When PANAVISION developed its ‘system’ of cinematography the goal was to create a system where crews could be absolutely assured that the cameras, lenses and all accessories would always fit together to provide a complete solution to their needs, irrespective of where in the world the equipment was being used. This consistency has enabled the equipment to become an integral part of the craft of film making. Surprising as it may seem, to this day in 1989, PANAVISION is the only system in the world where this applies.
From the very beginning, PANAVISION has not considered itself to be just another rental company, nor do we consider ourselves to be simply a manufacturing company. Our concept has always been to develop equipment in a partnership with the motion picture industry. We grew as a company by insisting that we be technically involved in the actual production of movies. This ongoing collaboration has allowed us to develop unique equipment that addresses the needs of the cinematographers and their crews. The majority of PANAVISION equipment has in fact been developed in response to the suggestions and ideas of filmmakers over the years; and we would like to thank these people for their contributions to the finely tuned systems described in the manual.
For PANAVISION’s staff, this partnership with filmmakers has fostered a feeling of participation in the making of motion pictures, and therefore a sense of responsibility and pride in their own skills. The dedication felt by every employee at PANAVISION is way beyond the scope of this foreword, but it is the passion for craft, and the continuous desire to provide the finest quality motion picture equipment and service, that has made PANAVISION what it is today.
Because PANAVISION doesn’t sell the equipment it manufactures, the prime concern is to provide the highest quality and functionality, without the compromises required to meet a sales price. We can assure you that PANAVISION will continue its leadership for many years to come. It is our firm belief that the future of the motion picture industry is just as rich as its past. Our role, along with film manufacturers and laboratories, is to provide the cinematographer with an ever expanding palette of creative choices. The newest generation of PANAVISION Primo–L lenses is one illustration of the major advances we can all still achieve.
PANAVISION is honored to have David Samuelson write about our camera systems. The PANAFLEX USERS’MANUAL is a great accomplishment that could only be undertaken by someone with David’s wealth of knowledge and experience. We would like to pay tribute to his willingness to give his time, so that we all may be better informed and educated.
John Farrand
President and C.E.O.,
PANAVISION Inc.
April 1989