TRIBE7 BLACKWING7 – “Expressive” X-Tuning Tunable Large Format Cine Lenses

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Purpose-designed for large format motion picture imaging, BLACKWING⁷ lenses from TRIBE⁷ represent an entirely new range of tuned optics for contemporary film makers to use within their creative story telling.

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Overview
Specifications

TRIBE7 is a new company setup in partnership between Bradford Young ASC and Neil Fanthom formerly ARRI’s Director of Technology behind the DNA series of lenses for Alexa 65.

BLACKWING⁷ optics exhibit unique imaging properties which arise from the introduction of controlled distortion during the development and manufacturing processes. This distortion is modular and allows a level of tuneability over key parameters which shape many creative characteristics of the lenses.

The lens range comprises ten focal lengths: a core set of seven plus three additional wide lenses. All lenses are offered in three tuning options per focal length, configurable at point of manufacture.

BLACKWING⁷ lens tuning allows parameters such as sharpness, contrast, roll-off, spherical aberration, field curvature, edge halation and flare to be modified to provide sets of “curated” optics to suit the personality and intent of the owner.

Many of the design cues for BLACKWING⁷ primes originate in optics manufactured during the 1930 - 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.

Conceptually, the ability to tune each BLACKWING⁷ lens is identical to how EQ adjustment is used in music production - to control the range, or shape of tonality in specific bands across the audio frequency spectrum. The image produced by a BLACKWING⁷ lens can be described as having a musical fidelity to it; with each focal length having an underlying level of distortion which can be controlled to produce strong artistic resonances including unique flaring characteristics.

Ten sets of BLACKWING⁷ BINARIES were created by TRIBE⁷ to help introduce the film making community to the concept of audio merging into imaging. These limited-edition BINARIES are named in recognition of creative imaging not being a black or white process – film makers accessing a wide choice of optics is essential to serve creative storytelling. BLACKWING⁷ BINARIES have been widely used on commercials, music videos, TV and feature productions and all feedback from these unique lenses has contributed to the production tuning of the BLACKWING⁷ prime lenses which are now shipping.

X EXPRESSIVE Tuning

X-tune BLACKWING7 primes are the lowest contrast variant of the BLACKWING7 lens range. Further exaggerated edge halation, with a minor degree of spherical aberration and focal plane curvature increases the perception of a shallower depth of field. X-tuned optics have selective edge-uncoating to reduce contrast under hard lighting conditions. They are designed for film makers who light minimally and favour lenses which can create smooth, almost ethereal images.

Lens Details

17mm
•
20.7mm
•
23.7mm
•
27mm
•
37mm
•
47mm
•
57mm
•
77mm
•
107mm
•
137mm
•

Hover over focal lengths to see detailed info.

Specifications

Focal Length	Image Circle	Close Focus		Weight
MM	MM MAX ILLUMINATION	IN	CM	LB	KG
17	52	8.7	22	3.8	1.75
20.7	50	9	23	3.2	1.5
23.7	50	10	26	3.2	1.5
27	55	13	34	3.6	1.7
37	60	18	45.7	3.4	1.6
47	60	18	44.5	3.2	1.5
57	60	19	48.3	3.5	1.6
77	60	26	66	3	1.4
107	62	27	68.5	3.2	1.4
137	62	32	81.3	3.2	1.5

Aperture	T1.8 to T22 for 77 & 107mm
Aperture	T1.9 to T22 for all other focal lengths
Iris System	Non-linear, 14 blade
Image Distortion	Less than -4% / +0.5%
Transmission waveband	420nm to 680nm
Color and tonality	Matched across the range
Magnification Shift	Less than 4% (from ∞ to close focus)
Focus and Iris Backlash	Negligible
Flange system	PL mount
Focus Scale and Drive 17 to 137mm	Windowed
	Left/right in feet (meters on request)
	270-degree rotation
	Gearing: 142 teeth, 0.8mm mod, 6mm width, 115.2mm dia
Aperture Scale and Drive	Non-windowed left/right
	90-degree rotation
	Gearing: 134 teeth, 0.8mm mod, 3mm width, 108.8mm dia
Operating Temperature Range	-20 to +45 C