About

Purpose-designed for large format motion picture imaging, BLACKWING7 lenses from TRIBE7 represent an entirely new range of tuned optics for contemporary film makers to use within their creative story telling.

BLACKWING7 optics exhibit unique imaging properties which arise from the introduction of controlled distortion during the development and manufacturing processes. This distortion is modular and allows a level of tuneability over key parameters which shape many creative characteristics of the lenses.

The lens range comprises ten focal lengths: a core set of seven plus three additional wide lenses. All lenses are offered in three tuning options per focal length, configurable at point of manufacture.

BLACKWING7 lens tuning allows parameters such as sharpness, contrast, roll-off, spherical aberration, field curvature, edge halation and flare to be modified to provide sets of “curated” optics to suit the personality and intent of the owner.

Many of the design cues for BLACKWING7 primes originate in optics manufactured during the 1930 – 1960s, but the real inspiration behind the lenses lies in the evolutionary nature of experimental music and audio synthesis, and the process of creating distortion through sound amplification.

Conceptually, the ability to tune each BLACKWING7 lens is identical to how EQ adjustment is used in music production – to control the range, or shape of tonality in specific bands across the audio frequency spectrum. The image produced by a BLACKWING7 lens can be described as having a musical fidelity to it; with each focal length having an underlying level of distortion which can be controlled to produce strong artistic resonances including unique flaring characteristics.

 

blackwing7 lenses by tribe7

17mm T1.9

The most recent of the family. 

20.7mm T1.9

1980 LEICA 21mm f/2.8 Retrofocus design

23.7 T1.9

1950’s Retrofocus construction.

27mm T1.9

1960’s Retrofocus construction.

37mm T1.9

1950’s Retrofocus construction.

47mm T1.9

1930/50’s Retrofocus construction.

57mm T1.9

1940’s Biotar construction.

77mm T1.8

1940’s Double-Gauss construction.

107mm T1.8

1970’s BIOTAR / PETZVAL construction.

137mm T1.9

1970’s BIOTAR / PETZVAL construction.