Renowned cinematographer Greig Fraser, known for his work on major films such as “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”, “The Batman”, “The Creator”, and “Dune” (2021), has once again made headlines by incorporating vintage lenses into his cinematic repertoire.
IronGlass, a company specializing in rehousing vintage lenses, announced on March 5th via Instagram that their lenses were utilized in the production of “Dune: Part Two”. This revelation came shortly after Fraser discussed the use of re-housed Soviet-era lenses from IronGlass in an interview with ARRI Rental.
The Appeal of Vintage Glass
The use of vintage lenses, such as those provided by IronGlass, has gained popularity for their distinctive visual characteristics, including unique vignetting and bokeh effects. These lenses often produce images that modern lenses cannot replicate, owing to their imperfections and the distinct visual quality they impart to the footage. The appeal lies in the texture and atmosphere these lenses add to the visual narrative, qualities often described as less “clinical” than their modern counterparts.
The Niche Market of Rehousing Lenses
The process of rehousing involves updating vintage lenses to fit modern camera bodies and updating obsolete lens mounts, thus making vintage glass more accessible and convenient for contemporary filmmaking. Greig Fraser highlighted the unique images created by using full-frame lenses on an ARRI 65mm sensor, taking advantage of the lens characteristics not typically in view. This technique allows for the retention of the lens’s unique texture while cropping out unwanted peripheral artifacts.
Accessibility for Filmmakers
Accessibility for FilmmakersFraser’s adoption of IronGlass rehoused lenses in blockbuster films like “The Batman” signifies the accessibility and appeal of vintage lenses across various filmmaking budgets. With options ranging from affordable vintage lenses found on platforms like eBay, such as the Helios 44-2, to more sophisticated rehoused versions from resellers like IronGlass, filmmakers at different financial levels have the opportunity to experiment with unique visual styles. This trend underscores the growing interest in blending old and new technologies to achieve innovative cinematic visuals.
News source: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4JeXJDtg2T/?img_index=3
