Lens Rehousing  -  Frequently Asked Questions

Lens Rehousing  -  Frequently Asked Questions

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35mm Kowa R

  • Focal length: 35mm
  • T Stop: T2.9
  • Close focus: 11”
  • Weight: 2.02lbs/916g
  • Front diameter: 110mm

These vintage Kowa full framed lenses were originally designed as still photo lenses from the 1960’s – 1970’s, made for Kowa leaf shutter SLR cameras, extremely rare and unique.

The images produced are low contrast but have sharpness in the centre with fall off towards the edges of frame. Even though most focal lengths are not ‘fast’ compared to modern day optics, they produce amazing flares and really stand out when used to their potential on full frame sensors.

In the camera system, the iris control ring is built into the camera body rather than the lens making it impossible to easily modify the lenses for cine use. Therefore, the only option would be to fully rehouse these lenses and introduce a new iris assembly. This process will also bring them up-to-date and be adaptable to modern day cameras.

TLS replace the original irises with matte finished 16-blade irises to give a smooth, round bokeh even when the lenses are stopped down. The non-linear cam driven focus allows improved close focus on every focal length. The lenses feature 110mm fronts, nearly 300-degree focus rotation with zero image shift and zero backlash.

35mm Kowa R Specification

19mm 28mm 35mm 50mm 85mm 100mm 135mm
Mount PL PL PL PL PL PL PL
T-Stop T4 T3.6 T2.9 T1.9 T2.9 T3.6 T3.9
Format FF FF FF FF FF FF FF
Min. Object Distance typ. 12" 9" 11" 16" 2'3" 3' 3'9"
Front Diameter (mm) 110mm 110mm 110mm 110mm 110mm 110mm 110mm
Weight **(g) 1021g 934g 916g 907g 1216g 1261g 1415g
Weight **(lbs) 2.25lbs 2.06lbs 2.02lbs 2lbs 2.68lbs 2.78lbs 3.12lbs

* Total approximate length is measured from the flange to the front of lens
** Weight subject to change with further developments

'To inspire through innovation, passion and quality'
'To inspire through innovation, passion and quality'