HD upgrade, compact studio lens capture detail of tying flies

KWSU Media, the production division for KWSU and KTNW public television, recently renovated its main production studio on the Washington State University campus in Pullman, WA, for HD.

As part of the upgrade, KWSU Media acquired three Sony HDC-1400 HD cameras and three Fujinon XA22X7BES compact HD studio lenses. The HD facility where KWSU produces programs and series for local and national public television distribution opened in January.

Fujinon’s XA22X7BES lenses were used to shoot the fifth edition of KWSU’s series “Fly Tying: The Angler’s Art.” The series is now being produced in HD and offers instruction in the delicate and detailed art of tying fly patterns for fly-fishing. Professional flytier, fly-tying columnist and instructor LeRoy Hyatt and Carolyn Sells describe how and why certain patterns attract different fish. To illustrate such intricate work, the cameras focus in on a fly that measures no more than half an inch.

HD production of the show enables the production team to capture individual fibers of the flies being tied, said Don Peters, KWSU Media senior planning engineer. The XA22x7BES is a lightweight box lens that features higher optical quality than standard ENG-type lenses, combined with the zoom and focus performance of a larger studio lens.

With a focal length starting at 7mm and ranging up to 154mm and superb F- stop ramping characteristics, it’s well-suited for shooting in tight locations and smaller studios.

For more information, visit www.fujinon.com.