Panavision's first 2x anamorphic lenses (1958), which replaced CinemaScope lenses and became the industry standard. Eliminated the notorious 'mumps' distortion in close-ups.
What is the Auto Panatar?
The Auto Panatar (1958) was Panavision's first 2x anamorphic lens set for 35mm film. They replaced the problematic CinemaScope lenses and quickly became the industry standard for anamorphic production.
This innovation earned Panavision the first of 15 Academy Awards for technical achievement.
The "Mumps" Problem
Early CinemaScope lenses had a notorious optical aberration – the so-called "Mumps": in close-ups, the lenses lost anamorphic power, leading to an unnatural widening of the face.
Early CinemaScope productions therefore completely avoided tight shots. The Auto Panatar eliminated this problem, enabling intimate wide-screen close-ups for the first time.
Technical Innovation
| Feature | Auto Panatar | CinemaScope |
|---|---|---|
| Squeeze | 2x | 2x |
| Close-ups | No problem | "Mumps" effect |
| Image Quality | Sharp, consistent | Inconsistent |
| Acceptance | Industry standard | Obsolete from 1960 |
Notable Films
| Film | Year | Director | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pillow Talk | 1959 | Michael Gordon | Doris Day/Rock Hudson classic |
| The Magnificent Seven | 1960 | John Sturges | Western epic |
| The Apartment | 1960 | Billy Wilder | Oscar Best Picture |
| Cimarron | 1960 | Anthony Mann | Western revival |
| Hud | 1963 | Martin Ritt | Paul Newman drama |
| The Great Escape | 1963 | John Sturges | War film classic |
Historical Significance
Before the Auto Panatar, Panavision sold lenses to studios. These lenses marked the transition to the later rental-only model that Panavision still practices today.
The Auto Panatar established Panavision as a leading name in film optics and laid the foundation for all subsequent anamorphic series:
- C-Series
- E-Series
- G-Series
- Ultra Panatar
- Ultra Panatar II