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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
Kowa Prominar Anamorphic
Prime - 2x Anamorphic - Super 35
product details
Kowa Prominar 2x anamorphics are prized vintage Japanese lenses from the 1960s and โ70s, 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.
- 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
| Set Includes |
32mm โ 100mm (5 Lenses)
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| Front Diameter | - |
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| Sharpness & Resolution | |
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| Iris & Bokeh Quality | |
| Flare & Highlight Behavior | |
| Handling & Ergonomics | |
| Build & Modifications | |
| Cinematic Heritage & Credits |
*Refer to the Technical Specifications table
Blogs
About the Kowa Prominar Anamorphic Cinema Lenses
Kowa Prominar 2x anamorphics are compact vintage lenses known for their expressive, imperfect rendering and distinctive anamorphic character. They produce moderate sharpness with noticeable edge softness, pronounced focus falloff, and visible aberrations that give images texture and a romantic, impressionistic quality.
Their 2x squeeze delivers classic oval bokeh and strong horizontal flares, often with colorful streaking that enhances stylized visuals. Despite their age, rehousing allows for reliable mechanics while preserving their original optical traits. With a lightweight form factor and a core set from 40mm to 100mm, they are frequently chosen for productions looking for a smaller anamorphic option with bold personality rather than modern precision.
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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 โA Star is Born,โ โFirst Manโ and โMoonlight.โ
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
PL
โ
3'
0.91 m
3.00 lbs
1.36 kg
7.50"
190.50 mm
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โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
T2.3
Anamorphic
Super 35
80 mm
PL
โ
3'
0.91 m
2.50 lbs
1.13 kg
3.38"
85.85 mm
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
T2.3
Anamorphic
Super 35
80 mm
PL
โ
3'
0.91 m
2.00 lbs
0.91 kg
3.93"
99.82 mm
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
T2.5
Anamorphic
Super 35
80 mm
PL
โ
3'
0.91 m
2.00 lbs
0.91 kg
5.07"
128.78 mm
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
T3.4
Anamorphic
Super 35
80 mm
PL
โ
5'
1.52 m
3.00 lbs
1.36 kg
6.29"
159.77 mm
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โ
โ
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