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
G.L. Optics Mk V Rehoused
Zeiss Contax “Super Speed”
7 primes 21 – 135mm T1.5 – T2.9 PL
Zeiss Contax still lenses were the finest glass of the 1970s–80s, and this rehoused set carries that forward as “Full Frame Super Speeds.” A beautiful balance of sharpness and vintage character: clear yet not harsh, fine detail without the high-contrast bite of modern lenses.
Zeiss T-star multi-coatings give relatively strong contrast for vintage glass, with rich neutral colour. Bokeh is notably lovely on the fast f/1.4 designs: smooth background blur, creamy transitions. Not a hint of harshness.
Character profile
How this lens renders.
High contrast. T1.5 fast. Full-Frame.
Five axes plotting how this set behaves wide-open vs a neutral modern reference. Larger area = more pronounced trait.
Focal lengths
7 focal lengths in this set
- 21mm T2.9
- 28mm T2.1
- 35mm T1.5
- 50mm T1.5
- 85mm T1.5
- 100mm T2.1
- 135mm T2.1
| Focal | T-Stop | Close focus | Weight | Front Ø |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21mm | T2.9 | 9" | 1.1kg | 110mm |
| 28mm | T2.1 | 10" | 1.2kg | 110mm |
| 35mm | T1.5 | 11" | 1.4kg | 110mm |
| 50mm | T1.5 | 17" | 1.0kg | 110mm |
| 85mm | T1.5 | 3' | 1.2kg | 110mm |
| 100mm | T2.1 | 2'3" | 1.6kg | 110mm |
| 135mm | T2.1 | 4'9" | 1.8kg | 110mm |
Talking points
Why DPs pick this set
-
Full Frame coverage at T1.5.
One of the few vintage high-speed sets usable on large sensors
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T-star coatings give higher contrast than most vintage glass while retaining organic character
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Includes the legendary 85mm Planar f/1.4 and 100mm Makro-Planar.
Flat-field sharpness at f/2
-
Skin tones are exceptionally flattering.
A favourite for high-end commercials and features
Technical
Full specifications
- Mount
- PL (EF available)
- Coverage
- Full Frame
- Housing
- G.L. Optics Mk V: 110mm fronts, 330° focus throw, matched gears
- Iris
- Rounded 16-blade: improved circular iris for rounder bokeh at all stops
Heritage
-
Origin
From Carl Zeiss’s Contax/Yashica line of 35mm SLR lenses (1970s–80s), the finest stills glass Zeiss made in the era, including legendary designs like the “Hollywood” Distagon 28mm and the Planar 85mm f/1.4. T-star multi-coatings gave them stronger contrast than most vintage glass while preserving organic character.
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Filmography
The original Contax/Yashica lenses were a favourite of art-photography and editorial work through the 1980s–90s. In rehoused cinema form they’ve become a favourite for high-end commercials and features, bridging vintage character with full-frame coverage.
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Build
G.L. Optics Mk V rehousing turns them into true cine lenses with matched fronts, gears, and internal focus. Full-frame coverage at T1.5, one of the few vintage high-speed sets usable on large sensors. The 85mm Planar and 100mm Makro-Planar deliver flat-field sharpness at f/2; the entire set keeps skin tones exceptionally flattering.
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