𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱’𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘀: 𝟯𝟯 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘀 & 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴. 🍿
At @GL_Optics , we are proud pioneers in the art of lens rehousing, for 16 years, we’ve not just operated within this specialized world—we’ve been a part of defining it... With 33 distinct sets of lenses meticulously re-engineered for cinematic use, and a staggering 481 individual lens variations and counting, our collection is unrivaled.
Our passion for cinematic expression knows no bounds. From the iconic Leica R to the rare and elusive Beijing 608 - Great Wall lens, we’ve meticulously deconstructed, analyzed, and rehoused a vast spectrum of optics, breathing new life into classic glass. Our ever-growing catalog encompasses everything from vintage spherical lenses to classic anamorphic favorites, each rehoused with an unwavering commitment to optical precision and mechanical excellence.
At GL Optics, we believe that limitations stifle artistic vision. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to building the most comprehensive lens rehousing operation in the world. We’re not just rehousing lenses; we’re unlocking a universe of creative possibilities. Whether you’re seeking the classic warmth of vintage glass or the crisp precision of modern glass, GL Optics has the perfect lens to bring your cinematic dreams to life.
Embark on a journey through the world’s most expansive collection of rehoused lenses. Unearth hidden gems, rediscover classic favorites, and experience the exceptional level of craftsmanship that has established GL Optics as a dominant force in the cinematic lens rehousing landscape. Our dedication to preserving and enhancing classic optics is unmatched, offering a curated selection that spans decades of optical innovation.
Every day until our Cine Gear Wrap Party and Open House we are going to give you another reason to stop by and check out our newest gear. Since we missed yesterday, we will give you 2 reasons today! This is the brand new Zeiss B-Speed 14mm T1.4. This one was a collaboration between @ancientoptics and @gl_optics and is the follow-up to the 135mm T2.2 B-Speed we announced recently. Both lenses expand on the original 5-lens set, and both feature the B-Speeds’ unique triangular iris. So now you have a uniform, perfectly matched, unique set of vintage optics from 14mm to 135mm.
The lenses have internal focus, improved close focus, expanded focus scales, matching gear positions, and rock-solid, reliable mechanics. Wide open, the lenses create a more traditional, vintage textured aesthetic. The triangular iris does not reveal its character until you stop down. Around T2, T2/2.8 split is the sweet spot if you like the look of rounded triangular bokeh. It’s really special.
The lenses have Zeiss’ legendary vintage leaded glass, and T* coatings. The lenses deliver very flattering skin tones, and lens flares are beautiful without overwhelming the image. They are truly stunning lenses.
Stop by and test them out at our Cine Gear Wrap Party & Open House, June 7, from 2:00-8:00pm at Old Fast Glass. We will have food, drinks, coffee, ice cream, and 2 lens bars!
#oldfastglass #cinegear #zeissbspeed #zeisssuperspeed #zeisshighspeed
The Canon 50mm f/0.95, better known as “The Dream Lens.”
Originally designed in 1961 for still photographers who needed to shoot in near darkness, its single-coated elements produce an amber warmth and dreamy, swirling bokeh that cinematographers fell in love with pretty quickly.
Our set has been rehoused by @gl_optics into a 7-lens cinema package with internal focus, fixed gear positions, and uniform 114mm fronts. All the vintage character with a modern workflow.
Seven focal lengths from 19mm to 135mm, full frame coverage, and a 50mm that opens to T/0.95.
Sixty years old. Still unmatched.
Available to rent at DFI Rentals. Book instantly online at DFIRentals.com (link in bio)
#canonrangefinder #dreamlens #cinemalens #cinematography #filmmaking
🚨Introducing🚨 LOMO Round Front Anamorphics — gorgeous vintage glass freshly rehoused by @gl_optics
40mmT2.7 - CF 2’6”
50mmT2.3 - CF 1’9”
75mmT2.2 - CF 2’
100mmT3.1 - CF 2’
143mm fronts, amazingly sharp wide open, and smooth as butter in all temperatures. The close focus is an absolute joy to work with; makes diopters all but unnecessary.
If you’ve hung out with me in the last 9 months I’ve probably mentioned these lenses. The story of acquiring them is insane (see next post), has been an incredible learning experience and a dream come true in many ways.
This project also has sentimental value because the donor glass is from St Petersburg (Leningrad), childhood home of @dariahuxley ❤️ the LOMO logo is based on the spire of the Admiralty building, where her dad studied.
Thanks to everyone who gave me advice and helped make this happen — @avi_cohen@panavisionofficial@matheusbastos_dp@blummer.dp@kuba_zagajewski_dp@atmsystem@dariahuxley
Studio photos 📸 by @dariahuxley
Lens test shot by me and @cianfrani_matt - thank you!
🚨 NEW GEAR ALERT 🚨
Introducing the Canon 50-300mm FD from @AncientOptics .
