner" (1982), and "Gladiator" (2000). Roger Deakins used G-series lenses for "1917" (2019), while Greig Fraser employed the T-series for "Dune" (2021). The lenses require special matte box filters and follow focus systems. Panavision exclusively rents, it does not sell lenses. The characteristic horizontal flares and oval bokeh are deliberately used stylistic elements.
Comparison & Alternatives
Panavision competes with Arri Master Anamorphic, Zeiss Anamorphic, and Cooke Anamorphic. While Zeiss renders sharper images, Panavision offers warmer skin tones. Spherical lenses with a crop achieve similar aspect ratios but lack anamorphic characteristics. Modern alternatives include Hawk V-Lite or Atlas Orion, which are more affordable. Panavision remains the standard for high-end productions due to consistent image quality and a global service network.