This is one of the most exciting stories from NAB 2019, a real “blast from the past”. Caldwell Photographic was at NAB 2019 to show the classic Baltar lenses used in many Hollywood productions last century. Yes, the Bausch and Lomb’s original Baltar lenses were a mainstay of Hollywood’s golden age. The Baltars 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.

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 has 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.

To ensure maximum flexibillity, the Neo Baltars are available as lens cells with an iris, just like the originals. Neo Baltar lens cells are designed to be fully compatible with Zero Optik’s rehousings, but they can also be adapted by your favorite lens rehousing specialist.

See all of PVC’s NAB 2019 coverage




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