Another very unique lens offering available now at Lemac. This lens was first conceived in 1947 by Austrian-born, American Dr. Frank G. Back. This 1959 version of Dr. Back's "Zoomar" lens was manufactured and sold by the Voigtländer company, becoming the first commercially successful zoom lens for stills photography. While there were other "zoom" lenses designed beforehand, they were often long in FOV, heavy and cumbersome.

It's "Zoomar" name is also the reason why we now use the term "Zoom" to describe many a lens.

Between 1947 and 1959, Dr. Back was able to tune his design by utilizing computer assistance to revise the optical design, gain access to "modern" rare earth materials and develop new lens coatings. All of the elements are single coated with magnesium fluorite, with 14 elements in 11 groups present.

For the time the lens was groundbreaking, with a parfocal design, fast f/2.8 aperture all while being the widest zoom lens ever designed at that point.

Now after 60+ years, this lens has been given a new lease on life. All internal movement, with a 330 degree focus rotation, 136mm front diameter and new 15 blade circular iris. Close focus has also been improved from 4' 6" to 2' 9".

Due to the single coatings, the "Zoomar" has an overall lower contrast to its images while also having bold, warm flares and a texture in the bokeh that makes you want to see more.

It's a vibe that screams vintage, and it's available now at Lemac Rentals.

Lens Specs

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Sample Footage