Freddie Young
FilmmakerKnown for:
Three-time Oscar-winning cinematographer for David Lean's epics, Super Panavision 70 pioneer
Education:
Self-taught; entered the film industry at age 15
Freddie Young began working in the British film industry at age 15, joining Gaumont-British Picture Corporation in 1917 and managing its film lab by 19. Over a career spanning nearly 70 years and more than 130 films, he became one of the most respected cinematographers in cinema history. He won three consecutive Academy Awards for Best Cinematography, all for David Lean collaborations: Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Doctor Zhivago (1965), and Ryan's Daughter (1970). He served as a captain and chief cameraman of the British Army's Kinematograph Unit during World War II, and later became head of cameras at MGM Elstree.
Freddie Young's Gear List(5)
Panavision
Product description
Super Panavision 70 is a 65mm spherical camera system introduced in 1959 to compete with Todd-AO and MGM Camera 65. It shoots on 65mm film with a 5-perforation pulldown using spherical lenses, producing a 2.20:1 aspect ratio on 70mm prints. The first film shot in the format was The Big Fisherman (1959). The original camera bodies were eventually succeeded by the Panaflex System 65 in 1991, though the Super Panavision 70 name persists as a format designation.
Connection note
Used on Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Ryan's Daughter (1970). Super Panavision 70 uses 65mm negative with spherical lenses
Panavision
Product description
Spherical lenses designed for Panavision's 65mm camera system, producing a 2.20:1 aspect ratio when projected on 70mm prints. Originally developed in the late 1950s for large-format widescreen productions.
Connection note
Full lens set on Lawrence of Arabia: 28mm T2.8, 35mm T2.8, 50mm T2.0, 75mm T2.8, 100mm T2.5, 150mm T3.0
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Last updated March 20, 2026