Ancient Optics Voigtlander 36-82 Zoomar

The images acquired from the Ancient Optics 36-82 Zoomar (Voigtlander) are impressive, especially by today’s standards. The complete control of chromatic aberration specifically displays the genius of Dr. Back’s work. The warm flares are pronounced yet pleasant in a way only vintage glass can render. Lens focus is sharp in the center with a medium amount of fall off in the corners. The lens bokeh is pleasant and smooth. With the barrel distorted on the wide end and pin cushion distortion on the long end are balanced well.

The Voigtlander Zoomar 36-82mm was designed for 135 format (commonly known as 35mm stills format) it covers full frame (36x24mm), allowing the rehoused zoom to cover modern day full frame cine cameras.

Like many modern day cinema zoom lenses, this lens is parfocal. With a sharp center, the lens subtly falls off towards the corners. The lens has surprisingly low chromatic aberration for such an old lens, and has minimal focus breathing.

The old single layer coatings deliver lower contrast images, and bold lens flares, and the circular bokeh has a unique texture to it, delivering results that make this lens a perfect match for other vintage lenses such as True Lens Services Canon K35’s and Zeiss Superspeeds.

The Zoomar has a standard 136mm front allowing the use of clamp on matteboxes. With standard M0.8 pitch gearing on focus, zoom and iris the Zoomar can be paired up with modern day remote focus units.

The focus and zoom mechanics are internal and focus rotation has been expanded to 330 degrees as well as improved from 4’6” all the way to an impressive 3′, while maintaining full frame coverage.

The Ancient Optics 36-82 Zoomar (Voigtlander) is a go-to lens for a vintage look with updated, new housing.

https://ancient-optics.com/projects/voigtlander-zoom