Cinematographer
Otto Nemenz ist meine erste Adresse für besondere Objektive. Die Vintage-Sammlung und das technische Know-how sind unübertroffen in LA.
Legendary Los Angeles-based camera and lens rental house founded in 1978 – known for premium optical equipment, rare vintage lenses, and serving major Hollywood productions with high-end cinema cameras and specialty glass from ARRI, Cooke, Panavision, and unique proprietary collections.
What is Otto Nemenz?
Otto Nemenz International is a legendary camera and lens rental company in Los Angeles. Since 1978, it has been supplying Hollywood productions with premium camera equipment and rare vintage lenses.
Basic Data
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Otto Nemenz International |
| Abbreviation | ONI |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California |
History
| Period | Development |
|---|---|
| 1978 | Founded by Otto Nemenz |
| 1980s | Vintage collection built |
| 1990s | Hollywood standard |
| Today | Premium rental house |
Founder
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Otto Nemenz |
| Origin | Austria |
| Expertise | Optics, camera technology |
| Reputation | Hollywood legend |
Location
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| City | Los Angeles |
| District | Near studios |
| Facility | Full-service |
| Showroom | Extensive |
Equipment Portfolio
| Category | Offerings |
|---|---|
| Cameras | ARRI, RED, Sony |
| Lenses | Vintage to Modern |
| Accessories | Complete packages |
| Specialty Glass | Rare optics |
Cameras
| Brand | Models |
|---|---|
| ARRI | ALEXA series, 35 |
| RED | Monstro, Komodo |
| Sony | Venice |
| Panavision | DXL |
Lens Collection
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Cooke | S4, S7, Anamorphic |
| ARRI/Zeiss | Master Primes, Supremes |
| Vintage | Baltars, Super Speeds |
| Anamorphic | Various sets |
Vintage Specialization
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Collection | Extensive |
| Condition | Restored |
| Rehousing | Professional |
| Expertise | Decades |
Notable Vintage Sets
| Lens | Description |
|---|---|
| Baltars | 1940s look |
| Super Speeds | Classic 70s |
| Cooke Speed Panchros | Filmic |
| Canon K35 | Soft, characterful |
Service
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Prep | Full preparation |
| Support | On-set assistance possible |
| Consultation | Optical expertise |
| Custom | Special configurations |
Clients
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Studios | Major Hollywood |
| Independent | High-end indie |
| Commercial | Premium advertising |
| Music Video | Top productions |
Typical Projects
| Area | Examples |
|---|---|
| Feature Film | A-list productions |
| TV/Streaming | Premium series |
| Commercial | High-budget |
| Music Video | Established artists |
Technical Expertise
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Optical Knowledge | In-depth |
| Testing | Professional |
| Matching | Calibrating sets |
| Modification | Custom options |
Workflow
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Consultation | Requirements |
| Testing | Evaluating glass |
| Prep | Configuration |
| Delivery | To set |
| Support | During shoot |
Price Segment
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Level | Premium |
| Quality | Correspondingly high |
| Packages | Customized |
| Negotiation | Common |
Competition
| House | Comparison |
|---|---|
| Panavision | Proprietary systems |
| Keslow | Broader segment |
| ARRI Rental | Manufacturer-focused |
| Camtec | LA competitor |
Otto Nemenz vs. Panavision
| Aspect | Otto Nemenz | Panavision |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Vintage + Modern | Proprietary |
| Access | Rental | Rental only |
| Vintage | Strong | Limited |
| Flexibility | High | Panavision system |
Industry Reputation
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Standing | Highest |
| Trust | Established |
| References | A-list projects |
| Knowledge | Respected |
Contact
| Channel | Description |
|---|---|
| Phone | Standard |
| Inquiries | |
| Visit | By appointment |
| Website | Information |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Book early | Popular optics |
| Test | Before production |
| Utilize expertise | Consultation |
| Relationship | Long-term |
Today
Otto Nemenz International remains one of Hollywood's most prestigious camera rental houses. The combination of premium equipment, rare vintage lenses, and decades of technical expertise makes it the preferred destination for cinematographers and productions seeking exceptional optical quality.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Wenn mein DP von speziellen Optiken spricht, landet er oft bei Otto Nemenz. Die können fast jedes Glas beschaffen, das es gibt.
Producer
Otto Nemenz ist Premium-Segment, aber die Qualität und der Service rechtfertigen es. Für Hauptkamera-Pakete auf großen Produktionen oft die erste Wahl.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Otto Nemenz / Otto Nemenz International"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?