Meet the EZANA BLACKWING7 large format lens. According to the manufacturer Tribe7, this lens was developed by filmmakers who are eager to shoot in medium format. Here’s a piece of glass for the upcoming Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K 65. 

EZANA BLACKWING7 evolved

As described by Tribe7: “Designed for filmmakers looking to embrace the future of 65mm format capture, EZANA features unique multi-coated lens structures, flare tuning, and iris characteristics—specifically optimized for 65mm film and beyond. Inspired by the history of ultra-widescreen Cinerama (traditionally a 2.76:1 anamorphic format), EZANA reimagines the aesthetic, blending spherical optics with an anamorphic look”. The EZANA was not officially launched yet, so there’s no info or availability.

The BLACKWING7 primes

Many of the design cues for BLACKWING7 primes originate in optics manufactured during the 1930s – 1960s, but the real inspiration behind the lenses lies in the evolutionary nature of experimental music and audio synthesis, and the process of creating distortion through sound amplification. BLACKWING7 lenses are available worldwide through direct inquiry to TRIBE7 or distributors. All orders are fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. Focal length and tuning requirements will be discussed with clients to build a personalized quotation on which an order can be based. Lenses are available to test and rent worldwide. We remember the Tribe 7 lenses used on “American Fiction” by DP Cristina Dunlap and were paired with the ARRI ALEXA Mini LF. Explore some of the films shot on the BLACKWING7 primes below:

Igniting the 65 format

With the announcement of the Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K 65, it seems that medium-format cinematography is back in the game again, and that’s great. The EZANA BLACKWING7 and URSA 65 sound like a stunning combination that can produce intriguing medium-format imagery. Can’t wait for the sample footage.