NAB 2012: FUJIFILM To Debut Compact HD and Telephoto Lenses

FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Optical Devices Division has announced that two compact HD lenses will make their U.S. debut in Booth C7525.  The two new HDTV lenses, which expand their respective product lines, are the HA19x7.4BERM/BERD 2/3-inch Premier Series high-performance HD ENG/EFP production lens and the XA19x7.4BESM-D8 compact, HDTV studio and field box-style lens.

First introduced at IBC 2011, the two lenses both with 19x zoom ratios, are the first in such a compact size to feature three floating zoom groups and Aspherics.  They also feature the latest EBC coating, resulting in rich colors and improved blue response and transmittance.

The XA19x mini-box lens offers automatic compensation of focus breathing.  This mechanism synchronizes the zoom movement to the focus movement, enabling the image size to remain constant when focusing.

“The advanced features we’ve built into these lenses are extremely important in the HDTV/big screen era as television viewers can see much more picture detail—including information in the corners of the screen—than ever before,” explained Thom Calabro, director, marketing and product development, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Optical Devices Division.

“For this reason, it’s vital to have consistent resolution from edge to edge,” Calabro added.  “These two new lenses expand our product portfolio with capability and superb optical performance that is ideal for high-end HDTV production.  With 16-bit encoders and 2.2X extenders as standard features, these new 19X lenses ensure precision performance even in the most demanding HD production applications.”

Weighing only 3.3kg, the lightweight HA19x7.4BERM/BERD 2/3-inch lens is suited to the rigors of high-end ENG/EFP HDTV production, including entertainment, news, sports, and documentaries.  A new ergonomic grip reduces operator fatigue, and the lens can be ordered with manual or servo focus and zoom.

The XA 19×7.4BESM-D8 is suited to live studio production, such as live news, sports, and entertainment.  With features like RS-232 control and tally lights, it can also be used in conjunction with virtual reality studio sets and robotic camera systems.  Both the XA19x7.4BESM-D8 and HA19x7.4BERM/BERD lenses have advanced diagnostics to keep them working reliably, as well as a short “MOD” or minimum object distance of 0.55mm, which allows shooting at closer distances.

FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Optical Devices Division will also introduce a cost-effective ENG-Style lens with a 2x extender and show two breakthrough lenses for the first time in the U.S.

Making its worldwide debut is the XA20xs8.5BERM, the newest member of the 2/3-inch, cost-effective EXCEED ENG lens series. The new XA20x is a telephoto lens with a 2x range extender, an ergonomic digital servo, Quick Zoom, and inner focus. It also features improved corner resolution. It is the first of the EXCEED series of economically priced ENG lenses to include a 2x extender. The new lens is ideal for a variety of production applications from newsgathering to in-studio use. It can be used with rear controls for zoom and focus, so is suitable for tripod use.

The Optical Devices Division will also demonstrate its XA50x9.5BE SM HD field telephoto lens. The cost effective XA50X9.5B ESM is ideal for regional, minor league, and collegiate sports coverage, as well as houses of worship, corporate events, and other venues requiring longer focal length lenses. The 45-pound lens features an integral camera supporter that requires no additional camera lens support.

Fujinon will also show its Premier Series of PL Mount Lenses featuring the fastest T speeds available in a family of zooms, with unprecedented color matched 4K and beyond optical performance. All four PL Mount zooms are similar in size and weight, and uniform gear placement and front barrel diameters enable quick and efficient lens changes. From 14.5 to 400mm, the Premier PL lenses are available in 14.5-45mm T2.0, 18-85mm T2.0, 24-180mm T2.6, and 75-400 mm T2.8-T3.8.