Covering a broad range of focal lengths, the Canon 50-300mm FD, rehoused by @gl_optics for Ancient Optics, stands out as a flexible full-frame optic from the analog era, designed to bridge the gaps between a traditional set of fixed focal length lenses.
The 50-300mm FD features a significant 6x magnification factor, allowing users to shift effortlessly from a natural field of view into deep telephoto territory without the bulk typically associated with such a powerful zoom.
Learn more about the 50-300mm and the entire Ancient Optics lineup at the link in our bio!
For the first time in GL Optics history — Black Friday is 20% off across the board. Up to $10,000 in savings per set.
No gimmicks. No hesitation. Just fifteen years of refinement — offered at its most accessible moment.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to invest — this is it.
End-of-year purchases. Prompt timelines. Direct dialogue with the people building your glass.
Craftsmanship with dignity, from the first Torx screw to the final witness mark.
From our new cam-driven Olympus OM rehousings,
to the 65 mm medium format collection —
engineered with .8× optical expanders to cover VistaVision while preserving that massive image circle —
to the rest of our full-frame and Super 35 lineup of 34+ lens sets…
Precision-machined. Hand-built. Unapologetically cinematic.
20% OFF. Limited window.
Orders placed now lock pricing and position in the production queue.
We are not merely rehousing lenses —
we’re giving filmmakers the tools to bend light, time, and expectation.
NEW GEAR! The latest @ancientoptics Vintage MULTI-FORMAT ZOOM! This is a completely rehoused 1960s Angenieux 25-250mm T3.9 and it is available is 3 formats: the original 25-250mm T3.9 (Academy 35mm), 30-300mm T4.9 (Super 35mm) & 40-400mm T6.7 (Full Frame).
Similar to the concept of Angenieux’s amazing EZ zooms, in just 10 minutes, we can swap the rear optical group, and swap the focus, zoom, and iris scales in-house, and offer you all 3 versions of this legendary lens. The new rear optics are new optical designs from @opticamagnus and they give us the sensor coverage we need without sacrificing image quality.
Ancient Optics and Old Fast Glass have been working hard to make sure you have many rehoused vintage zoom lenses to pair with your vintage primes. We are thrilled to offer you all the same benefits of rehoused primes: the beauty of vintage optics and the ease of use, accuracy, and reliability of modern housings.
A huge thank you to our partners at @gl_optics for believing in these ambitious projects and for their beautiful work. These housings are absolutely gorgeous. The focus, zoom, and iris rotate with ease. The witness marks are clear and well spaced, and the lenses have removable carry handles.
Available now at OFG!
#oldfastglass #ancientoptics #angenieux #angenieuxzoom #angenieux25250 #vintagelens #vintagelenses #rehousedlens #rehousedlenses #cinematograohy #angenieux10x #cinelens #cinemagear
I spoke to British Cinematographer Magazine about the journey I’ve had rehousing my Lomo Super Speed lenses - the article was featured in the latest issue of @britishcinematographer Focus On Lenses magazine.
We got into the magical (and sometimes stressful) process of bringing lenses from the 70’s and 80’s back to life with @gl_optics .
Thanks to @zoemutter and Phil Rhodes for having me.
If you’re into vintage optics, weird flares, and glass with a bit of soul give it a read and let me know ✨
The Lomo Super Speeds are available for testing and rental at @onestopfilms .
Link to the article in my stories - /focus-on-guide-lenses-volume-2/
#LomoSuperSpeeds #VintageLenses #cinematography #GLOptics #Rehousing #BritishCinematographerMagazine
Here are the first images of our Ancient Optics Series 65 Primes paired with the @arri ALEXA 265. Three cinematographers: Quinn Feldman @quinn_feldman Kyle Stryker @strykerkyle and Carlo Tonda @guatemalan.gelato captured these beautiful images. We wanted to give you a sense of their character, as well as their incredible close focus performance. We feel that Series 65 is one of the most capable and beautiful lens options for this format. Series 65 primes are sharp, even wide open, but they have a level of character and beauty that the current 65mm format lenses just don’t deliver.
Series 65 Primes and an ALEXA 65 will be available to test in person at the @old_fast_glass & @ancientoptics Open House - this Sunday, June 8, from 2:00-8:00pm at OFG.
These images were captured using the full 6.5K Open Gate of the ALEXA 265. Special thanks to @gl_optics for taking on the project and building these gorgeous housings.
Edit / Color - @rosiesirkcinema
4K Version is on our website and YouTube channel. Links in Bio.
#oldfastglass #ancientoptics #series65 #65mm #alexa265 #largeformat #vistavision #65mmfilm #vintagelenses #vintagelens #rehousedlens #rehousedlenses #65mm #alexa65 #largefomat #mediumformat #lenstest #bokeh #lensflare
