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lens:ancientopticskowaff19mmt4

Ancient Optics Kowa FF 19mm T4

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Summary

These vintage Kowa FF lenses are extremely rare and unique…Not to be confused with their S35 Cine Prominar cousins. Although, they seem to share the same Kowa magic. Originally made for an unreliable leaf shutter SLR from 1968-1974, these Kowa lenses hid in the shadows for decades. An odd decision to build the iris ring into the camera body made them extremely difficult to adapt to digital cameras. A full rehouse was the only option, so we accepted the challenge. This glass has a lovely gold and purple flare. They are all sharp in the center with a gentle focus fall off to the corners. Bokeh is soft, pleasant, and circular at all stops thanks to the 14 blade iris. The brilliant engineers at TLS also improved the minimum close focus distance on every focal length. Each lens from 19mm to 200mm safely covers ARRI Alexa LF open gate sensors without vignette. The lenses have rock solid TLS cam systems, 110mm fronts, 300 degree focus rotation, and standard 0.8 focus and iris gears.

Tech Specs

Manufacturer Ancient Optics
Series Prime
Model Kowa FF
Focal Length 19mm
Max Aperture f/4
Min Aperture -
Format -
Image Circle Full Frame
Minimum Focus 12in
Focus Rotation 300°
Iris Blades 14
Optical Design -
Squeeze -
Front Diameter 110mm
Filter Thread -
Focus/Zoom Rod -
Native Mount PL
Data Protocol -
Length -
Weight 2.25lbs
Body Telescope -
Body Material -
Focus Drive Manual
Iris Drive Manual
Zoom Drive n/a

History

Country of Origin: -
Release Date: -
Launch Price: -
Design Revisions:

Service

Notes

Media

lens/ancientopticskowaff19mmt4 [.txt] · Last modified: 2025-08-27 / 12:57:57 pm PDT by J