In a move that promises to blend vintage aesthetics with modern functionality, IronGlass, a Ukrainian lens rehousing company, has officially launched a “secret” project that offers a new lease of life to the Carl Zeiss Jena lenses.
The company is now accepting pre-orders for its innovative lens rehousing project, which aims to combine the classic optical characteristics of the Carl Zeiss Jena lenses with a robust, contemporary housing suitable for modern filmmaking.
IronGlass has carved a niche for itself by specializing in the rehousing of vintage Soviet lenses, including the renowned Helios 44-2 MKII. With this new project, the company is expanding its offerings to include the Carl Zeiss Jena series, providing a modern, durable housing that maintains the original, beloved optical properties of these lenses.
The rehousing project encompasses twelve Zeiss Jena MC lenses, including various models of Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon, Pancolar, Biometar, and Sonnar, each with its own unique optical characteristics. The rehousing process involves the incorporation of a new internal focusing system, iris/focus gears with a 300-degree focus ring rotation, a swappable and shimmable PL mount, and a 110mm outside diameter compatible with clip-on matte boxes.
One of the standout features of the IronGlass rehousing project is the inclusion of the “Helicam” internal focus system and a reverse direction of the focus scales. The external housing will feature appropriate focus and aperture rings plus 0.8 mod gears. The focus ring will have a rotation of 300 degrees, and the aperture ring will feature T-stop markings, available in either Metric or Imperial. Furthermore, the external front diameter will be standardized at 110mm, ensuring compatibility with clip-on matte boxes.
The lens mount will transition from an M42 to a choice of PL, LPL, Canon EF, or Canon RF mounts, crafted from stainless steel. Additionally, the rehousing includes a rounded 15-blade aperture mechanism and claims to enhance close focus distances.
IronGlass has set the rehousing price per lens at $2,750 and aims to have most lenses ready and shipped within 12 months. This initiative by IronGlass not only preserves the legacy of Carl Zeiss Jena lenses but also ensures their usability and relevance in the contemporary filmmaking landscape, providing cinematographers with tools that are both technically reliable and aesthetically distinctive.
