Both Leica R lenses and cinema lenses are recognized for their sharpness and optical capabilities, making them valuable tools in filmmaking. Leica R lenses have gained considerable popularity, particularly when rehoused for cinema use. While Contax Zeiss lenses are also excellent, they are less frequently rehoused, possibly because Zeiss Superspeeds offer a more readily available and often more affordable alternative in the cinema lens market.
However, when considering Leica R lenses or other stills lenses modified for cinema, certain common issues arise. These typically include a lack of uniform maximum aperture across the lens set and a shorter focus throw compared to dedicated cinema lenses. The aperture issue becomes less relevant if you primarily shoot at f2.8 or narrower apertures. For the focus throw, utilizing a remote focus unit can significantly mitigate the problem. These systems allow focus scales to be expanded across the full 360º rotation of a focus wheel, providing finer control and precision.
If your preference leans towards a softer, lower contrast aesthetic, similar to what you might expect from Lomo lenses, exploring older, single-coated lenses could be beneficial. Lenses such as Nikon Autos or Super Takumars, if you can locate a set, offer this character. Canon FL and older FD lenses are also viable options, although you would need to ensure they have been converted to EF mounts for modern cinema cameras. Furthermore, a wide array of older Russian lenses in M42 mount are available, presenting diverse creative possibilities. While finding a perfectly matched set might be challenging, many of these lenses, including even the Helios 44-2, are capable of producing compelling visuals beyond just their known “swirly bokeh” effect.
It’s also worth simplifying the concept of “crop factors.” A 50mm lens remains a 50mm lens regardless of the sensor size. Instead of calculating crop factors, it is more practical to develop an intuitive understanding of how different focal lengths appear on a Super 35 sensor. This approach streamlines lens selection on set.
For those interested in exploring cine-modded vintage lenses, Old Fast Glass in Sun Valley is a resource worth noting. They offer cine-modified sets of Canon FD and Nikon Ai lenses, which are celebrated for their unique look and character, dating back to the mid-1970s to early 1980s. These lenses offer a blend of vintage aesthetics with modern cinema usability.
