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Kowa Prominar Spherical

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Kowa Prominar 15mm T4.0
Kowa Prominar 20mm T2.6
Kowa Prominar 25mm T2.3
Kowa Prominar 32mm T2.4
Kowa Prominar 40mm T2.5
Kowa Prominar 50mm T2.6
Kowa Prominar 75mm T2.7
Kowa Prominar 100mm T2.6

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Kowa Prominar Spherical

Prime - Spherical - Super 35

product details

The spherical Kowa Prominar primes combine a small, lightweight form factor with a warm, flattering image. Originally used in broadcast and low-budget productions, they have been rediscovered by cinematographers preferring for warmth and character over technical perfection. The Kowa Prominar spherical primes were produced in the same era as their anamorphic siblings and were designed to give Japanese filmmakers a reliable, portable and affordable alternative to Western primes. These lenses match well with Vintage Cooke zooms or Canon K35s. Available focal lengths: 15mm T4, 20mm T2.6, 25mm T2.3, 32mm T2.4, 50mm T2.6, 75mm T2.7, and 100mm T2.6. Kowa Cine Prominar Spherical full sets, partial sets, or single lenses are available for rental or sub-rental at Cine Visuals.

Focal Length
T-Stop
Type
Format
Front Diameter
Lens Mount
Metadata
Iris Blades
Image Circle

Era / Generation
Contrast & Tonal Character
Sharpness & Resolution
Focus Fall‑Off / Transition
Iris & Bokeh Quality
Flare & Highlight Behavior
Handling & Ergonomics
Build & Modifications
Cinematic Heritage & Credits

*Refer to Technical Specifications table. Not the same for all focal lengths.

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Technical Specs Table

T-Stop

Type

Format

Front Diameter

Lens Mount

Metadata

Close Focus (ft)

Close Focus (m)

Weight (lbs)

Weight (kg)

Length (in)

Length (mm)

Iris Blades

Image Circle

Front Filter

Rear Filter

Horizontal Angle of View (Full Frame)

Horizontal Angle of View (S35)

Focus Rotation

T4.0

Spherical

Super 35

125 mm

–

0.18 m

1.80 lbs

0.82 kg

2.20"

55.88 mm

–

T2.6

Spherical

Super 35

110 mm

–

10"

0.25 m

3.20 lbs

1.45 kg

4.25"

107.95 mm

–

T2.3

Spherical

Super 35

110 mm

–

11"

0.28 m

4.20 lbs

1.91 kg

5.50"

139.70 mm

–

T2.4

Spherical

Super 35

110 mm

–

10"

0.25 m

2.00 lbs

0.91 kg

2.70"

68.58 mm

–

T2.5

Spherical

Super 35

110 mm

–

13"

0.33 m

2.00 lbs

0.91 kg

2.70"

68.58 mm

–

T2.6

Spherical

Super 35

110 mm

–

19"

0.48 m

2.00 lbs

0.91 kg

2.70"

68.58 mm

–

T2.7

Spherical

Super 35

110 mm

–

2'4"

0.71 m

3.60 lbs

1.63 kg

3.50"

88.90 mm

–

T2.6

Spherical

Super 35

110 mm

–

3'3"

0.99 m

3.80 lbs

1.72 kg

5.00"

127.00 mm

–

Kowa Prominar Spherical

Image Fidelity & Focus

Kowa Prominar spherical primes are known for their warm color rendition, smooth, moderate contrast, and pleasing tonal roll-off that feels distinctly vintage. In the frame, subjects are highlighted with sharp centers and natural vignetting, as well as by a distinctive drop-off in both resolution and contrast. Focus falloff is gentle, producing further subject separation. Chromatic aberration and edge softness are present wide open, but contribute to the charm. Overall, these lenses create a distinctly vintage aesthetic that softens digital images.

Handling & Adaptability

Practical, portable, compact and lightweight, Prominar spherical primes are easy to handle and well-suited for handheld or gimbal work. Modern rehousings provide cine-standard mechanics, PL mounts, and reinforced housings, making them reliable on professional sets. Their adaptability is part of their appeal, allowing filmmakers to combine vintage aesthetics with modern reliability.

Flare & Bokeh

An extinct and impossible-to-reproduce single layer gold coating produces unique, colorful and expressive flaring, with warm golden and amber streaks, purple horizontals, and veiling glow. Bokeh is creamy, with round highlights and a subtle swirl in certain focal lengths.

Image Circle

Kowa Prominar spherical primes cover Super 35 sensors.

Cinematic Heritage

Spherical Prominars were developed by Kowa in the 1960s, aimed at filmmakers seeking affordable but capable optics, and rediscovered by contemporary filmmakers in the 2010. The results can be seen, for example, on “Arrival,” “Straight Outta Compton” and “Jason Bourne.”