Closest prime that gives the Primo look

[Mehran MK Khan]

Hi, just wondering if there's any prime sets out there that comes closest to the Primos from Panavision. I'm guessing the Leica Summilux-Cs?

[Kar Wai Ng]

Haven't used the Summilux-C's, or seen one myself, but based on the fact that the Primos incorporate Leitz glass I would say the Summilux-C's would be a good candidate for a close match.

[David Mullen ASC]

Yes, in theory the Summilux-C's but Primos don't look all that different from Zeiss Ultra Primes to me.

[Rob Vogt]

I doubt the Summilux would perform similarly. They use what appears to be multiple aspherical elements, which is a totally different approach to lens design than the Primos, also it is much more difficult to produce consistent results. I know theyre not primes but the most similar lens I've seen that inter-cuts with Primos would be a 28-76 or 15-40 Optimo.

[David Mullen ASC]

Having just shot with all the lenses you mentioned for two seasons of "Smash", the lightweight Angenieux zooms are not as crisp as the Primo primes, which are clearer and a bit cooler, and flare less. I think Zeiss Ultra Primes are closer to the look of Primo primes than Angenieux zooms are.

[Mehran MK Khan]

Thanks guys for all the info!

 

David, might I add the cinematography in "Smash" is probably the best I've seen in episodic TV in years. Did you shoot "Big Sur" mostly with the Ultra Primes and use the Masters for low light shots?

[David Mullen ASC]

On "Big Sur" I was able to carry a set of Master Primes for the whole shoot.