Vintage Prime
Ancient Optics / Zero Optik
Tamashii Primes
The “Greatest Hits” of Japanese Optics
- Focal
- 22–110mm
- T-stop
- T1.5–T2.3
- Mount
- PL
Vintage Prime Set
TLS Rehoused
Canon Rangefinder Primes
9 primes 19 – 135mm T1.1 – T4.0 LPL
We run this family as standard 7 and 9-lens kits. Bespoke focal mixes are built on request.
Extraordinary 1960s Canon rangefinder glass, predating the K-35 series and famed for warm, low-contrast rendering and painterly bokeh.
Single-layer coatings produce golden flares and a soft bloom in highlights, giving a classic nostalgic feel: a blooming, dream-like look to every frame. Despite their age, surprisingly sharp at centre even wide open, with edges that fall off gradually for a pleasing softness. TLS rehousing with new 16-blade circular irises ensures smooth bokeh even when stopped down.
Character profile
How this lens renders.
Golden flares. Velvety bokeh. T1.0.
Five axes plotting how this set behaves wide-open vs a neutral modern reference. Larger area = more pronounced trait.
Focal lengths
9 focal lengths in this set
- 19mm T4.0
- 25mm T1.8* sources disagree
- 35mm T1.6
- 40mm T1.8
- 50mm T1.1
- 58mm T1.4
- 85mm T1.9* sources disagree
- 100mm T2.1
- 135mm T2.8
| Focal | T-Stop | Close focus | Weight | Front Ø |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19mm | T4.0 | 8" | 1.2kg | 110mm |
| 25mm | T1.8* sources disagree | 8" | 1.1kg | 110mm |
| 35mm | T1.6 | 13" | 0.7kg | 110mm |
| 40mm | T1.8 | 11" | 0.9kg | 110mm |
| 50mm | T1.1 | 16" | 1.0kg | 110mm |
| 58mm | T1.4 | 19" | 1.1kg | 110mm |
| 85mm | T1.9* sources disagree | 2'3" | 1.2kg | 110mm |
| 100mm | T2.1 | 2'2" | 1.5kg | 110mm |
| 135mm | T2.8 | 3'8" | 1.6kg | 110mm |
Talking points
Why DPs pick this set
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Includes the legendary 50mm T1.0 “Dream Lens”: the fastest lens Canon ever made
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Warm, golden circular flares and velvety bokeh from single-layer coatings
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Close focus dramatically improved by TLS.
50mm now focuses at 16"
Technical
Full specifications
- Mount
- LPL only
- Coverage
- Full Frame: longer focal lengths (58mm+) cover beyond FF (~55mm image circle)* sources disagree
- Housing
- TLS: 110mm front diameters, matched gear positions, ~300° focus throw
- Iris
- New 16-blade circular (replacing originals)
Some figures here are marked *. Our sources disagree on those, so we're checking them against the lenses themselves. Ask us and we'll measure it for you.
Heritage
-
Origin
Manufactured by Canon in the late 1950s–1960s for 35mm rangefinder cameras, the era that produced the legendary 50mm T1.0 “Dream Lens,” the fastest lens Canon ever made. Single-layer coatings give the set its golden flares, velvety bokeh, and characteristic warm, low-contrast rendering. Predates the K-35 series.
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Filmography
Army of the Dead (2021, dir. Zack Snyder) was shot on the same Canon rangefinder optics, rehoused by Zero Optik rather than TLS, for the warm, painterly look these single-coated optics deliver.
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Build
The expanded “Rangefinder-X” set achieves a complete 9-lens lineup from TLS’s original 5-lens rehouse. TLS rehousing pairs vintage Canon glass with new 16-blade circular irises for smooth bokeh at every stop. Close focus dramatically improved: the 50mm now focuses at 16 inches. 1960s optical charm with contemporary practicality.
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