Preston Cinema Systems has been providing innovative camera and lens control systems for over 20 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.

The Speed Aperture Computer was the first commercial system to provide camera speed ramping and exposure compensation via the lens iris. In recognition of this accomplishment, this device received a Technical Achievement Award from the Motion Picture Academy. 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 new F/X unit takes over where the Speed Aperture Computer left off. It¹s a wireless unit (part of the FI+Z System) that can be used with a wide range of camera models from Arriflex, Panavision, and others. The unit provides speed ramps with iris, shutter or iris/shutter exposure compensation. In addition, it allows operator control of depth of field with automatic exposure compensation. Finally, up to 11 minutes of camera and lens data can be stored and played back for motion control/computer graphics applications.

The Light Ranger was the first Auto Focus system developed for cinematography. Its high resolution laser ranging technology combined with a line of sight viewing system and simple user interface made capturing action sequences with long focal length lenses routine. Cinematographer Conrad Hall made spectacular use of the Light Ranger in his film "Without Limits", in telling the story of runner Steve Prefontaine.

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.

The newest member of the FI+Z family, the Hand Unit 3, 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. Its features are described here.