ZEISS Cine Lens Service Training in Manila.
By Oli Laperal Jr. and Rafa Laperal
RSVP Film Studios, Manila, Philippines

Here at RSVP Film Studios, Manila, Philippines, we are always eager for lens service trainings, so when Arato Ogura, Head of Cinematography Asia of Carl Zeiss Co. Ltd. Japan, and Simon Sommer, International Service Coordinator and Senior Lens Technician of Carl Zeiss AG Germany, hinted at the possibility of conducting the first-ever ZEISS official cine lens service training in Manila, and RSVP Film Studios hosting it at our own function room, we immediately welcomed the idea with open arms.

The day before the course, Arato and Simon arrived from the airport and went straight to our studio to inspect the facilities and finalize the room layout. They also brought several cases containing dozens of specialized lens tools, precision hand tools, dial gauges, stands, plates, spare screws, grease, cleaning fluid, and other service equipment. To my delight, they also brought five (5) ZEISS service lenses for hands-on disassembly and reassembly by the participating technicians, under the guidance and watchful eye of Simon:

• ZEISS Supreme Prime 50mm
• ARRI/ZEISS Master Prime 75mm
• ZEISS Compact Prime CP.3 50mm
• ZEISS Nano Prime 35mm
• ZEISS Supreme Zoom Radiance 28–80mm

Four eager lens technicians worked at the main table with Simon, while about a dozen invited guests watched attentively from two meters away, observing the detailed disassembly, calibration, and alignment procedures via our overhead close-up camera, projected on a twelve-foot 3-gun laser display. Our observers included cinematographers, camera operators, gaffers, key grips, and DITs.

Arato opened the session with an introduction to Carl Zeiss AG, Germany. He discussed the company’s history, milestones, key facts, and the Carl Zeiss Foundation. He then presented the portfolio of its various divisions, including semiconductor microchip manufacturing, industrial metrology, medical technology, consumer optics, and the professional division—which covers photography and, of course, cinematography. Arato also highlighted the ten (10) current ZEISS cine lens lines and shared insights into next-generation products, ongoing research, and future service developments made possible through global partnerships and technical alliances.

Simon followed with an in-depth overview of photonics and optics. He demonstrated proper lens cleaning techniques and how to inspect lenses for scratches, edge paint issues, fungus, and other cosmetic or functional concerns. He also covered lens quality testing, back-focus adjustment, lens projection and evaluation, essential tools used in servicing, and concluded with a brief overview of the ZEISS lens manufacturing process.

Simon’s mastery of the lenses—both the ones he brought and several of our own—was immediately evident. He worked purely from memory, without notes or diagrams. He explained the mechanics and function of each part with precision, and he clarified which components local technicians may safely disassemble and which require specialized factory tools; i.e. optical centering. We were all in awe of the engineering excellence we witnessed firsthand. The quality of Zeiss lenses are truly second to none. Their mechanical precision, optical performance, and build quality clearly reflect the company’s uncompromising commitment to research, craftsmanship, and innovation in the motion picture industry.

We are deeply grateful to Arato and Simon for conducting this historic, first ZEISS Cine Lens Service Training in Manila. Our respect and admiration for ZEISS lenses—and the people behind them—have grown even stronger.  

We look forward to the roll out of brand new multiple ZEISS lenses in 2026. 

Write up and photos by: Oli Laperal Jr. and Rafa Laperal
RSVP Film Studios, Manila, Philippines

Additional photos by Arato Ogura