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Kowa Vintage R
Kowa Vintage R
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- Kowa Vintage R 19mm T4.1
- Kowa Vintage R 28mm T3.6
- Kowa Vintage R 35mm T2.9
- Kowa Vintage R 50mm T1.9
- Kowa Vintage R 85mm T2.9
- Kowa Vintage R 100mm T3.6
- Kowa Vintage R 135mm T3.9
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Kowa Vintage R
Prime - Spherical - Full Frame
product details
Kowa Vintage R Spherical Primes are modern rehousings of classic Kowa SLR still photo lenses from the 1960s and โ70s. Painstakingly collected, tested, modified and optimized by master rehousers TLS, these lenses are reborn as gorgeous cinematic sets, unlike any other. They offer a practical, modernized option for filmmakers who want the nostalgia and softness of classic Kowas but with standardized, precise mechanics and adaptability to digital workflows. The look is described as โwell rounded โ just the right amount of barrel distortion, just the right amount of spherical aberration.โ Focal lengths available: 19mm T4, 28mm T3.6, 35mm T2.9, 50mm T1.9, 85mm T2.9, 100mm T3.6, and 135mm T3.9. 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 FallโOff / 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
T4.1
Spherical
Full Frame LF/VV
125 mm
PL
โ
12"
0.30 m
2.25 lbs
1.02 kg
โ
โ
16
48.2 mm
โ
โ
โ
โ
330ยฐ
T3.6
Spherical
Full Frame LF/VV
110 mm
PL
โ
9"
0.23 m
2.06 lbs
0.93 kg
โ
โ
16
49.5 mm
โ
โ
โ
โ
330ยฐ
T2.9
Spherical
Full Frame LF/VV
110 mm
PL
โ
11"
0.28 m
2.02 lbs
0.92 kg
โ
โ
16
54 mm
โ
โ
โ
โ
330ยฐ
T1.9
Spherical
Full Frame LF/VV
110 mm
PL
โ
16"
0.41 m
2.00 lbs
0.91 kg
โ
โ
16
51.5 mm
โ
โ
โ
โ
330ยฐ
T2.9
Spherical
Full Frame LF/VV
110 mm
PL
โ
2'3"
0.69 m
1.68 lbs
0.76 kg
โ
โ
16
55 mm
โ
โ
โ
โ
330ยฐ
T3.6
Spherical
Full Frame LF/VV
110 mm
PL
โ
3'
0.91 m
2.78 lbs
1.26 kg
โ
โ
16
45.1 mm
โ
โ
โ
โ
330ยฐ
T3.9
Spherical
Full Frame LF/VV
110 mm
PL
โ
3'9"
1.14 m
3.12 lbs
1.42 kg
โ
โ
16
38.5 mm
โ
โ
โ
โ
330ยฐ
Kowa Vintage R
Image Fidelity & Focus
Vintage R lenses preserve the warm colors, gentle sharpness, and expressive flare of the original Kowas. Contrast is lower than modern lenses, producing a gentler, more organic image. Edge sharpness is reduced, with smooth falloff that is more pronounced in the corners, isolating subjects beautifully. Chromatic aberrations are intentionally preserved, adding a nostalgic touch.
Handling & Adaptability
Robust, industry standard TLS rehousings give the Vintage R set modern cine mechanics: a 16-blade iris, PL mount, improved close focus on every focal length, uniform position of geared focus and iris gears, as well as a 330 degree focus throw with zero image shift and zero backlash. While heavier than the originals, the Vintage Rs remain manageable in size and weight compared to other vintage rehousings. They are adaptable across all major digital cinema cameras.
Flare & Bokeh
The flare is bold and colorful, producing incomparable purple and gold flares, as well as the signature veiling glow associated with Kowa glass โ adding atmosphere without overwhelming the image. Bokeh is natural and pleasing, oval and creamy, especially in the longer focal lengths.
Image Circle
Vintage R lenses cover Full Frame sensors.
Cinematic Heritage
The Vintage R line was introduced in the mid-2010s, during the boom in demand for vintage-style optics. Kowa partnered with TLS to reintroduce their lenses in more durable and practical cine housings. Vintage R lenses have found popularity in commercials, music videos, and narrative features.
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