Carlo Di Palma, the renowned Italian cinematographer wholit Woody Allen's films for 18 years, has died in Rome. He was 79.

Di Palmalaunched his career as a director of photography on Roberto Rossellini'spost-World War II movie, Rome Open City. He lit Italian films rangingfrom Michelangelo Antonioni's Blow up and Red Desert to PietroGermi's classic Divorzio all'Italiana with Marcello Mastroianni, duringa career that spanned more than 50 years.

TheRome-born cinematographer collaborated with Woody Allen on 12 films, including Hannahand her Sisters, Husband And Wives and Manhattan Murder Mystery. Helast worked with Allen on 1997's Deconstructing Harry.

Di Palmaalso directed four films, including 1975's Qui Comincia L'Avventura (akaLucky Girls/Blonde in Black Leather) with Monica Vitti and ClaudiaCardinale.

At thetime of his death, Di Palma was preparing to light up a series of concerts inRome's great Basilicas.

Di Palmaleaves a wife, Adriana Chiesa, the president of Rome-based film sales company AdrianaChiesa Enterprises.