DIY Photography

Your one stop shop for everything photo-video

  • News
  • Inspiration
  • Reviews
  • Tutorials
  • DIY
  • Gear
Search

Submit A Story

How pro cinema lens techs test their camera lenses with a projector

Feb 27, 2017 by John Aldred 1 Comment

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

When most of us are testing out new lenses, it’s often a very subjective thing. And our testing exercises are rarely very scientific. In fact, we may not even notice some issues until we’ve had a lens for a few months. Then, one day, the problem pops up, clear as day. For cinematographers that rely on a certain level of technical excellence in the equipment, though, it’s a big deal.

They want to know that a lens can stand up to the task. That multiple lenses used to shoot a scene from multiple angles are consistent. Rental houses also want to be sure that equipment comes back to them in the same condition as when it left. So, they take things a little more seriously. This video from Cinematography Database shows off some of the process, and what they’re looking for when testing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU2dwWJDpDs

Their method of testing works in the exact opposite way that most of us test our lenses. We may photograph a flat grey surface to check for vignetting, or a chart to check for sharpness. Here, though, the lens works in reverse. Rather than gathering light from the scene and focusing it onto the camera’s sensor, the lens is mounted on a projector. Light shines through a test charge, and is then magnified onto the wall by the lens.

The lens projector shown in the video is made by Cooke Optics. Which makes sense. They also produce some of the best cinema lenses in the world. So, they want users to ensure they’re always up to par.

This method of projection offers a greatly enlarged view of the test chart. It also allows them to take the camera completely out of the equation. An advantage that many of us do not have. When you add to this that they can quickly and easily see the effects of changing things in realtime, it makes a whole lot of sense.

Focus breathing is a big issue with many photography lenses. It’s one of the big advantages of cinema lenses. But it does still happen on cinema lenses occasionally. This lets them easily determine whether lenses may suffer from this, and other “imperfections”. Matt does say in the video, however, that just because a lens may have imperfections it doesn’t mean it’s a bad lens. Especially as many cinematographers today look for some of these imperfections to add character to the footage.

Edge to edge softness can also be tested quickly at all apertures. As can the different zoom settings. They also quickly get to see the image circle the lens is able to capture. This last bit is handy if one deals with both Super35mm and “Full Frame” Vista Vision sized sensor cameras. You need to know what will work with what.

While tests like these might be out of reach to most of us, it’s an interesting insight into the world of higher end cinema.

FIND THIS INTERESTING? SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

Related posts:

Tokina announces 25-75mm T2.9 cinema lens for Super35 cinema cameras This Mavic 2 Pro vs Phantom 4 Pro comparison puts image sharpness reports to the test NiSi jumps into the lens market with five new F3 Prime Cinema lenses Latest Olympus lens roadmap shows new 20mm f/1.4 Pro prime and 40-150mm f/4 Pro zoom lenses

Filed Under: Gear Tagged With: Calibration, Cinema Lenses, cinematography, Cinematography Database, Lens Calibration, Matt Workman

John Aldred: from diyphotography.net

About John Aldred

John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

« 6 tips for getting more battery life from your Sony mirrorless camera
Here are some reasons why you should love a cheap kit lens »

Submit A Story

Get our FREE Lighting Book

DIYP lighting book cover

* download requires newsletter signup
DIYPhotography

Recent Comments

Free Resources

Advanced lighting book

Recent Posts

  • Here’s a bullet time video booth you can build yourself
  • Ricoh has discontinued the HD PENTAX-DA 21mm F3.2AL Limited silver lens
  • This “stellar flower” unravels the twilight’s evolution in 360 degrees
  • Strobes vs Continuous LEDs – Which is right for you?
  • Wave goodbye to Apple’s My Photo Stream next month

Udi Tirosh: from diyphotography.netUdi Tirosh is an entrepreneur, photography inventor, journalist, educator, and writer based in Israel. With over 25 years of experience in the photo-video industry, Udi has built and sold several photography-related brands. Udi has a double degree in mass media communications and computer science.

Alex Baker: from diyphotography.netAlex Baker is a portrait and lifestyle driven photographer based in Valencia, Spain. She works on a range of projects from commercial to fine art and has had work featured in publications such as The Daily Mail, Conde Nast Traveller and El Mundo, and has exhibited work across Europe

David Williams: from diyphotography.netDave Williams is an accomplished travel photographer, writer, and best-selling author from the UK. He is also a photography educator and published Aurora expert. Dave has traveled extensively in recent years, capturing stunning images from around the world in a modified van. His work has been featured in various publications and he has worked with notable brands such as Skoda, EE, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, BMW, Conde Nast, Electronic Arts, Discovery, BBC, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC, and many others.

John Aldred: from diyphotography.netJohn Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

Dunja Djudjic: from diyphotography.netDunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.

Copyright © DIYPhotography 2006 - 2023 | About | Contact | Advertise | Write for DIYP | Full Disclosure | Privacy Policy