Preston Cinema Systems

We have been providing innovative camera and lens control systems for many years. The Micro Force zoom control began this tradition by using force sensor technology to control zoom speed. In the years since its introduction, it has truly become the "industry standard" control.

Our FI+Z system has provided the motion picture industry with several breakthrough technologies. It was the first to employ 2.4 GHz spread spectrum technology for a wireless lens and camera control and was the first to provide digital motors for lens drives. These technologies have brought a uniquely high level of reliability and confidence to the film set such that the FI+Z is now considered a mainstream requirement on film sets worldwide.

In 2007, the Motion Picture Academy awarded a Scientific and Engineering Award for the development of the FI+Z system to Howard Preston and Mirko Kovacevic in recognition of its contribution to the motion picture industry

The newest members of the FI+Z family are the Hand Unit 3 and MDR3. The HU3 is encased together with its microwave link in a splash-proof housing. "Lens Mapping" technology matches the focus markings of the lens to pre-printed fluorescent focus rings.

The MDR-3 combines a four-channel motor driver with the G4 microwave transceiver to provide industry leading ruggedness and reliability. Its electrical efficiency has been greatly improved making possible a 31% reduction in volume compared to its predecessor, the MDR2. At the same time a host of new features have been added.

The Light Ranger 2 is an innovative new tool for the focus puller. It combines highly accurate range information measured in 16 zones across the horizontal frame with graphics overlaid the camera image that indicate the direction and amount the focus knob of the HU3 hand unit must be turned to bring a subject into the depth of field of the camera lens. In addition its autofocus function can be used where even the best trained eye cannot cope with the demands of fast action, shallow depth of field and digital sharpness.