Ahead of IBC 2016, Cooke Optics has announced updated versions of its vintage Speed Panchro Cine Lenses—or, as one of our contributors Charles Haine puts it, "cinematographer Gordon Willis's favorite lenses." Developed by Horace W. Lee back in the 1920s, the original Panchro used apertures as wide as F-2.0 and chromatically enhanced the image when lighting conditions were not ideal.
The new Panchro Classics will use the original design with updated housing and a fresh optical formula to create the classic look.
According to Cooke, by 1955, nearly every 35mm camera in use throughout the world was either equipped with a Panchro, Speed Panchro, or Super Speed Panchro lens. Now, with the demand of cinematographers seeking a more analog look, the new Panchro Classics will use the original design with updated housing and a fresh optical formula to create the classic look.
As mentioned above, they will be designed with F-stops rather than T-stops, with maximum apertures varying according to each lens.
Credit: Cooke Optics
Cooke has yet to provide pricing, but a good guess might put them around the mini S4/i—perhaps out of reach for indie shooters and more in the rental-only domain. Be sure to check back for future updates.
