Machina Rentals
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07/17/2026
High-speed imaging deserves a closer look.
Join the Machina team on Wednesday, July 22, from 7:00–10:00 PM for a hands-on Gear Showcase featuring the Freefly Ember S5K.
Designed for filmmakers, cinematographers, camera operators, and anyone curious about high-speed production, this session will explore what makes the Ember S5K such a unique addition to modern camera workflows. Our technicians will walk through the system's capabilities, recommended setups, and real-world applications, followed by time to get your hands on the camera, ask questions, and explore it up close.
Whether you're considering the Ember S5K for an upcoming project or simply want to spend time with the technology, this is an opportunity to see it in a practical production environment.
Free to attend. Reserve your spot through the Linktree in our bio.
Some lenses don't just change your focal length—they change the character of the image.
Mirror reflex lenses use a folded optical path to achieve long telephoto reach in a compact form factor, making them a practical option when space and weight are considerations. Their unique design also produces the distinctive donut-shaped bokeh that people have come to know and love.
Whether you're looking for compressed perspectives, stylized backgrounds, or a creative alternative to traditional telephoto glass, mirror reflex lenses offer a look that's difficult to replicate. Where would you use a mirror reflex lens next?
07/01/2026
This year, we went all out for Filmscape 2026🎬
Last weekend Machina was stationed at Filmscape with more than 10 set ups showcasing our newest cameras, lenses, lights and even more.
We were able to meet so many individuals who have the passion for filmmaking and connect deeper with the community. Thank you everyone who came to our booth intrigued, and asked questions. Also, a huge thanks to Filmscape Chicago for letting us be present once again.
Filmscape 2026 may be over, but our doors are always open. Stop by anytime—we're here to help with your next shoot.
Think you've got a steady hand?
Stop by the Machina booth at Filmscape this Saturday and Sunday and take on Can You Make the Cut?
Hosted by our Lead Rental Coordinator, Charlie, the challenge is simple:
✂️ Cut out the shapes that make up the Machina bolt.
⏱️ Finish in 20 seconds or less.
🏆 Beat the clock and you'll walk away with a prize.
It sounds easy... until the timer starts.
Come put your precision to the test, explore the latest gear, and spend some time with the Machina team. We'll see you at Filmscape.
06/17/2026
Sometimes the shot calls for a little more reach.
The Canon FD 50–300mm T4.9 offers a broad focal range in a single lens, making it a practical choice for productions that need to move quickly between medium and long telephoto perspectives without changing glass.
Ideal for live events, sports, documentary work, wildlife, and narrative productions where distance, compression, and flexibility matter, it delivers the distinctive character of Canon FD optics across an expansive zoom range.
A versatile tool when getting closer isn’t an option. Where would you use this lens?
06/10/2026
A versatile zoom can change the pace of a production.
The Angénieux EZ Series was designed to bring the flexibility of a zoom lens to a wider range of workflows, offering strong optical performance, consistent mechanics, and the ability to switch between Super 35 and Full Frame configurations.
Now available at Machina:
• EZ-1 — 30–90mm T2 (S35) / 45–135mm T3 (FF)
• EZ-2 — 15–40mm T2 (S35) / 22–60mm T3 (FF)
Together, they cover focal lengths commonly used across commercial, narrative, documentary, and branded productions, allowing crews to move quickly without sacrificing image quality.
A practical toolset from a company with a long history of cinema optics—built for productions that need flexibility without compromise.
06/03/2026
Join us on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 4:00–5:00 PM for an open Ronin 4D Gear Showcase at Kinowerks.
This one-hour session will feature a hands-on look at DJI's integrated cinema camera system, with one of our technicians walking through the platform's unique features, workflows, and production applications.
Whether you're curious about the Ronin 4D or looking to better understand how it fits into your next project, all are welcome to attend.
Check the Linktree in bio to RSVP.
05/29/2026
When a lighting setup demands flexibility, the details matter.
The Aputure Nova Dual Yoke expands what's possible with the Nova series, providing greater stability, control, and mounting flexibility for larger lighting configurations.
Designed to support more complex positioning and rigging requirements, it helps crews work efficiently while maintaining precise control over placement.
It's a simple addition that makes a meaningful difference when lighting plans become more ambitious.
Available through Machina.
Every production has its own demands.
That’s why our camera inventory is built around flexibility—giving productions access to systems that scale from fast-moving documentary work to full cinematic builds.
Large format. Compact bodies. High frame rates. Modular workflows.
Tools designed to adapt to the pace and precision of modern production.
From ARRI, RED, Sony, Canon, and beyond, Machina keeps a wide range of camera systems ready for commercial, narrative, music video, live event, and branded work alike.
Because the right camera isn’t about excess.
It’s about choosing the system that best supports the image you’re trying to create.
Diffusion changes more than the image—it changes the feeling behind it.
This latest filter comparison from Charlie, our Lead Rental Coordinator, takes a closer look at how subtle shifts in filtration shape contrast, halation, highlight rolloff, and atmosphere in-camera.
Featured:
• Tiffen Black Pro Mist 1
• Black Pro Mist 1/2
• Black Pro Mist 1/4
• Black Pro Mist 1/8
• Low Contrast 1/2
• Low Contrast 1/8
• Smoque 1
Every production asks for a different texture. Sometimes it’s clean and controlled. Sometimes it’s softness, bloom, and character.
The details matter—and filtration is often where the image starts to become intentional.
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