Technical guide
When a cinema lens should be inspected before the next shoot
Common observations that justify a professional cinema-lens inspection before production.
Changes in mechanical feel
New stiffness, uneven travel, excess play or a change in focus, iris or zoom movement is worth documenting before continued use.
A change in image behaviour
Unexpected softness, inconsistency across the frame, visible contamination or behaviour that differs from the rest of a set can justify inspection.
Impact, transport or environmental exposure
Even when damage is not obvious, a significant knock, difficult transport or exposure to dust and moisture can warrant a pre-shoot check.
Mount or focus-reference concerns
If the lens no longer behaves as expected across familiar camera bodies, note the combination used. The lens and camera mount relationship may need methodical checking.
Before a critical production
Pre-shoot inspection can reduce uncertainty when the cost of discovering a concern on set is much higher than checking beforehand.
General information only. Equipment condition and service requirements must be assessed individually.