Panavision

Panavision, Inc. is an American motion-picture equipment company known for designing and manufacturing cameras and lenses, and for providing an extensive global rental network for film and television productions. The company is widely associated with widescreen and anamorphic imaging, and with supporting filmmakers through equipment, services, and technical expertise.

Founded in the 1950s to address the needs of widescreen cinema, Panavision developed a cohesive system of 35mm cameras and high-quality anamorphic lenses that helped popularize the widescreen look in Hollywood. The brand became synonymous with reliable, high-performance gear and a workflow that many productions adopted. Over the decades, Panavision expanded beyond camera bodies to offer a broad line of prime and zoom lenses, as well as accessories, lenses designed for both spherical and anamorphic formats, and specialized camera support.

In the digital era, Panavision has continued its influence by offering digital cinema cameras and associated optics, alongside its established film-camera lineage. Notable products include the Panaflex series of 35mm film cameras and the Primo line of lenses, as well as Ultra Panavision and other wide-format offerings. The company also collaborated on digital cinema initiatives, such as the Millennium DXL line, integrating Panavision optics with advanced digital sensors.

Panavision operates a global network of rental houses and service facilities, providing productions with camera deployment, lens sets, and technical support from preproduction through post-production workflows. It remains a prominent supplier in the film industry, known for its optical quality, engineering heritage, and contribution to cinematic aesthetics.