LVX Badalamenti Cinema Optics, a company with Italian and Latin American roots, has introduced a more affordable version of their LVX AURORA cine prime lenses.
Known as the LVX AURORA LT, this new set maintains the original housing of Tokina Vista lenses, differing from the higher-priced AURORA versions which come with custom rehousing. The goal of the AURORA series is to modify the Tokina Vista cine primes, originally launched in 2019, to offer a unique vintage appearance.
Key Differences and Design
The primary distinction between the standard LVX AURORA lenses and the LT version is the housing. The LT models retain the original Tokina Vista housing, adding only minor aesthetic modifications such as a matte grey finish and the LVX logo. This approach allows the AURORA LT lenses to be offered at a lower cost, with prices for modifications ranging from $4,500 to $5,500 per lens.
Optical Features and Variations
Despite using the original housing, the LVX AURORA LT lenses undergo optical modifications to achieve the distinctive AURORA look, available in two versions: V1 and V2. The V1 version provides a moderate vintage feel with softer skin tones and mild bokeh effects, while the V2 version amplifies these vintage characteristics, introducing a dreamy bokeh and enhanced flaring for a more pronounced vintage effect. LVX claims that the V2 version exhibits about 30% more of a vintage character compared to V1, without compromising on sharpness or resolution.
Customization and Pricing
The AURORA LT lenses offer customization options, including standard and full flare effects, with the possibility of special orders for unique flare requirements. These options, along with the decision between the V1 and V2 optical treatments, influence the final price of each lens conversion.
The LVX AURORA LT cine prime lenses present a cost-effective solution for filmmakers seeking the distinct vintage aesthetic of the AURORA series without the higher expense associated with the original models. By utilizing the Tokina Vista’s original housing and offering various optical modifications, LVX provides both versatility and affordability to their customers.
News source: https://lvxoptics.com/
