Fujifilm Showcases Accessories for their MK Cinema Zoom Lenses at NAB 2018

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An interview from the 2018 National Association of Broadcasters Convention in Las Vegas with Tom Fletcher of Fujifilm. The Optical Devices Division of Fujifilm provides optical lenses for the broadcast, cinematography, closed circuit television, videography and industrial markets, and markets binoculars. In this interview Tom talks with us about their MK Series Cinema Zoom Lenses and two separate Servo Motors designed by Chrosziel & Hedén to be used alongside Sony's SmartGrip for the FS5 / FS7 / FS7 MK II.

In February 2017, Fujinon introduced their MK series of cinema lenses, which boast advanced optical performance, ultra-compact and lightweight design and excellent cost performance. The FUJINON MK18-55mm T2.9 (MK18-55mm), a standard zoom lens with the focal length of 18-55mm is the first MK lens to be released in early March 2017. In the summer, this will be followed by the launch of the FUJINON MK50-135mm T2.9 (MK50-135mm), a telephoto zoom lens offering the focal length of 50-135mm, thus together covering the most frequently-used range of focal lengths from 18mm to 135mm.

The rapid growth in popularity of movies made by emerging cinematographers in recent years including corporate and commercial movies on the Internet and other venues has increased the opportunities of shooting movies using cinema and regular digital cameras, and it boosts demand for high-performance cinema lenses that deliver high resolution and advanced scene-depicting capability. Cinema lenses are the optimal choice to achieve a shallow depth-of-field and a beautiful bokeh. However, since they are typically large, heavy and expensive, those involved in online and other lower cost movie production often opt for interchangeable lenses for digital cameras, which are more affordable and mobile. The problem is that interchangeable lenses for digital cameras are designed primarily for shooting still images, and therefore prone to focus shift and optical axis shift while zooming, and so on. In response, Fujifilm has been working on developing new cinema lenses that offer advanced optical performance with compact size and operability to meet the needs of creative emerging cinematographers.

The MK series offers fast lenses with T2.9 speed across the entire zoom range, enabling a shallow depth-of-field as well as a beautiful bokeh effect. The lenses are compatible with E-mount cameras with the Super 35mm / APS-C sensor and the X Mount used in Fujifilm's “X Series” of digital cameras (APS-C sensor). They achieve advanced optical performance despite their compact and lightweight body by incorporating the benefits of short flange focal distance into optical design to the maximum extent. The use of optical and mechanical design optimized for dedicated movie lenses minimizes focal shift and optical axis shift while zooming, and lens breathing (change of angle of view during focusing) that are typically observed in interchangeable lenses for digital cameras. The lenses feature three rings to enable manual and independent adjustment of focus, zoom and iris (aperture), all with the gear pitch of 0.8M (module). The focus ring can rotate fully up to 200 degrees to facilitate precise focusing.

The new Hedén zoom-servo is developed to give superior zoom control through the Smart Grip to users of Sony FS5 / FS7 / FS7II with all available lenses on the market. The horizontal mounting on the lens also gives a compact packaging combined with upgrade flexibility.

Additionally Chrosziel has designed the CDM-MK-Z Zoom Motor for the Fujiinon MK Zoom Lenses. The slightly rounded CDM-MK-Z housing fits perfectly with the Fujinon lens. The gear meshes exactly with the zoom gear ring of the lens. The integrated PCB with CPU of the zoom motor sets instantaneously control commands that come from a SONY or any other LANC-compatible handle. The mounting of the Lens Motorization to the MK-Zoom is designed to be very easy for users to set up. Just screw the two screws into the threads on the Fujinon lens, connect the D-Tap power cable with the appropriate camera port and the two Jack cables with the handgrip and the camera. Done.

For more information please visit: www.Fujinon.com