It is the camera that separates cinema from other art forms and the lens that allows a scene to be captured by the camera. The cinema lens, therefore, is at the heart of filmmaking. All aspects of a production are carefully crafted with the intention of being captured by the lens and camera to create a visual story. The Cine Lens Manual is a comprehensive examination of the art and science of cinema optics. Written in clear, easily-digestible language, and extensively illustrated, The Cine Lens Manual is designed for readers of all levels of experience from novice to expert. With more than 60-years of experience between them as cinematographers, technical journalists and educators, authors Holben and Probst break down the most complex concepts into easy-to-understand ideas, without requiring a mastery of calculus or physics. This manual is not just for cinematographers, but for all individuals with an interest in the lens – directors, visual effects artists, camera assistants, animators, technical journalists, historians, students, rental house technicians – anyone looking for a deeper understanding of cinema optics. It is unlike anything else that has ever been written on the subject.
The chapters explore:
-A primer on cinema lenses -Introduction to optical design -Investigation of advanced optical design and early photographic lenses -Examination of optomechanical design -Evolution of motion picture formats -History and genealogy of 140 years of purpose-built cinema lenses,
detailing more than 300 series -Modifying existing lenses for use in cinema or to creatively custom-tune
their performance -Testing and evaluating lenses -Care and maintenance of cinema lenses
The Cine Lens Manual is a journey through the world of cinema lenses investigating every possible aspect from the formation of glass itself into today’s top cinematographic optical tools. It is a must-read for all visual storytellers working in the cinematographic world.
