Nowadays, it’s difficult to find a modern anamorphic cinema lens with vintage sensibilities.

TECHNOVISION lenses have been used since the 1970s on classics like Apocalypse Now and The Last Emperor. P+S Technik has given their legendary anamorphics a recent update with the new TECHNOVISION 1.5x FF prime.

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Recapturing Anamorphic Magic in Full Frame

The TECHNOVISION lenses were designed to recapture the classic look of TECHNOVISION anamorphics with modern stylings. This includes the anamorphic flares that shooters are always chasing, but with the high contrast of modern day filmmaking; plus other vintage characteristics, like dreamy chromatic aberration and unique bokeh. The TECHNOVISION lenses also have the technical capabilities of 2020-era cinema equipment, such as its impressive T-stop of T2.2, durable housing, and PL mount system.

PS Technik's throwback glass has a squeeze factor of 1.5x, allowing the lens to shoot anamorphic widescreen on any camera body with a compatible mount. The TECHNOVISION anamorphic primes are scalable on image sensors from S35 to full-format, going all the way up to 70mm scope formats. P+S Technik delivered the prime series in five focal lengths for consumers: 40mm, 50mm, 75mm, 100mm, and 135mm.

Bokeh Rentals was lucky enough to shoot TECHNOVISION tests in its Los Angeles facility.

Check out our test on the 40mm T2.8 below. View our TECHNOVISION 40mm T2.2, 75mm T2.8, and 100mm T2.8 tests on the Bokeh Rentals Vimeo.

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Lens Flare & Bokeh

The TECHNOVISION 1,5x anamorphic design takes pride in its stylish flares. During our test, we shone a flashlight towards the sensor to see a sleek blue-white streak extend across the frame. In addition to the anamorphic streak, the flare contains beautiful blue artifacts when sources point directly at the sensor. The high contrast flare has a uniquely anamorphic look, which feels motivated by the lens’ appeal to the days of vintage anamorphics; opposed to some artificial flares of modern anamorphics.

In addition to lens flares, the TECHNOVISION anamorphic primes also produce stunning bokeh. The highlights are retained in a manner only possible with modern cinema gear.

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Vintage Characteristics

The TECHNOVISION Anamorphics are a unique cohesion of modern and vintage sensibilities. As we found in our 40mm Anamorphics test, the TECHNOVISION primes has noticeably more noise and aberration than other newer lenses. Although noise generated from low-light conditions are unsightly, the TECHNOVISION’s subtle noise production compliments its vintage look and flies in the face of the sterile, ultra-clean look of some digital cinema equipment.

The lenses’ 1.5x squeeze factor accentuates the vintage half of the TECHNOVISION 1.5x anamorphics. Although the 1.5x squeeze factor contains more horizontal information to the image than a spherical lens, it has an organic feel compared to other anamorphic lenses like the Xelmus Apollo 2x Anamorphic, which touts a more stretched image. The squeeze factor is made possible by the lens design which keeps the anamorphic elements housed in the front of the lens.

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The Bottom Line

Overall, these anamorphics are an excellent cross between vintage and modern filmmaking. Different cinematographers chase different expressions of anamorphic, but the vision offered by the TECHNOVISION 1.5x FF lenses is rich with nuance and devoid of any gimmicks.

The P+S Technik TECHNOVISION Anamorphic 1.5x FF Primes can be purchased outright for about $25,000. Alternatively, they can be rented at much lower rates from professional rental houses. Bokeh Rentals carries a TECHNOVISION package containing the 40mm, 50mm, 75mm, 100mm and 135mm lenses.

• Check out the Full Lens Tests on Bokeh Rental's Vimeo.
• Join the conversation on Bokeh Rental's Instagram.

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Considering renting? Why not check out Bokeh Rentals’ TECHNOVISION Anamorphic Prime packages!

•Rent the PS Technik TECHNOVISION Anamorphic 1.5x FF Lenses at Bokeh Rentals

Contact us to customize a package to suit your production needs at low prices!