The Black and Blue

Filmmaking Tips for Camera Assistants

  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Menu
  • 
  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Free Ebook
  • Subscribe
  • Topics
    • Behind the Lens
    • Camera Assisting
    • Cameras
    • Getting Work
    • Industry News
    • Miscellaneous Tips
    • Production Stories
    • Toolkit
    • Website
  • About The Black and Blue
  • Contact Us
  • Sponsorship
  • Comment Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • 
  • R
  • 
  • ˆ
  • ‰

How a Camera Lens is Made

Just like Arri's hand built cameras, lenses rely on significant manpower working in tandem with machines to deliver a crystal clear image. A quality lens is no small feat to manufacture and here's a video showing how lenses are made to prove it. If you don't appreciate the precision optics of lenses already, this video should convince you otherwise.

by Evan Luzi | Cameras | April 2, 2011 | Comments: 8

Making a lens is a highly detailed process. It isn’t a simple factory assembly line — it combines the precision of a machine with the care of the human hand. And that doesn’t even include designing the lens.

Overall, the manufacturing process takes 6 weeks for the lenses featured in the video! For cinema lenses, especially large zooms, I’m sure the timeline is significantly longer.

No wonder everything stops when one smacks the ground.

A video like this provides great insight into why lenses are so expensive and highly valued. The image of those women cleaning the glass over and over with gloves on is enough to make you shudder at the thought of using a t-shirt to accomplish the same thing.

Post thumbnail image courtesy of Adam Wilt

About the AuthorEvan Luzi

  • Follow Evan on Instagram
  • zVisit Evan’s website

Creator of The Black and Blue. Freelance camera assistant and camera operator for over a decade. He also runs a lot. Learn more about Evan here.

Support The Black and Blue

We've been helping ACs and camera crews navigate the film industry for over a decade. If this article helped you or you enjoyed it, tossing in a few bucks genuinely helps keep the site going:

Support TBAB

Read Next

Past and Future Lens Technology News

Past and Future Lens Technology News

I've got the goods from the guys at Engadget who lead me to two interesting stories that both involve lenses. One story whisks us into the past as Timur Civan over at the cinema5D forum has mounted a lens from 1908 on his DSLR. The other story brings us far into the future where depth-of-field may be infinite and focus be chosen in post-production (no that's not a joke).

  • Abusing the RED One Camera's Varispeed Option
  • On Set: Making a RED One Shoulder Mount
  • Canon 7D vs. Barbie Video Girl Footage Test
  • Behind the Scenes of the Virginia Lottery "Holiday Dog" Commercial (Video)
The Ultimate Guide to a Camera Assistant's Toolkit

The Ultimate Guide to a Camera Assistant's Toolkit

Every camera assistant will have different tools depending on how they work. That’s why it’s important to peak into what other camera assistants have to offer. So I’m going to show you what I have in my toolkit today and also give you advice on what I think you should have in yours.

  • Deciphering the Film Slate (Part 1): What to Write on a Clapperboard
  • Film Set Lingo: Camera Department Terms - Part 2
  • 88 Cinematographers Share the Best Professional Advice They've Ever Received
  • 2 Easy to Use Camera Report Templates
We AC's Are a Short People

We AC's Are a Short People

Ever notice how camera assistants (AC's) tend to be short as the camera stands tall? It's a bias I've seen over the years – even if the only evidence I have is anecdotal and personal. Being a short AC, however, can have its perks when crammed in the back of a car.

  • Version 5.0 of The Black and Blue is Live!
  • Happy Labor Day: The Film Industry Should Treat Crew Better
  • 'The Gift of Room Tone' featuring Martin Scorsese, Roger Deakins, Cristopher Walken, and More
  • Focus Puller Chris Silano on Using the Preston Light Ranger
Becoming the Reel Deal eBook Cover on iPad

It Only Takes One Gig.

Becoming the Reel Deal is a free downloadable eBook written to help you get your first job on set in the camera department so you can launch your film career.

Sign up now to get your free copy and exclusive tips from The Black and Blue.

Get Your Free Copy
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Credits
  • Contact

Copyright © 2025 The Black and Blue, LLC