Filmlexikon.
Support
Panavision Primo-L
Camera · Lenses

Panavision Primo-L

Murnau AI illustration
rainbow flare spherical spot caustic flare

The Panavision Primo-L is a spherical Super-35 prime lens from the Primo series, which Panavision developed starting in 1986.

1. Overview

The Panavision Primo-L is a spherical Super 35 prime lens from the Primo series, which Panavision developed starting in 1986. It belongs to the modern lens generation with high-quality multi-layer coating and is exclusively available for rent directly from Panavision — no purchase, no third-party vendors.

2. Characteristics

Flare behavior according to CINEFLARES datasheet:

  • Types: Rainbow, Spherical Spot, Ring, Caustic
  • Colors: Blue, Amber
  • Intensity: Strong

Linked Pattern Entries:

3. Creative Use

The 35mm Primo-L delivers sharp, high-contrast images at T1.9 with little inherent character — it shows what is in front of the camera without standing out. If you want a specific look, you have to add it through lighting, diffusion, or grading. The flares are noticeable with strong backlight: rainbow arcs, ring-shaped reflections, and caustic patterns in blue and amber are well-documented for this series and can be used intentionally with appropriate lighting setups. Typical use is in studio productions or large streamer projects where Panavision is engaged as a system provider for cameras and optics anyway. For indie productions, access is practically rare due to Panavision's rental policy and pricing structure.

4. Specs Overview

FieldValue
ManufacturerPANAVISION
TypePrime Super 35
Year1986
CountryUSA
EraModern
Focal Length (Reference Datasheet)35.0mm
T-Stop RangeT1.9 – T22.0
Squeeze1.0×
Weight2.4 kg / 5.2 lb
Close Focus0.61 m / 2'
DistortionN/A
More in the lexikon

Related terms

Test your knowledge

Quiz

1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Panavision Primo-L"?

Report an error
From the Filmfarm ecosystem

Understand visual language, budget productions, connect crew.

The Lexikon is part of the Filmfarm ecosystem — alongside budgeting (FilmBalance), an industry magazine (FilmCircus) and crew networking (FilmCall, CrewMesh). One shared vocabulary for the whole production.

FilmFarm FilmRadarComing soonFilmPulseComing soonFilmNumbersComing soonFilmCapitalComing soonFilmLabComing soonFilmBalanceComing soonFilmCircusComing soon