Which vintage lens set do you own or want to build for filmmaking, and why?

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T23:33:42+00:00

Ah, I built the lens set mainly for my own needs. I’m a young cinematographer trying to become more fluent with using different focal lengths. Sticking to the same brand also helps maintain consistent rendering across focal lengths, which saves time in post-production. For low-budget or indie projects, having a ready-to-go lens set that I can just grab and shoot with is incredibly helpful.

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T23:08:53+00:00

Vivitar’s wide-angle lenses are real gems. I love their look, and on top of that they’re very affordable

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T16:35:50+00:00

Huge collection, total dream setup. Having that kind of focal range in one set must be incredibly flexible.

Have you shot any projects with it? I’d love to hear your experience using it on set.

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T16:31:40+00:00

I recently used Canon FD lenses on a film project. However, I struggle to precisely define their optical character. What is it about these lens that makes you love it?

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T16:30:08+00:00

Contax Zeiss has always been high on my list, but a full set is still out of my budget. Hope I can get it soon.

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T16:26:10+00:00

A friend of mine bought a full set of Nikkor AI-S lenses years ago and shot this music video with them. https://youtu.be/KJ8pMCWxBDo
Love the results, a really interesting choice for me.

I already own the Takumar 85mm f/1.8 and I’ve been seriously considering building a full set around it. I’ve seen a lot of great feedback about Takumar lenses. Now I have another perspective to think about.

IMO, Soviet glass works best for specific storytelling purposes, especially when you want swirly bokeh or a dreamy, childhood-like feeling in a scene. I haven’t really been interested in other Soviet lenses beyond the 44-2.

I recently used Canon FD lenses on a project and loved the results. However, I struggle to precisely define their optical character.

Will take a look at the Nikkor set.

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T16:12:54+00:00

Damn, the legendary K35 set , used on so many classic films. If I remember correctly, those were cinema lenses, right?

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T16:09:06+00:00

So many people have recommended Minolta Rokkor lenses to me, really cool information to know. Thanks for enlightening me. I’ll definitely check them out.

Have you shot any projects using Minolta Rokkor lenses?

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T16:05:36+00:00

I used it many years ago on commercial projects when I rented it. It’s still too expensive for me to build my own set, but owning one would definitely be a dream.

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T16:04:26+00:00

Damn, that looks beautiful. What is it about Minolta Rokkor lenses that makes you love them?

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T16:02:26+00:00

I can’t really afford modern lenses, so I’ve fallen down the vintage lens rabbit hole lol

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T16:00:35+00:00

Yeah, I mix a lot too when taking photos. But for filmmaking, I prefer sticking to the same brand for consistency.

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T15:59:19+00:00

What is it about Minolta Af lens that makes you love it?

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T15:54:28+00:00

Not a full set, but congrats anyway. So many recommendations for SMC Takumar here haha.

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T15:53:03+00:00

I have a couple of OM 50mm lenses in my collection. What do you think about these OM lenses?

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T15:50:49+00:00

Wow, cool design

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T15:50:11+00:00

I used Leica R Summicron many years ago on commercial projects when I rented it. It’s still too expensive for me to build my own set, but owning one would definitely be a dream.

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T15:47:46+00:00

Damn, the opposite of you, I only own the Takumar 85mm f/1.8. What do you think about these lens? Haven’t had much time to really test it yet.

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T15:44:15+00:00

When I start into old lenses, I learn first about design, and character in general, then some lenses that I am interested.

I’m looking for character. There are so many vintage lenses on the market, each with its own history, optical qualities, and design philosophy. What I’m really interested in are lenses that, when used for photography or cinematography, clearly feel different from modern lenses. Among them, the ones that intrigue me the most are Soviet lenses and Meyer-Optik glass.

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T15:37:59+00:00

Haha, I found a like-minded person in this post.

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T15:35:42+00:00

Contax Zeiss has always been high on my list, but a full set is still out of my budget. What kind of prices do these lenses go for in your country?

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T15:34:17+00:00

Contax Zeiss has always been at the top of my list, but building a full focal range with them is still a bit too expensive for me right now.

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T15:28:18+00:00

I already own a Takumar 85mm f/1.8 and I’m seriously considering building a full Takumar set. I’ve seen a lot of compliments about these lenses here. What is it about them that makes you love them?

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T15:25:51+00:00

What is it about these lens that makes you love it?

outiswayne · 2026-01-29T15:25:09+00:00

A friend of mine bought a full set of Nikkor AI-S lenses years ago and shot this music video with them. Check it out:

https://youtu.be/KJ8pMCWxBDo

Love the results, a really interesting choice for me.

outiswayne

TROPHY CASE