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TLS Zeiss B Speed
TLS Zeiss B Speed
- TLS Zeiss B Speed 18mm T1.4
- TLS Zeiss B Speed 25mm T1.4
- TLS Zeiss B Speed 35mm T1.4
- TLS Zeiss B Speed 50mm T1.4
- TLS Zeiss B Speed 85mm T1.4
TLS Zeiss B Speed
Prime - Spherical - Super 35
product details
Zeiss B Speed primes, known for their expressive imperfections and classic rendering, are among the most beloved vintage cinema lenses. Originally released in the 1960s and ‘70s, B Speeds were the first generation of the now-legendary Super Speed line, made with now-prohibited “rare earth element” glass. TLS rehousing modernizes them with cine-standard mechanics while retaining their unique image qualities. Multiple looks are possible with the same set – varying the stop changes the character. Shooting wide open results in a flattering look with gently glowing highlights; stopped down, the look is sharper and contrastier. The set includes 18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm focal lengths, all with fast apertures of T1.4. Their speed makes them perfect for low-light or dramatic situations where their cherished imperfections enhance the narrative. Zeiss B Speeds are available to rent or sub-rent from Cine Visuals in full sets, partial sets, or as single lenses.
| Set Includes |
18mm – 85mm (5 Lenses)
|
| Type | - |
| Format | - |
| Lens Mount | - |
| Iris Blades | - |
| Metadata | - |
| Per Focal Length | |
| Focal Length | - |
| T-Stop | - |
| Close Focus | - |
| Front Diameter | - |
| Weight | - |
| Length | - |
| 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 the Technical Specifications table
Image Fidelity & Focus
B Speeds deliver images with an analog feel – rendering slightly softer, with lower contrast than later Zeiss designs, as well as gentle micro-contrast and warm, flattering color rendition. Breathing is minimal, and sharpness is moderate, with a soft glow wide open that resolves into pleasing clarity when stopped down. Focus falloff is smooth and natural, giving depth and dimension. Chromatic aberration is visible, particularly in highlights, but is embraced as part of their character, as are characteristic veiling glare and edge softness, which produce a romantic, atmospheric quality.
Handling & Adaptability
Ergonomically, TLS rehousings solve quirks of original housings and provide robust mechanics: uniform front diameters, long focus throws, and geared rings. Weight and size are manageable, making them suitable for handheld and Steadicam work.
Flare & Bokeh
Flares are expressive, often producing colorful veiling and streaks across the frame. Bokeh is creamy with occasional vintage swirl. The lens is commonly known for its famous “triangle iris”, which gives a unique rounded triangular shape to out of focus background highlights. A famous example of this can be seen in many of the cab driving scenes in Taxi Driver.
Image Circle
B Speeds cover the Super 35 image circle (~31mm), making them ideal for film-era cameras and modern S35 digital systems.
Cinematic Heritage
Historically, B Speeds filled the gap between early Standard Speeds and the later Super Speeds, making Zeiss a go-to lens maker in the 1970s. Their place in cinema history is tied to New Hollywood and European auteurs, where slightly softer rendering suited the gritty aesthetic of the time. Productions such as Barry Lyndon (directed by Stanley Kubrick and shot by John Alcott, BSC) as well as many European art films favored their warmth and atmospheric flares.
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
T1.4
Spherical
Super 35
95 mm
PL
–
10"
0.25 m
3.50 lbs
1.59 kg
3.74"
95 mm
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
T1.4
Spherical
Super 35
95 mm
PL
–
10"
0.25 m
2.50 lbs
1.13 kg
2.95"
75 mm
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
T1.4
Spherical
Super 35
95 mm
PL
–
14"
0.36 m
2.50 lbs
1.13 kg
2.95"
75 mm
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
T1.4
Spherical
Super 35
95 mm
PL
–
2'
0.61 m
2.00 lbs
0.91 kg
2.95"
75 mm
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
T1.4
Spherical
Super 35
95 mm
PL
–
3'
0.91 m
2.50 lbs
1.13 kg
2.95"
75 mm
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
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