FUJIFILM announced the availability of a ZEISS eXtended Data firmware update for the FUJINON Premista Series lenses. The 28-100mm T2.9 and the 80-250mm T2.9-3.5 can now be updated at any Fujifilm Optical Devices Service Center. The early 2021 delivery of the much anticipated Premista 19-45mm T2.9 will ship with full eXtended Data functionality. Read more about the advantages of this capability. 

FUJINON Premista Zoom lenses

The FUJINON Premista lenses are high-end cinema zoom glass that was invented to capture the best images from large sensors. The artistic description of the Premista is: “Pleasant bokeh effect and a wide dynamic range of light.” The cost is about $40,000 per lens. Th Premistas turned to be very popular on rental houses when precise large format cinematography is needed.

To learn more about those lenses, make sure to read our articles:

The FUJINON Large-Format Premista Cine Zoom Lenses are Available for Preorder

Meet the new Large-Format Cinema Zoom: FUJINON Premista 19-45mm T2.9

The First Film Shot on Fujinon Premista to be Premiered at Cine Gear

ZEISS eXtended Data

Based on Cooke’s /i technology, the ZEISS eXtended Data software is a unique technology that creates opportunities to streamline and increase the accuracy of the image capture and processing workflow. Additionally, it efficiently transfers real-time information about lens distortion and shading characteristics, allowing VFX artists and other creatives to make precise adjustments in virtual and post-production. The eXtended Data workflow offers a myriad of added capabilities for virtual production, like shading and lens distortion to the existing focus, iris, and zoom data, to allow the virtual world to display with those same design and performance characteristics.

Thus far, Sony and RED have implemented the Zeiss eXtended Data workflow for shading and distortion values with compatible prime lenses, so the idea that workhorse cameras like the Sony VENICE and RED DSMC2 can now record advanced lens metadata from Premista zoom lenses is very exciting.

Thomas Fletcher, director of marketing, Optical Devices Division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation

eXtended Data Firmware Update for Premista

This firmware release coincides with the December 1 Sony VENICE Version 6.0 firmware update (read: Sony Venice Firmware V6.0 Officially Released), as well as the RED DSMC2 Release Build Version 7.4.1, and the massive uptick in virtual production.ֿ “In addition to providing production value, the amount of time and money the eXtended Data technology saves is considerable, particularly for VFX work, and apropos of the rapid emergence of the virtual production world,” said Thomas Fletcher, director of marketing, Optical Devices Division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “Thus far, Sony and RED have implemented the Zeiss eXtended Data workflow for shading and distortion values with compatible prime lenses, so the idea that workhorse cameras like the Sony VENICE and RED DSMC2 can now record advanced lens metadata from Premista zoom lenses is very exciting.”

When and How much?

There is no cost for this firmware update. Contact a FUJINON sales representative to ensure the fastest turnaround, which in most cases will be one-day. However, the new Premista 19-45mm T2.9 will ship with full eXtended Data functionality.