1x Kowa FF 19mm T4.1
1x Kowa FF 28mm T3.6
1x Kowa FF 35mm T2.9
1x Kowa FF 50mm T1.9
1x Kowa FF 85mm T2.9
1x Kowa FF 100mm T3.6
1x Kowa FF 135mm T3.9
These full frame Kowa lenses are rare vintage stills optics from the 1960s and 1970s, originally made for Kowa’s leaf shutter SLRs. TLS has given them an entirely new life through a complete rehouse. They are often mistaken for the Kowa Cine Prominars, but these come from a completely separate line of still photo glass.
The camera system they were first built for placed the aperture mechanism inside the body rather than in the lens. This unusual design meant they could not be adapted, cine-modded, or mounted on other camera systems, which is why they more or less disappeared for decades. A full rehouse is the only practical way to use them on modern cinema cameras.
TLS has fitted new matte finished 16 blade irises and significantly improved the close focus across the set. They now benefit from the precision and consistency of modern TLS mechanics with 110mm fronts, matching gear positions for focus and iris, a long 330 degree focus rotation with no image shift, and smooth backlash free operation.
In terms of their character they hold up nicely wide open with gentle sharpness rather than a harsh clinical feel. Contrast is naturally low, the wider lenses show a touch of barrel distortion, flares are bold and attractive, and the bokeh is soft and organic. They really come alive when used wide open on full frame sensors.
