This is one of the most exciting stories from NAB 2019, a real “blast from the past.” Caldwell Photographic and Vintage Lens Co. were at NAB 2019 to show off how they are resurrecting history with their Neo Baltar cinema lenses. Yes, the Bausch and Lomb’s original Baltar lenses were a mainstay of Hollywood’s golden age. The Baltar lenses were among the first lenses sold with anti-reflective coatings, which gave them impressive contrast and flare control, but they maintained a gentle rendering that remains in demand nearly a century later. Unfortunately, original Baltar optics are extraordinarily rare. Here PVC Live talks to Caldwell Photographic and Vintage Lens Co. to learn how they are resurrecting Hollywood history.
Now, there is a chance to use Baltar lenses again, like Stanley Cortez, ASC used to shoot Orson Welles’ The Magnificent Ambersons, which was nominated for an Oscar in cinematography in 1942. Caldwell Photographic and Vintage Lens Co. have resurrected these storied lenses from Bausch and Lomb’s original design documents to create the Neo Baltars. Glass types and coatings have been painstakingly researched to ensure the Neo Baltars have precisely the same subtle romance and texture as their namesake. The only thing separating the Neo Baltars from the originals is availability.
RESURRECTING HOLLYWOOD HISTORY
From Vintage Lens Co., “These exquisite lenses have a warm natural and organic image that has a vintage depth of character that modern ultra-sharp prime lenses sacrifice in their pursuit of perfection. Neo Super Baltars produce the same gentle rendering gorgeous skin tones and rich warm colors of the originals. Optical Designer Brian Caldwell has resurrected these famous lenses. Glass types and coatings have been painstakingly researched to ensure the Neo Super Baltars produce the same gorgeous images as their namesake.”
The Baltar lenses were among the first lenses sold with anti-reflective coatings, which gave them impressive contrast and flare control, but they maintained a gentle rendering that remains in demand nearly a century later. Unfortunately, original Baltar optics are extraordinarily rare. Each lens costs ~13,300.00 and you can put down a deposit now for your set.
Neo Baltar Focal Lengths:
- 20mm T2.3
- 25mm T2.3
- 35mmLWD T2.3
- 35mmC T2.3
- 50mm T2.3
- 75mm T2.3
- 100mm T2.3
- 152mm T3.0
- 229mm T4.4
Specifications:
- Standard 110mm front diameter
- PL mount
- Robust aircraft aluminum construction
- Dual Cam focus drive optimized for modern motors
- Matching 0.8 standard gears across the range
- Imperial or metric
- Easy to collimate without using shims
- Dust-proof housing
See all of PVC’s NAB 2019 coverage