The Briefing Room

Journey revisits historic first ascent with original explorers

WAYNE, NJ, June 28, 2007 - It‘s been four decades since ten scientists and mountaineers completed the historic first climb of Antarctica‘s highest peak, Vinson Massif. On the fortieth anniversary of that epic journey, four of the original ten adventurers and two of their children returned to the stark, snowy terrain to relive their adventure.

Cinematographer and avid mountain climber, Juan Antonio Puyol of Proudline Productions, went along on the trip to document the journey in high definition using Fujinon‘s HTs18X4.2 ENG/EFP lens and JVC‘s GY-HD250 camera. The working title for the documentary is “Epic Return.” Now in post-production, it tells the story of the scientific contributions of the first exploration and how the world‘s coldest desert has changed in the last forty years. “Epic Returns: Revisiting the Top of the Bottom of the World” is also a personal story, describing the connection those brave explorers have to that landscape and each other several generations after their historic trek.

An avid climber for the past 10 years, Puyol describes himself as being at home at mountainous heights. His crew spent three weeks on the ice of Antarctica where even in summer, temperatures dipped to thirty degrees below zero. The harsh environment and remote location demanded high-quality equipment.

Capturing the stunning images without interfering with the climb itself was paramount to the success of the shoot. Explained Puyol, “This wasn‘t the type of mountaineering coverage where we had the luxury of re-takes. We knew we couldn‘t stop the climbers, some now in their 60s and 70s, because doing so could impact the climb‘s outcome.”

Given the time constraints and amount of equipment needed to survive such harsh weather, Puyol knew his video gear had to be light and mobile. He chose JVC’s new GY-HD250U to take with him on the shoot. The GY-HD250U is a full resolution HD camcorder. Its “compact shoulder” form appealed to Puyol as did the bayonet mount for interchangeable lenses. “The marriage between Fujinon’s lens and JVC’s camera is cause for rejoicing. Both pieces of the equipment get an A+ for performance in the field. We were always on the move, so I kept the camera running almost non-stop. The combination of the JVC camera and the Fujinon lens let me get tight and wide angle shots in crisp and beautiful HD.”

Fujinon‘s HTs 18X4.2 lens has a focal length range of 4.2mm to 76mm and an 18x zoom ratio. It includes Fujinon’s DIGI POWER digital servo control system, digital Quick Zoom, and the Digital FIND (Focused Intelligent Network Diagnosis) system for preventative maintenance and trouble shooting.

About Fujinon

Fujinon is a major manufacturer and distributor of optics and lens assemblies for the broadcast, digital cinema and industrial markets. The company‘s line of television zoom lenses are used in virtually every segment of the broadcast industry, including electronic newsgathering, studio and field production, and high definition television. For more information about Fujinon broadcast and communications products, call (973) 633-5600 or visit our web site at www.fujinonbroadcast.com.