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Prime Circle to launch XM Cine lens range at NAB

By technical editor Matt Allard:

The new Prime Circle XM lenses
The new Prime Circle XM lenses

Prime Circle have released a new line of cine style lenses in EF and Nikon F mount. Called Prime Circle XM, this new lens series features manual aperture control and expanded focus mark spacing on both sides of the lens barrel. They are de-clicked with geared focus and iris, and the manufacturer claims the focus control is smooth.

The available lenses are 15mm f2.8, 21mm f2.8, 25mm f2.0, 28mm f2,0, 35mm f1.4, 50mm f1.4, 85mm f1.4, 100mm f2.0 Makro and 135mm f2.0 Apo. If that lens range looks strangely similar to the existing Zeiss ZF and ZE stills lens lineup, then it is no co-incidence. Prime Circle themselves claim the lenses are built around high quality Zeiss optics for “extra sharp, colour matched images and nice bokeh”.

Therefore what you are paying is essentially a converted stills lens – albeit a very nicely done conversion. We can only assume that the conversion voids any original Zeiss warranty. While the lenses are no doubt sharp thanks to the optics, there is no indication that anything has been done by Prime Circle to improve the actual image. They do not appear to have replaced the iris with one with more blades, like a Zeiss CP2 cine lens, for improved bokeh.

The press release is also keen to mention that the lenses are calibrated and engraved in Italy, but there is no mention of the actual country of manufacture. Whether these lenses are worth the extra over stock Zeiss stills lenses is your call.

This from the Prime Circle:
“Every Prime Circle XM lens is calibrated and engraved (one to one) in the LockCircle optical lab (Lake Como – Italy) to offer ultra precise follow focus work.

Nine spectacular focal lengths are available:  15/2,8 –  21/2,8 – 25/2,0 – 28/2,0 – 35/1,4 – 50/1,4 – 85/1,4 – 100/2,0 Makro – 135/2,0 Apo.

The XM Series features cinema standard 95mm front mount and 90mm filter thread (step down rings are available),

full-frame 24 x 36mm coverage and “velvet-black” or “silver magic” (matching exactly BMCC) finish.

Stainless steel high-grade bayonet precision manufacturing for many years of heavy-duty filmmaking.

The mount is interchangeable between EF-Mount and F-Mount in less than 2 minutes.

Available in metric or imperial scales.”  

Prime Circle will be showcasing the new XM range at NAB in Las Vegas next week. 

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