How good are Fujinon video lenses?

Post by **Patrick** » Fri Jun 04, 2004 11:21 am

I know that Canon lenses seem to a very popular choice on broadcast video cameras and of course this company has a remarkable reputation for quality optics in general. Though how do Fujinon video lenses compare? Even if they are short of Canon's benchmark of quality, are Fujinon video lenses still excellent lenses that would impress?

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Sat Jun 05, 2004 2:50 pm

I have a few fujinon lenses. I like them a lot. I have one Canon lens that I suspect is just awful, (it's from the early 90's, and the back focus adjustment can only be loosened with a screwdriver, how dumb is that!)

I've rented other ENG cameras with Canon lenses on them, Although I really like Canon film lenses, I don't believe that the Canon lenses made for video ENG cameras are better than the Fujinon lenses, but that's not based on any scientific study either.

Post by **Nigel** » Sat Jun 05, 2004 5:44 pm

Canon is bigger in the film world than Fujinon although Fujinon make a small zoom for the Minima and Century does some conversions.

Good Luck

Post by **Patrick** » Sat Jun 05, 2004 6:09 pm

I notice most of the Sony Betacam cameras that I see are usually equipped with either Canon or Fujinon lenses. I would assume then that both would be very good performers regardless as both seem to be favoured by camera people shooting for news and TV shows etc.

Alex, you suspect this early 90s Canon video lens to be awful? Have you in fact compared footage recorded by it with your Fujinon lenses? I'm amused by the back focus adjustment, however!

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Sun Jun 06, 2004 3:13 am

Usually I am checking on video recording quality between my various cameras. I have not actually tested my various lenses by hot swapping them. Probably an easier test then the video recording tests I do because I would just have to swap lenses, which only takes a few seconds.

Post by **peterson** » Sun Jun 06, 2004 11:50 am

I have noticed that these Fujinon lenses have the same screw mount as Beaulieu..Did you use those lenses with Super8 cameras or are talking about those broadcast video units???
These lenses are very cheep but I would like to know some more before buying some crap..
the focal lenght is from 16 - 115mm which would be interesting on Super 8..

Post by **8th Man** » Sun Jun 06, 2004 12:20 pm

Be aware that eventhough they are c-mount lenses, video lenses may not fit film cameras. On the wider lenses, the rear element will stick out too far and could potentially damage the shutter, or prism.
I also believe that video lenses are designed to focus onto a different plane that where the film plane is.

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Sun Jun 06, 2004 1:32 pm

peterson wrote:I have noticed that these Fujinon lenses have the same screw mount as Beaulieu..Did you use those lenses with Super8 cameras or are talking about those broadcast video units???
These lenses are very cheep but I would like to know some more before buying some crap..
the focal lenght is from 16 - 115mm which would be interesting on Super 8..

I seem to recall that fujinon made the 8-1 zoom lens (I believe it was 7-56mm) for the Beaulieu 7008.

Post by **Patrick** » Sun Jun 06, 2004 5:09 pm

I intend to mount these lenses on a Sony DXC 950 video camera which I will use as a telecine camera for transferring super 8 film. The lenses utilise a half inch bayonet mount.

Post by **francis** » Mon Jun 07, 2004 3:01 am

on the whole, video lenses are junk compared to cine lenses. they were made to a standard, and that standard was far lower than cine. even the betacam lenses from yesteryear arent that great for cinema use. remember, they were made to create an image on a small box, not a large wall. the small lenses that have c mount are generally the optical versianon of petrolium jelly. i wouldnt waste the stock