Optex Anamorphic: A front-mounted anamorphic adapter for spherical lenses that produces the characteristic lens flares and 2.35:1 CinemaScope format.
Technical Details
Optex Anamorphics operate with a system of cylindrical lenses that refract incoming light only in the horizontal direction. The standard compression is 2:1, which transforms a 4:3 aspect ratio into a 2.35:1 Cinemascope format. The lenses feature focal lengths between 40mm and 200mm and achieve apertures from T2.8 to T4. The optical design is based on four to six lens elements in an asymmetrical arrangement, with the characteristic oval bokeh circles and horizontal lens flares resulting from the cylindrical light refraction.
History & Development
Optex introduced its first Anamorphic lenses in 1963, in response to the demand for more affordable alternatives to French Hypergonar systems. The Munich-based company originally developed the system for German productions that wanted to capitalize on the Cinemascope boom. In 1967, Optex expanded the series with tele-anamorphic lenses up to 200mm focal length. After being acquired by Panavision in 1971, production ceased, but the existing lenses continued to be used in European productions until the 1980s.
Practical Use in Film
Edgar Reitz used Optex Anamorphics for parts of his "Heimat" trilogy to emphasize the landscape shots in the Hunsrück region. The lenses were preferably used in German crime films of the 1970s, as they offered an inexpensive way to realize the popular widescreen format. The characteristic look is evident in softer contrasts compared to modern anamorphic systems and pronounced breathing effects during focus pulls. The horizontal flares intensify particularly in night shots with point light sources.
Comparison & Alternatives
Optex Anamorphics differ from Panavision systems in their more compact construction and lower light transmission. While modern anamorphic systems like Hawk V-Lite or Cooke Anamorphic offer sharper imaging performance, the Optex lenses produce a distinctive vintage look with characteristic edge softness. As an alternative to the rare originals, today's productions often use recreations from Bausch & Lomb or SLR Magic, which emulate the Optex look while offering modern coatings and better flare suppression.