ARRI - Newsletter, November 2005

The Art of Ultra 16
Five Super Fast Wide-angle Primes for Super 16




Five Modern Super 16 Primes
6, 8, 9.5, 12 & 14 mm

As part of the current rapid progress in the Super 16 film format, ARRI and Zeiss are introducing a new line of modern prime lenses designed specifically for Super 16. This new Ultra 16 lens set consists of five high speed primes with focal lengths of 6 mm, 8 mm, 9.5 mm, 12 mm, and 14 mm; all cover the full Super 16 mm format and are fully compatible with the optical quality and ergonomics of the ARRI / Zeiss Ultra Prime lenses.

Much of the design of the Ultra 16 lenses is based on the research done for the creation of the 35 format Master Primes: the Ultra 16 lenses are super fast at T1.3, while showing excellent optical quality over the whole T-stop range. Being able to work at T1.3 facilitates shooting on tight lighting budgets or under a lot of time pressure, especially common in TV drama production. In addition, T1.3 allows for the creation of a shallow depth of field, a look that is inherent in the Super 35 format, and often sought after in other formats. T1.3 at high optical quality is one of the outstanding features of these new lenses, unmatched by any other lens manufacturer.

The lenses also share the new T* XP lens coating with the Master Primes. This coating gives them a greater resistance to flares and ghosting, as well as improved contrast. The Ultra 16 lenses have an exceptional resolution, true color fidelity and their optical quality is maintained over the whole image field and across the whole focus range. Their color balance is Super Color Matched to the other ARRI / Zeiss lenses, including the Ultra Primes, Master Primes, Variable Primes and the Lightweight Zoom LWZ-1.

Consequently they can be easily mixed with the longer focal lengths of the 35 format Ultra Primes. Using the Ultra 16 lenses and adding Ultra Primes starting with a 16 mm Ultra Prime has the advantage that just one matte box is needed, as all front diameters are 95 mm (except for the 180 mm Ultra Prime, which has a 114 mm front diameter). The Ultra 16 and Ultra Primes have exactly the same lens rings for full mechanical compatibility.

The Ultra 16 lens scales are distinctly color coded in order to avoid confusing the different lens types: The Ultra 16 are equipped with yellow scales for focus and aperture, while the Ultra Primes traditionally have white scales. The Ultra 16 lenses also have a blue ring next to the PL-mount, while the Ultra Prime barrel is completely black.


Main Features:

  • Five Modern Wide Angle, Close Focus Super 16 Primes
    • 6, 8, 9.5, 12 & 14 mm

  • High Speed - T1.3
    • for complete control over depth of field
    • for shooting in low or available light
    • for natural looking images
    • for fast paced production environments
    • for tight lighting budgets

  • Highest Optical Performance in its Class
    • high contrast and resolution
    • T* XP coating ensures flare resistance
    • image geometry free of distortions
    • minimized chromatic aberrationminimized chromatic aberration

  • Smooth & Robust Mechanics

  • Matches other ARRI/Zeiss Lenses
    • extending the focal range of Ultra Primes and Master Primes in the wide end for Super 16
    • same size & ergonomics as Ultra Primes
    • Super Color Matched to Ultra Primes, Master Primes, Variable Primes & Lightweight Zoom LWZ-1

For detailed information, visit the Ultra 16 lenses product page

Newsletter 16 - 04/2006:

Goto article. The Power of 416
Goto article. ARRIFLEX 416 Debuts in Los Angeles at Pre-NAB Event
Goto article. The Art of Super 16

Goto article. Getting Wide Angles in Outer Space

Goto article. Master Diopters

Goto article. Mercedes Counts on Super 16

Goto article. The MAX Files: The ARRIMAX Is Out There

Goto article. It’s a Hit! - The MaxMover
Goto article. ARRI CSC Contributes to IDA Dream Package and Frederick Douglass Documentary
Goto article. Society Of Camera Operators Previews the D-20
Goto article. Technicolor Recognized for Realtime Answerprint System
Goto article. A So-Called Life: Shooting Duane Hopwood

 

ARRI AROUND THE WEB
A selection of links around the Internet featuring ARRI.

1. Cop vs. Robber: Matthew Libatique, ASC and Spike Lee Reteam on the Thriller Inside Man
Cinematographer Matthew Libatique, ASC talks about shooting Inside Man with director Spike Lee in this article by John Calhoun for American Cinematographer magazine. The production used ARRICAM ST and LT bodies, along with the Arriflex 235 for handheld action sequences. ARRI lights were also used extensively by gaffer John Velez.
Goto article. Launch link

2. millimeter’s 2005 Vanguard Awards
Looking back at 2005, millimeter magazine gives honors to the best products. ARRI X Ceramic 250 lighting gets high praise.
Goto article. Launch link

3. Building the Perfect File Format at HPA Tech Retreat
Film & Video magazine’s Bryant Frazer takes a look at high definition camera offerings - including the ARRIFLEX D-20 - at the Hollywood Post Alliance Tech Retreat.
Goto article. Launch link

4. Film and Digital Times Newsletter
Jon Fauer's secrets of the pros, nuts and bolts, how-to newsletter on techniques and tools, style and strategies contains the latest information on film and digital trends.
Goto article. Launch link