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Meyer-Optik Adds Primoplan 75mm Kickstarter Project
12 September 2016
Just after announcing a Kickstarter project for its Primoplan 58mm, Meyer-Optik has launched another for its Primoplan 75mm prime lens. Both lenses feature a fast f1.9 aperture and can be acquired in a package deal on Kickstarter.
The original Primoplan 75 was sold from 1935 as the Nacht Exakta by Exakta before being redesigned between 1952 and 1955, adding a 'V' to its name. The new Primoplan, which will go into serial production immediately, will maintain the classic sharpness and versatile bokeh that vintage enthusiasts love while incorporating modern technological advances for today's dSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
The Primoplan 75 is known for its fine progression from sharpness to blur, exceptional base sharpness and unique, dreamy bokeh. It is also hailed for its almost perfect skin tone reproduction, which greatly simplifies post-production.
SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications for the Primoplan 75 include:
PRIMOPLAN 75/f1.9 LENS SPECIFICATIONS Mount Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony, FujiX, Micro Four Thirds, M42, Leica M Focal Length 75mm Aperture f1.9 to f16
14 anti-reflex coated aperture bladesAngle of View 16° Minimum Focus 75cm Optical Design 5 lenses in 4 groups
Schott Glass, O'Hara anti-reflex coatingAutofocus No Image Stabilization No Filter Thread 52mm Dimensions 55mm Weight 300g PRICE, AVAILABILITY
Project backers will be able to pre-order both the previously announced 58mm and the 75mm for a pledge of $1,599. The 58mm by itself is $499, so we presume the 75mm by itself would be $1,100 if such an option were available but that doesn't appear to be the case on the Kickstarter page.
For more information see the news release below.
Meyer-Optik Adds Second Lens to Its Revived Primoplan Line
The Primoplan 75/f1.9 Will Join the Primoplan 58/f1.9; The Primoplan 75 Is Now Available as a Kickstarter Incentive Alongside the Primoplan 58
At the request of many of its backers from around the world, German lens manufacturer Meyer-Optik-Goerlitz has announced that it is adding the Primoplan 75/f1.9 to its already successful Kickstarter campaign to resurrect the Primoplan 58/f1.9.
Both lenses are now available as a package deal on the Kickstarter campaign, which launched on Friday and has already raised more than $350,000 in pledges.
The original Primoplan 75 was sold from 1935 as the Nacht Exakta by Exakta, but was then redesigned after the war between 1952 and 1955, this time with a 'V' in its name. In this short time, the Primoplan 75 established its legendary reputation as a lens for portraits and sports. Today, the vintage Primoplan 75s sell for thousands of dollars on the second-hand market.
The new Primoplan, which will go into serial production immediately, will maintain the classic sharpness and versatile bokeh that vintage enthusiasts love while incorporating modern technological advances for today's dSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
The Primoplan 75 is known for its fine progression from sharpness to blur, exceptional base sharpness and unique, dreamy bokeh. It is also hailed for its almost perfect skin tone reproduction, which greatly simplifies post-production.
The 75mm focal length ensures a natural viewing angle and does not compress as much as longer focal lengths. Thanks to its 14 aperture blades, it features impressive blur patterns even when stopped down.
"I've worked with many lenses, but none of them perform as well as the Primoplan 1.9/75. It's like a paintbrush that I never want to let go of," said Benedikt Ernst, internationally renowned fashion and portrait photographer.
The Primoplan 75/f1.9 was developed by legendary designer Paul Schäfter. The new version will also be handbuilt in Goerlitz, with Meyer-Optik developing them with the support of engineer Dr. Wolf-Dieter Prenzel, who was part of the former Meyer-Optik engineering team in Goerlitz in the 1970s. He has been working hand-in-hand with Meyer-Optik to rebuild the brand since it was relaunched in 2014.
Now, the Primoplan 75 and the Primoplan 58 mark the resurrection of the storied Primoplan family of lenses, a revival that has been met enthusiastically by the brand's supporters.
"We are deeply impressed how photographers from all around the world have reacted to the return of the Primoplan 58/f1.9," said Dr. Stefan Immes, CEO of net SE, owner of Meyer-Optik. "The response to our Primoplan 58 Kickstarter has, frankly, blown us away. We hit our initial funding goal in a half hour and received $230,000 in pledges for this ultimate art lens within 24 hours of our launch."