Not to be confused with Kowa Prominar, the Vintage R is a set of TLS rehoused still photo lenses from the 1960s-1970s made for Kowa SLR cameras. These lenses now offer a 16-blade iris, PL mount, improved close focus on every focal length, uniform position of focus and iris gears, as well as a 330 degree focus throw with zero image shift and zero backlash. 

These lenses have been tirelessly collected, tested, and modified to create gorgeous cinematic sets. With every lens optimized, and the 19mm’s needing painstakingly replaced internal elements, these lenses have had no expense spared, preparing them for the rigors and challenge of modern sets. Combine these well tided over optics with industry leaders in mechanics, and the results is a phenomenal lens unlike any other. With the look being described as “well rounded – just the right amount of barrel distortion, just the right amount of spherical aberration. The Kowa spell is cast with low contrast, sharp falloff in the corners, and incomparable purple and gold lens flares”, it’s hard to see why these lenses were not rehoused sooner. Rent the Kowa Vintage R’s as full or partial sets from Cine Visuals.