This new series comprises rehoused and optically modified Tokina Vista prime lenses. The LVX series offers two variants: the already available V1 and the newly introduced V2. The V1 lenses are known for producing a moderate vintage effect, while the V2 lenses are designed to deliver a more pronounced vintage aesthetic, with about 30% more ‘vintage’ character compared to the V1.

Trend of Unique Lenses
In recent times, the market has seen a rise in uniquely designed lenses. Many are repurposed from existing stills optics, offering affordability and availability. Manufacturers like Sirui are creating lenses that produce a vintage look, including anamorphic and spherical lenses. Other notable manufacturers like Canon with its “Sumire” series, SIGMA’s Classic line in the Cine Art series, and Tokina’s Vista P line are also contributing to this trend. LVX’s approach involves rehousing Tokina Vista lenses and modifying their optical elements to achieve a distinct visual style.

Visual Characteristics of LVX Lenses
Describing the visual output of the LVX lenses can be challenging as it is subjective and not quantifiable through numerical values or standard test charts. However, sample footage provides insight into their characteristics. The V2 lenses, for instance, exhibit significant lens flares, a tendency towards warmer colors, and a very narrow depth of field, typical of a T/1.5 lens on a full-frame sensor like the RED V-Raptor. The V2’s design significantly differs from previous Tokina modifications, emphasizing a more vintage look.

Construction and Specifications
The LVX V2 lenses are based on the large Tokina Vista primes. They feature a chassis constructed from 7075 Aircraft aluminum with an industrial finish, promising durability while remaining lightweight. These cine lenses have a 300° long throw focus ring and an aligned aperture ring across all lens models, simplifying rig adjustments during lens changes. The lenses have a consistent front diameter of 114mm and include a support foot. They can cover a 46.7mm image circle, making them compatible with Full Frame, Vista Vision, LF cameras, among others. The series offers a range of focal lengths from 18mm to 180mm, all with a T/1.5 aperture, except for the 180mm at T/1.9.

Key Features of LVX V2 Lenses
The LVX V2 lenses are characterized by lower contrast, reduced sharpness, enhanced fall-off, an expanded range of colors in flaring, film-like blooming, and increased bokeh swirling. Customers can choose between two coating options: Standard Flare (SF) for moderate flaring and Full Flare (FF) for more pronounced and larger flares.

Background of LVX
LVX Badalamenti Cinema Optics was founded in 2023 by Giuseppe “Peppe” Badalamenti, an award-winning director and director of photography based in Guatemala. The name “LVX” is derived from the Latin word for light, symbolizing the company’s focus on creating high-end, rehoused, and optically-tuned lenses.

Target Audience
The LVX AURORA V2 lenses are tailored for a specific market segment, appealing to filmmakers seeking a unique visual style. Being high-end cine lenses, they are likely to be found in rental houses, offering filmmakers a choice for projects that require a nostalgic or experimental visual approach.

Comparative Alternatives
Other manufacturers also offer vintage-style lenses, which might be available at local rental houses. These include Tokina’s Vista P line, Canon’s Sumire series with lenses as fast as T/1.3, and SIGMA’s more affordable Classic Cine Art lineup. Each of these alternatives provides varying degrees of the vintage look, moving away from the sharp and clean imagery of modern lenses.

News source: https://lvxoptics.com/#