The Super-16 Optar Illuminas:

Illumina lenses offer one of the most modern optical designs available for Super-16mm cinematography. They were the first set of lenses specifically designed for the Super-16 format. All the lenses in the set, even the 8mm cover the full Super-16 aperture with room to spare. The 8mm Optar in unique in being the fastest lens available in this focal length at T1.3.

 

We offer only brand new Illumina lenses, yet in many cases the pricing is lower than the cost of an equivalent used lens. This represents one of the best values in Super-16mm optics, even when compared with used lenses. With the cost-conscious nature of 16mm production being what it is, the cost of some of the equivalent lenses from other manufactures is exorbitant. The cost of a new set of five Zeiss Super Speed Mk. III Super-16mm lenses (no 8mm) is $28,700! We offer a set of six Illumina lenses for less than half that cost.

 

All the lenses in the set utilize the same modern mechanical construction. All six lenses have focus and iris gears and 80mm fronts for compatibility with ARRI accessories. All the lenses have large clearly marked focus markings that can be read from either side of the lens. All the lenses are available in ARRI Bayonet or PL mounts. Should you wish to switch mounts on your Optar lenses, from Bayonet to PL for example, we can quickly exchange the lens mounts for you.

 

Optical Performance and Color Rendition

We have compared the optical quality of these lenses against the latest and most expensive Super-16mm lenses available. In most cases, the equivalent lens from another manufacturer cost two to three times as much as the Optar lens. Yet the optical performance is so close that the differences can barley be seen on a precision lens projector.

 

Illumina lenses have been said to have a "warmer" color rendition than Zeiss lenses. In my experince this has not been the case. I find that the color rendition of the Illumina lenes is a close match to Zeiss super speed primes, and my prime lens set is a mix of the two manufacturers' lenses. I have successfully intercut between the two types of lenses on many projects without any noticable changes in color. The Zeiss lenses have a slightly higher contrast, due to the Superb Zeiss T* coating. This is a subtle difference that very few observers will notice.

Quality Control

Each Illumina lens sold by CinemaTechnic is individually checked on our precision optical collimator and lens projector. We check each lens for sharpness across the image plane and lack of image shift. We ensure that each lens is properly calibrated for perfect focus before shipping. With the purchase of any Optar lens from CinemaTechnic (even if you buy one prime only) we offer a free check of your camera's flange focal depth and ground glass depth. We do this to ensure that your camera's calibration is correct and that you will get perfect results once you receive and begin shooting with your new lenses.

 

Should you find any defect in your Illumina lens, or should your lens need service, CinemaTechnic can quickly resolve the problem. I have been trained in the proper service procedures by the manufacturer's representative, and have access to technical support.

 

Illumina lenses are manufactured at a precision optical factory near Moscow in the Russian Federation. Note that these are not the same lenses as the "Optar Elite" which are made in a different factory. Much has been made of quality control issues with Russian prime lenses, a lot of it due to confusion caused by very similar designs made by different factories. This is the same optical factory that made the famous spy satellite optics that could read a license plate from orbit. Needless to say, we cannot tell you exactly where the factory is located. For technical support, we deal exclusively with the official US Importer for this product.

 

CinemaTechnic offers special pricing on these lenses. We also offer a seven day evaluation period on all new lens purchases.