Rehousing of camera lenses into specialized cine housings — enables accessory mounting, focus gear integration, and mechanical adaptation for high-end productions. Standard for anamorphics and high-res digital glass.
Definition
P+S Technik Rehousing converts vintage lenses – particularly classic anamorphic and prime lenses from various decades – into modern professional cine mount systems. The optical characteristics of the original glass are preserved, while the mechanical construction is modernized.
The process includes:
- Disassembly of the vintage lens
- Inspection and, if necessary, restoration of optical elements
- Fabrication of modern mechanics with standardization
- Integration of professional focus and iris gear rings
- Calibration and optical measurement
- Mounting into a modern, chosen mount (PL, EF, Sony E, etc.)
Technical Details of the Rehousing Process
Optical Analysis: Each lens is optically measured to document its specific characteristics.
Restoration: Worn or damaged optical surfaces are cleaned with extreme care and, if necessary, recoated.
Mechanical Redesign: A new mechanical housing is handcrafted, precisely positioning the optical elements.
Standard Integration: Installation of standardized focus and iris gear rings (MOD 0.8) for professional follow focus systems.
Mounting: Integration into a desired modern mount (PL, EF, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, etc.).
Calibration: Precise focus calibration and optical measurement ensure the lens meets professional standards.
Applications
P+S Technik Rehousing is used for:
- Classic Anamorphics (Isco, Cooke, Zeiss Anamorphics from the 1970s-80s)
- Rare, high-quality primes from past decades
- Specialized vintage lenses with characteristic looks
- Exotic or unique optical solutions
- Lenses with specific optical properties required by the filmmaker
Special Features
Preservation of Optical Soul: Unlike mere mechanical conversions, the optical characteristics of the original glass are fully retained.
Customization: Each rehousing is unique, tailored to the specific requirements of the filmmaker.
Professional Standards: Rehoused lenses meet modern production standards with standardized gear rings and mounts.
Traceability: P+S Technik meticulously documents each rehousing process, making the optical characteristics transparent.
Serviceability: Rehoused lenses can be returned to P+S Technik for maintenance or adjustments if needed.
Typical Look and Characteristics
P+S Technik rehoused lenses produce a distinctly different look compared to modern cine primes:
Soft Bokeh: Vintage glass often creates soft, round bokeh with elegant transitions into blur.
Subtle Aberrations: Slight chromatic aberrations or color shifts provide an "organic" appearance.
Distortion: Many vintage lenses exhibit subtle distortions that lend character to the image.
Flare Susceptibility: Classic lenses often display characteristic lens flares when backlit.
Reduced Sharpness: The look is intentionally "softer" and less high-frequency than modern lenses – "filmic" rather than "clinical."
Examples of Characteristic Rehousing Candidates
- Classic Anamorphics: Isco Anamorphic Series, old Cooke Anamorphics, Zeiss Cintar
- Rare Primes: Contax/Zeiss lenses from video technology, old Kodak Cine-Lenses
- Specialty Lenses: Periscope lenses, special focal lengths, optical experiments
Cost Aspects
P+S Technik Rehousing is investment-intensive but significantly more affordable than new high-end cine lenses. Costs vary depending on the complexity and condition of the original glass. For specific optical looks, rehousing costs a fraction of new cine lenses.
Comparison: Rehousing vs. New Purchase
A rehoused vintage anamorphic lens can be on par with a new cine anamorphic lens in terms of optics and character, but at a fraction of the cost. The disadvantages are longer delivery times and custom manufacturing. New high-end lenses, however, offer guaranteed consistency and complete documentation.