Panavision PV Mount: Proprietary lens mount with mechanical and electronic contacts — exclusive to Panavision cameras.
Technical Details
The PV Mount features 12 electrical contacts for transmitting lens data such as focal length, aperture, and focus position to the camera. The bayonet is designed for lenses up to 15 kg and offers a rotation lock in 15-degree increments. The mechanical tolerance is ±0.005 mm for precise image sharpness. Modern PV Mount lenses support the Panavision Remote Focus System (RFS) and can be controlled via the Digital Interface Protocol (DIP).
History & Development
Panavision developed the PV Mount in 1972 as the successor to the original Panavision Mount system from the 1950s. The first generation was launched with the Panaflex camera and quickly established itself as the standard for high-budget Hollywood productions. In 1985, Panavision introduced electronic contacts, followed by the integration of the DIP protocol for digital control in 2001. The current generation of the PV Mount has also supported 8K resolutions and HDR workflows since 2018.
Practical Use in Film
The PV Mount dominates large studio productions: "Blade Runner 2049" (2017) utilized Panavision Ultra Vista Anamorphic lenses on the PV Mount, and "1917" (2019) combined Panavision H-Series with Ultra Panavision 70mm lenses. The mount allows for quick lens changes during ongoing production and ensures consistent optical quality. Panavision technicians are on-site for major productions and can replace faulty lenses within hours. The precise calibration of the mount reduces focus issues and shortens setup time for complex camera movements.
Comparison & Alternatives
Unlike open standards such as PL Mount (52 mm flange focal distance) or LPL Mount (44 mm), the PV Mount remains a proprietary system. ARRI cameras use PL/LPL Mounts, while RED uses RF Mount or Canon EF adapters. The larger flange focal distance of the PV Mount allows for more complex lens designs but limits adapter compatibility. For productions outside the Panavision ecosystem, PL Mount systems with Zeiss, Cooke, or Angenieux lenses offer a more flexible alternative.