The Hidden History of the Zoom Lens

On November 12, 2014 - TV History

The Zoom Lens And Television…The First Uses

Many have asked what the first use of the zoom lens was in television and here is your answer. It was the long, 23 element Zoomar Field lens created by Dr. Frank Back. This 3 minute video gives us a short but sweet history.

The first ever Zoomar lens for television, Serial #1, was sold to WMAR in Baltimore in 1949. WBKB in Chicago heard about this and bought one to use on their new puppet show…’Kukla, Fran and Ollie’. Although it was a long lens, meant for outside broadcasts, WBKB used it in the studio and became the first to do so. When KFO moved from WBKB to NBC’s WMAQ, a Zoomar was purchased for use on the show at WMAQ too. Up next, the first electronic zoom lens for television. Enjoy and share! -Bobby Ellerbee

http://vimeo.com/101630561

The Hidden History of the Zoom Lens

This is a video summarising the research behind my doctoral thesis on the history of the zoom lens in American film and television. It was made in response to the…

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7 Comments

  1. Michael Biel November 13, 2014

    I wonder if there are any TV directors and camerapersons who know the aesthetic difference between a dolly-in and a zoom-in.

  2. Val Ginter November 12, 2014

    I knew a guy who was a former director at WPIX. He said: “Never cut on a camera move.” I always think of that while I watch television. Innovation–the byword of the 21st millennium.

  3. Mike Clark November 12, 2014

    went to work at a PBS station (WCNY) that had two cameras equipped with RTH 10X1 zooms and a third camera with prime lenses. The production manager insisted I train on the turret camera to gain an appreciation of focal lengths. He was right.

  4. Bob Batsche November 12, 2014

    The negative point of zoom lens and today’s flying cameras is they’re over used! I remember the constant zooming in and out. Recently, I stopped watching one News/Interview show on Fox due to getting sick from the motion. The camera would fly around the studio and come in for a two shot—maybe 20 times during a one hour show. Our inside joke was which Director would over use new equipment or effects.

  5. Dennis Degan November 12, 2014

    I wish the video was longer. I want to see more about this.

  6. Eyes Of A Generation.com November 12, 2014

    Here’ the first Zoomar lens at WMAR in Baltimore…Serial #1

  7. Lou Spinnazola November 12, 2014

    Interesting piece. Thanks for sharing!