Duclos Lens Tech Training – Register Today!

The industry-wide shortage of skilled lens technicians is no secret. Unfortunately, there aren’t school courses for this particular niche – there are classes for optics, but not lens repair. Some lens manufacturers offer training for their proprietary products, but not all manufacturers will offer their courses to the public. Typically, lens manufacturers work with partners such as Duclos Lenses to refer their in-house technicians for training. So where does one go to learn more about cinema lens service and repair?

We’re pleased to announce that Duclos Lenses has partnered with PERG for a hands-on training event in 2023 – The Duclos Lens Tech Training. This is a great opportunity for anyone who is a self-proclaimed lens geek (whispers, “join us”); has struggled to learn more on-the-job; has tinkered with lenses on their own and wants to level up their skills and knowledge; or already has some experience.

The first Duclos Lens Tech Training will be held in Los Angeles (Burbank), CA. There are two courses offered. A Level One course to initiate new technicians and a Level Two course that dives deeper, covering care for the older, popular and widely stock lenses. You can register for Level One, Level Two, or both. The event in its entirety takes place January 30th – February 10th, but should you choose to sign up, it would be 3-5 days depending on your level(s) of choice.

Attendees receive hands-on training curated by Matthew Duclos and the team from Duclos Lenses. Wednesday is Sponsor Day, which is set aside for exhibition of products and equipment, presentations by manufacturers, and an end-of-day BBQ with beer and wine. It’s an opportunity to meet lens techs from Los Angeles camera rental companies and network with other lens professionals.

Each afternoon of training is supplemented with presentations (subject to change) by manufacturers and other experts. Topics include:

• Projectors and collimators
• The growing use of lens metadata
• The history of cine optics
• Prominent DPs discuss their lens choices
• Rehousing
• Lens coatings
• Anamorphic lenses

	Dates	Training Covered
Level One	January 30th – February 1st OR February 6th – February 8th	-Modern lens and optics terminology overview -Overview of tools and test equipment used -Hands-on inspection and evaluation of prime and zoom lenses -Techniques for adjusting collimation of various lens designs -Understanding why lens projection is so important
Level Two	February 1st – February 3rd OR February 8th – February 10th	-Hands-on breakdown of a cine-style prime lens and zoom lens -Focus on older, widely used, workhorse lenses -Covers universal principles that apply to a wide variety of lenses

Here’s an overview about the day-to-day:

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Jan 30 Level One – Duclos hands-on training – Technical presentation by manufacturer – Guest speaker	Jan 31 Level One – Duclos hands-on training – Technical presentation by manufacturer – Guest speaker	Feb 1 Sponsor Day Presentations and exhibitions by lens-related sponsor companies. End of day BBQ, beer, and wine.	Feb 2 Level Two – Duclos hands-on training – Technical presentation by manufacturer – Guest speaker	Feb 3 Level Two – Duclos hands-on training – Technical presentation by manufacturer – Guest speaker
Feb 6 Level One – Duclos hands-on training – Technical presentation by manufacturer – Guest speaker	Feb 7 Level One – Duclos hands-on training – Technical presentation by manufacturer – Guest speaker	Feb 8 Sponsor Day Presentations and exhibitions by lens-related sponsor companies. End of day BBQ, beer, and wine.	Feb 9 Level Two – Duclos hands-on training – Technical presentation by manufacturer – Guest speaker	Feb 10 Level Two – Duclos hands-on training – Technical presentation by manufacturer – Guest speaker

The training event will be held at Dynamic Rentals’ facility in Burbank, CA. 

Hotel discount is available with shuttle provided. A light breakfast and lunch will be served each day. Information regarding hotel options and possible group discounts will be sent to those who register.

Registration for PERG Members is open. General Registration begins December 1st. Space is very limited so don’t delay. Hope to see you there!