Photo Corners headlinesarchivemikepasini.com
A S C R A P B O O K O F S O L U T I O N S F O R T H E P H O T O G R A P H E R
Enhancing the enjoyment of taking pictures with news that matters, features that entertain and images that delight. Published frequently.
Meyer-Optik Launches Primoplan f1.9/58 Kickstarter Project
9 September 2016
Meyer-Optik has launched a Kickstarter project for the Primoplan 58, a 58mm f1.9 prime lens based on the 1950s optic renowned for its versatile bokeh.
Primoplan 58. Project supporters can get it for $499.
Like its predecessor, the revived Primoplan 58 is designed to produce a variety of bokeh, including butterfly bokeh where bubbles seem to melt, a dreamlike bokeh, and subtle swirling out-of-focus area.
But the new Primoplan will benefit from advancements unavailable in the 1950s, including a high-tech lens coating and improved technology and design.
Meyer-Optik engineers also had an important breakthrough while working on the design of the new Primoplan 58. They figured out a way to implement the 5-element lens of the Primoplan into a casing that's almost identical in size to the Trioplan 50. This will allow Meyer-Optik to manufacture components for both lenses at the same time, achieving a previously unattainable production efficiency, the company said.
SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications for the Primoplan 58 include:
PRIMOPLAN F1.9/58 KIT LENS SPECIFICATIONS Mount Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony, FujiX,
Micro Four Thirds, M42 and Leica MFocal Length 58mm Aperture f1.9 to f22
12 anti-reflex-coated bladesAngle of View 20.3° Minimum Focus 60cm Optical Design 5 elements in 4 groups
Schott Glass, O'Hara anti-reflex coatingAutofocus No Image Stabilization No Filter Thread 37mm Dimensions 55mm Weight 200g PRICE, AVAILABILITY
Project backers will be able to pre-order the lens for $499, which the company said will be about a third of the retail price.
For more information see the news release below.
Meyer-Optik Launches Kickstarter to Revive the Primoplan f1.9/58
The Hand-Crafted Lens Famous for its Versatile Bokeh Returns to Production After 60 Years
The legendary Primoplan f1.9/58, last produced in the 1950s, will return in modern form with the help of a Kickstarter project that German lens manufacturer Meyer-Optik-Goerlitz launched today.
Through the Kickstarter project, Meyer Optik Goerlitz offers backers the chance to be first in line to receive the new Primoplan 58 at a greatly reduced price. The initial offering allows early backers to pre-order the lens for $499, about a third of the expected retail price when the modern version of the Primoplan 58 comes out next year.
Like its vintage namesake, the revived Primoplan 58 will produce a variety of signature bokeh, from the so-called butterfly bokeh where the bubbles seem to melt to a creamy, dreamlike bokeh to a more subtle swirling out-of-focus area that gives portraits and urban photography, alike, a unique look. The versatile lens allows photographers to express themselves in many with a single lens. The new Primoplan, however, will benefit from advancements unavailable in the '50s, including a high-tech lens coating and improved technology and design.
The Kickstarter for the Primoplan 58 will run for 33 days. It follows two previous successful Kickstarters that were essential in reviving Meyer-Optik's Trioplan f2.8/100 and f2.8/50, which are renowned for their trademark "soap bubble" bokeh.
The earlier Kickstarters raised a combined $1 million as photographers around the world rushed to get the modern version of the beloved vintage Meyer-Optik lenses.
"The infusion of Kickstarter capital helped us improve and expand our production facility in Germany, allowing us to resurrect the Trioplan line much quicker than we could have done without the support of our backers," said Dr. Stefan Immes, Meyer-Optik CEO. "Meyer-Optik's rebirth could not have happened without the hundreds of people who supported our vision on Kickstarter, not once, but two times."
Along the way, Meyer-Optik engineers also had an important breakthrough while working on the design of the new Primoplan 58. They figured out a way to implement the 5-element lens of the Primoplan into a casing that's almost identical in size to the Trioplan 50. This will allow Meyer-Optik to manufacture components for both lenses at the same time, achieving a previously unattainable production efficiency.
The Primoplan lens will be available with mounts for Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony, FujiX, Micro Four Thirds, M42 and Leica M (rangefinder not supported/focusing via live view).