High-intensity spot light for studio and set — produces extremely focused, hard shadows; often used for dramatic contrast lighting or special effects. Named after its inventor.
Definition
The Blazar Cato is a high-quality anamorphic lens (anamorphot) with a 2x squeeze factor, used to create the characteristic Cinemascope format. This lens compresses the image horizontally by a factor of 2, allowing a wider field of view to be captured on standard 4:3 sensor areas, which is then de-squeezed in post-production to the desired 2.39:1 widescreen format.
The Blazar Cato is distinguished by its precise optical construction and typical anamorphic image characteristics, including the characteristic oval bokeh circles and horizontal lens flares. As part of professional cinematography equipment, it offers filmmakers the opportunity to achieve the classic cinema format with its distinctive visual qualities.
Practical Application
In German film and television production, the Blazar Cato is primarily used for feature films, high-quality TV movies, and series where the anamorphic format is desired. The lens requires special mounts and precise calibration, as even small adjustment errors can lead to image distortion. When using it, cinematographers must pay particular attention to depth of field and the characteristic image geometry.
Technical Details
The lens operates with a 2x compression factor and requires appropriate de-squeeze monitors on set for correct image control. The optical construction influences the depth of field characteristics, causing it to behave differently horizontally and vertically.