In a recent report of Cined, IronGlass and Ancient Optics announced that they had successfully completed a feat that many had written off: the correct rehousing of the Tokina 28-70mm lens for use on set. As a result, the IronGlass Phénix 28-70mm T2.7—dubbed the “impossible” zoom—is a full-frame zoom lens.
Talk has revolved around the Tokina 28-70mm f/2.6-2.8, an old-school zoom lens that was introduced in the early nineties and shares a lot of similarities with the Angenieux 28-70 F/2.6 AF. Given that IronGlass and Ancient Optics have verified that the two brands utilize the identical optical technique, it is probable that Tokina made the Angenieux duplicates.
IronGlass overcame several engineering obstacles in order to select Tokina for their most recent rehousing project. One of the hardest optical designs to rehouse, it consists of five complex, simultaneous focus and zoom motions and sixteen components arranged in twelve groups. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian team persisted and succeeded in improving the source lens’s performance in a number of ways.
Now called the IronGlass Phénix 28-70mm T2.7, the redesigned Tokina 28-70mm is equipped with MOD0.8 gears and a Cerakoted aluminum cine housing that may be shimmable for the PL mount. With a front diameter of only 110 mm, the rehoused zoom is lightweight at 1.58 kg/3.5 lbs.
The lens now has a 15-blade iris (up from 8 in the original design), a completely parfocal construction, and better near focus capabilities (53.3cm/1’9″). For accurate focus pulls, the focus gear’s range has also been increased to 300°.
IronGlass and Ancient Optics guarantee that these adjustments were performed without affecting the original lens’s characteristics. This suggests that the Phénix zoom will keep producing crisp photos with little chromatic aberration, soft edge fall-off, and a bokeh that has a nice texture.
Pre-orders for the IronGlass Phénix 28-70mm T2.7 are now open through Ancient Optics. The pre-order price is set at $13,500, with a 50% deposit required. The lens is expected to start shipping in 3 to 6 months. Customers need not provide the donor glass as it is included in the package.
For those interested in renting, the lens is available at Old Fast Glass rental in Sun Valley, CA.
IronGlass and Ancient Optics have rehoused several other lenses apart from the Tokina 28-70mm. Here are some of them:
Soviet Set: Lovingly restored by IronGlass1, this set includes six amazing antique lenses from the USSR. These lenses are well-known for their amazing bokeh, wild flares, and milky contrast1.
44-2 Helios 58mm f/2: This lens, which IronGlass1 has rehoused, is highly valued for its distinctive visual properties.
Jena Carl Zeiss Lenses: Twelve Carl Zeiss Jena lenses are scheduled to be rehoused by IronGlass. Improved near focus, a 300-degree focus throw, reverse direction focus scales, and 110mm fronts for compatibility with clip-on matte boxes are all features of these rehoused lenses.
About IronGlass
IronGlass, based in Zaporizhya, Ukraine, is committed to facilitating the affordable purchase of premium antique lenses. They rehouse vintage lenses, maintaining their unique visual characteristics while making them work with contemporary camera systems. Among their creations are the well-known Soviet Set, Carl Zeiss Jena lenses, and Helios 44-2 58mm f/2. Modern rehousing with better focus and aperture gears, featuring a smooth 270-degree focus throw, is available with IronGlass for even more creative flexibility.
About Ancient Optics
Based in Los Angeles, California, Ancient Optics takes a meticulous approach to lens preservation. They hand-select only the finest examples of lenses they love, ensuring the optical performance meets their rigorous standards. Each lens is carefully evaluated before rehousing, guaranteeing exceptional image quality. Ancient Optics boasts a curated collection of revived lenses, including projects like Kowa FF: The Forgotten Ones, Canon FD 50-300: The Final FD, and Minolta Rokkor: A Challenger Rises. Their commitment to quality extends to partnerships with trusted vendors like TLS, GL Optics, and Zero Optik, ensuring reliable and aesthetically pleasing lenses.
Both IronGlass and Ancient Optics contribute significantly to the preservation of film history and the inspiration of contemporary filmmakers by providing unique methods.
