TLS Kowa Cine Prominar Spherical Lenses

Kowa Cine Pominar Spherical Primes are a set of high-quality Japanese cinema lenses from the 1960s known for their impressive combination of features. These lenses are sharp in the center and have medium to low contrast, which helps to retain detail in shadows and highlights while also producing flattering images of the subject. They also have a unique bokeh with enough character to make them stand out from modern options, but not so busy that it distracts from the subject.

One of the most distinctive features of the Kowa Prominars is their signature gold and amber lens flares, created by the lenses' gold single-layer coatings. These flares are unlike any other, and when properly white balanced, they have a rich, saturated amber tone that looks beautiful against blue skies.

Recently, the popularity of these lenses has grown, especially with the help of TLS, which has put these beautiful optics into modern, reliable housings. They are suitable for a wide range of shooting situations, including commercials, music videos, and feature films. If you have any questions about coverage or format for a particular shoot, feel free to ask.

We have a set of 8 focal lengths.

15mm T4     CF: 7”     1.8lbs          85mm (No rehoused)

20mm T2.3 CF: 10”         3.2lbs         110mm

25mm T2.3 CF: 11”           4.2lbs     110mm

32mm T2.3   CF 10”            2lbs     110mm

40mm T2.3     CF: 1’ 1”            2lbs       110mm

50mm T2.3     CF: 1’ 7”            2lbs       110mm

75mm T2.3     CF: 2 ’4”       3.6lbs       110mm

100mm T2.6     CF: 3’ 3”      3.8lbs       110mm

200mm T2.8 CF: 5’ 3lb 80mm

MATCHING ZOOMS:

Cooke vintage zooms

Canon K-35 zoom

Berthoit 38-155 T4.5 Vintage Zoom

Features

Beautiful and sharp, these lenses have a flare like none-other

The optical designs are closely related to Super Baltar and Cooke Speed Panchro lenses. 

Made in Japan with a light yellow single coating, these lenses are MAGIC!

There is nothing else like them—cooler tones with poppy contrast and big golden flares. 

The lenses have top quality mechanics and optics.

They're suited to any long term production.


Footage Examples

Volvo “The Parents”

Shot on Arri 435

DP: Linus Sandgren

Atlanta

Shot on Arri Amira

DP: Christian Sprenger