Fujinon Lenses to Capture Star Wars III

Lucasfilm Ltd. will use Fujinon's new E series HD zoom digital cinema-style lenses to shoot principal and effects photography in the upcoming "Start Wars: Episode III" feature. The HAe3x5 and HAe10x10 zooms joined the "Cine Super E" style of lenses at NAB2003.

The HAe3x5 and HAe10x10 are designed for 2/3-inch CCD HD digital video cameras and use 11-blade apertures for T1.8 performance. The HAe3x5 has a 3X zoom ratio zoom lens featuring 5-15mm focal lengths and weighs 11 pounds. The HAe10x10 has a 10X zoom ration that offers 10-100mm focal lengths and weighs 12 pounds.

In the previous production of "Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones," the "Cine Super C" series HA10x5B-10 (5-50mm) was used for almost all of the visual effects cinematography including motion control, miniatures, green screen and pick-up shots.

Lucasfilm also plans to use the recently introduced digital cinema system, the DCS-1, which features new Fujinon accessories for HD including remote iris function control, automated flange focus set, digital assisted rehearsal mark measurement, accurate lens data output, PC display interface and integration to the FI+Z wireless controller.

"Star Wars: Episode III" will be shot in Sydney starting in June for an expected Summer 2005 release.