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Kowa Prominar Anamorphic

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Kowa Prominar Anamorphic 32mm T2.3
Kowa Prominar Anamorphic 40mm T2.3
Kowa Prominar Anamorphic 50mm T2.3
Kowa Prominar Anamorphic 75mm T2.5
Kowa Prominar Anamorphic 100mm T3.4

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Kowa Prominar Anamorphic

Prime - 2x Anamorphic - Super 35

product details

Kowa Prominar 2x anamorphics are prized vintage Japanese lenses from the 1960s and ‘70s, beloved for quirky yet beautiful character and known for compactness and expressive rendering. These lenses remain popular for stylized narrative films, commercials, and music videos seeking cinematic scope, vintage imperfection and unique character. They are available in four focal lengths: 40mm T2.3, 50mm T2.3, 75mm T2.5, and 100mm T3.4, along with a 32mm wide angle attachment, and pair well with Hawk V-Lites or Spherical Kowa Prominars to match the characteristics and expand the set. Alternately, these anamorphics offer a lighter lens option to a larger anamorphic set. 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

T2.3

Anamorphic

Super 35

114 mm

–

0.91 m

3.00 lbs

1.36 kg

7.50"

190.50 mm

–

T2.3

Anamorphic

Super 35

80 mm

–

0.91 m

2.50 lbs

1.13 kg

3.38"

85.85 mm

–

T2.3

Anamorphic

Super 35

80 mm

–

0.91 m

2.00 lbs

0.91 kg

3.93"

99.82 mm

–

T2.5

Anamorphic

Super 35

80 mm

–

0.91 m

2.00 lbs

0.91 kg

5.07"

128.78 mm

–

T3.4

Anamorphic

Super 35

80 mm

–

1.52 m

3.00 lbs

1.36 kg

6.29"

159.77 mm

–

Kowa Prominar Anamorphic

Image Fidelity & Focus

Kowa Prominars are celebrated for their unique look. They deliver moderate sharpness with distinctive softness at the edges, producing a dreamlike effect. Focus falloff is pronounced, and aberrations are visible, giving pictures texture and life. Wide open, images glow with softness, sharpening when stopped down. The overall rendering is romantic and impressionistic, very distinct from the clinical precision of modern anamorphics.

Handling & Adaptability

These lenses are small and lightweight compared to other anamorphics, making them popular for handheld, gimbal, drone and Steadicam use. Modern rehousings apply PL mounts, consistent mechanics, and standardized fronts, though their glass retains the quirks of the originals. They adapt well to both film and digital cameras.

Flare & Bokeh

Flares are bold and colorful, often streaking horizontally across the frame in blue or amber hues. The 2x squeeze produces classic oval bokeh, elongating highlights and enhancing the anamorphic feel.

Image Circle

Kowa Prominar 2x anamorphics are designed for Super 35 coverage.

Cinematic Heritage

Kowa, a Japanese optics company, introduced the Prominar anamorphics in the 1960s as a cost-effective alternative to expensive Hollywood glass. Their compactness made them particularly appealing in Asia and Europe. Rediscovered decades later, they became cult favorites among indie filmmakers and boutique rental houses, and are considered a more nostalgic alternative. Used by legendary cinematographers on films like “A Star is Born,” “First Man” and “Moonlight.”