Iron Glass Adapters is offering a new service to rehouse the classic Zeiss Standard Speed lenses, originally introduced between 1964 and 1975.
These lenses, developed for Arriflex movie cameras, gained recognition for their consistent performance and reliability.
Lens Features and Specifications
The Zeiss Standard Speed lenses feature a fixed T2.1 aperture (with T2.2 for the Arriflex/MKI version) and come in focal lengths ranging from 10mm to 180mm. The lenses are known for their natural color reproduction, high sharpness, and low optical distortion. Additionally, they produce smooth bokeh, enhancing the focus on key subjects. The specifications include a front outer diameter of 95mm for lenses ranging from 16mm to 180mm and a Cam Internal Focus System with a PL mount.
Modern Enhancements
The rehousing process introduces new housing and mechanics, ensuring these lenses meet modern production demands. The Cam focusing system provides smoother and more precise focus control, allowing easy integration with contemporary follow focus systems and accessories, thereby improving the overall functionality and performance of the lenses. Despite these updates, the unique optical characteristics of the lenses are preserved.
Notable Film Usage
Zeiss Standard Speed lenses have been used in various notable films, including:
- “The French Connection” (1971) – Directed by William Friedkin
- “Cross of Iron” (1977) – Directed by Sam Peckinpah
- “The Abyss” (1989) – Directed by James Cameron
- “Schindler’s List” (1993) – Directed by Steven Spielberg
- “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994) – Directed by Frank Darabont
- “Fargo” (1996) – Directed by Ethan and Joel Coen
- “The Fifth Element” (1997) – Directed by Luc Besson
- “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” (1998) – Directed by Terry Gilliam
- “A Beautiful Mind” (2001) – Directed by Ron Howard
- “Steve Jobs” (2015) – Directed by Danny Boyle
Pricing and Availability
Iron Glass Adapters has announced special pricing for early-bird pre-orders. Customers must supply their own lenses, as the quoted prices apply to the rehousing service only.
- Wave 1 (Delivery in Q4 2025): Focal lengths 16/24/32/40/50/50/85/135 – $3,500 USD per lens
- Wave 2 (Delivery in Q4 2026): Focal lengths 10/12/14/20/28/60/100/180 – $4,000 USD per lens
Special Early-Bird Prices:
- 25% deposit: $3,400 USD per lens
- 50% deposit: $3,250 USD per lens
- 100% deposit: $3,000 USD per lens
The early-bird offer is valid until September 30, 2024, or until the first 20 orders are received, whichever comes first.
About Iron Glass
Iron Glass Adapters is a company based in Ukraine, specializing in the rehousing and modification of vintage Soviet-era lenses for modern cinema use. The company is known for taking classic lenses and giving them a complete cine conversion, making them compatible with contemporary filmmaking equipment. Their work involves adding features such as integrated follow focus gears, improved lens bodies, and standardized mounts like PL or EF.
News source: Iron Glass
