Iscorama anamorphic front element with 42mm diameter — popular mid-range adapter for mounting standard photo lenses on film cameras.
Technical Details
The Iscorama 42 operates with a dual-prism system and features integrated focusing with a close focus range from 2 meters to infinity. The optics compress the image horizontally by a factor of 1.33, resulting in an aspect ratio of 2.39:1 after de-squeezing in post-production. The lens has multi-layer coating and works optimally with prime lenses between 50mm and 85mm focal length. The front thread diameter is 58mm, and the aperture scale of the used prime lens remains fully functional.
History & Development
ISCO Optic developed the Iscorama 42 in the 1960s, initially for 16mm film productions and projectors. Production ran until the early 1980s, with various versions being produced, including the rare Iscorama 54 with a larger front thread. After production ceased, the Iscorama 42 became a cult item among filmmakers, especially after 2008 when DSLR videography became popular. Today, units fetch prices between 3,000 and 8,000 Euros on the used market.
Practical Use in Film
The Iscorama 42 produces the characteristic horizontal lens flares and oval bokeh of anamorphic optics. Indie directors like Shane Carruth used it for low-budget productions to achieve the Cinemascope look. The workflow requires horizontal de-squeezing by 133% in post-production. Advantages include its compact design and the ability to use standard photo lenses. Disadvantages are its limited light transmission, as the front attachment lens costs about one stop of light, and the complex focusing via two separate rings.
Comparison & Alternatives
Unlike modern anamorphic lenses such as the Cooke Anamorphic/i or Zeiss CZ.2, the Iscorama 42 functions as an adapter in front of a spherical prime lens. More affordable alternatives include the Rectilux CoreDNA (1,200 Euros) or SLR Magic Anamorphot (800 Euros), which, however, offer less optical quality. Professional alternatives like Hawk V-Lite or Atlas Orion cost 10-20 times as much, but provide consistent aperture values and better sharpness performance. The Iscorama 42 remains the first choice for filmmakers who want to achieve an authentic vintage anamorphic look on a limited budget.