Historic 1.25x prism-anamorphic lenses from Panavision from the 1950s, developed for the Ultra Panavision 70 format. Still in use today for authentic vintage look.
What is the APO Panatar?
The APO Panatar are historical 1.25x Prism-Anamorphic lenses that Panavision developed in the mid-1950s for the MGM Camera 65 system – later known as Ultra Panavision 70.
Unlike cylindrical anamorphics, the APO Panatar utilize a patented prism system (developed by Walter Wallin) that creates a different optical characteristic: softer flares, more natural bokeh, and a unique image quality.
Technical Specifications
| Focal Length | Aperture | Squeeze | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57mm | T4.0 | 1.25x | 65mm/70mm |
| 75mm | T3.5 | 1.25x | 65mm/70mm |
| 150mm | T3.6 | 1.25x | 65mm/70mm |
Special Features:
- Prism-based anamorphism (not cylindrical)
- 1.25x squeeze for a 2.76:1 aspect ratio on 70mm
- Characteristic warm color rendition
- Gentle, organic flares
History
The APO Panatar originated as part of Panavision's response to CinemaScope in the 1950s. The 1.25x system enabled an extreme 2.76:1 aspect ratio when projected on 70mm film.
For decades, they were considered "historical" until Robert Richardson, ASC and Quentin Tarantino brought them out of the archives for *The Hateful Eight* (2015) – the first film in nearly 50 years shot in the Ultra Panavision 70 format.
Notable Films
| Film | Year | Camera | Distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raintree County | 1957 | MGM Camera 65 | Early Use |
| Ben-Hur | 1959 | MGM Camera 65 | 11 Oscars |
| Mutiny on the Bounty | 1962 | Ultra Panavision 70 | Epic Sea Adventure |
| It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World | 1963 | Ultra Panavision 70 | Wide-Screen Comedy |
| The Hateful Eight | 2015 | Panavision 65mm | Revival of the Format |
| Rogue One | 2016 | Panavision 65mm | Select Sequences |
| Avengers: Infinity War | 2018 | Panavision 65mm | IMAX/65mm Hybrid |
| Avengers: Endgame | 2019 | Panavision 65mm | Finale Battle |
Why APO Panatar Today?
The prism design of the APO Panatar creates a look that is fundamentally different from modern anamorphics:
- More Natural Distortion – less "stretch" at the image edges
- Warm Flares – not the harsh blue streaks of modern lenses
- Historical Authenticity – unsurpassed for period pieces
- Unique Bokeh – due to the prism system
The lenses are exclusively available through Panavision and require special planning, as only a few sets exist worldwide.
Related Panavision Systems
- Ultra Panatar – Successor with a similar 1.3x squeeze
- Ultra Panatar II – Modern interpretation (2024)
- C-Series Anamorphic – Standard 2x Anamorphics