Russian Lens Finds New Purpose

posted in: Uncategorized

As Chris Watson http://www.dallasweddingfilms.com reported in the VideoUniversity Forums, the Zenit 35mm film cameras come equipped with a Carl Zeiss-like lens. Zeiss lenses are highly regarded in the world of cinematography. Chris found one of these cameras in a pawn shop for $35. He took the mint condition Helios 44M lens and put it on his Canon Rebel T2i DSLR. The results are remarkable in a dreamy way. What a cool look. You can find these Russian cameras and lenses in pawnshops and on eBay.

The lenses have an interesting history. It started back when the Soviets took over East Germany right after World War II. They discovered a plant that made Carl Zeiss Biotar design lenses. The Russians used the blueprints for those Carl Zeiss lenses to create their own version called Helios lenses which they included in their Zenit 35mm film cameras.

Consider joining the VideoUniversity Members Only Forum. You can read the entire thread and meet some great videographers.