Exciting new creative possibilities open up for users of the popular Panasonic LUMIX S1H, S1, and S5, and other L-mount cameras, as MTF Services today announces a new lens duo with immediate availability. The new L-mount converted versions of the affordable Sirui 35mm f1.8 and 50mm f1.8 1.33x anamorphic lenses emulate the sought-after anamorphic look often seen on big motion pictures, with horizontal blue streak highlights and beautiful bokeh with elongated defocused areas.

The bespoke conversion is based on the Micro 4/3 versions of the Sirui 50mm and 35mm. Each lens retains its compact dimensions, allowing for easy handheld or gimbal operation. The conversion requires mechanical modification of the lens to allow fitting of the new mount and needs to be performed by MTF Services.

The LUMIX S1H, S1, and S5 feature both 4K S35 and 3.5K 4:3 anamorphic modes which can take full advantage of the Sirui lenses image circles. Both lenses have an image circle that completely covers Super35/APS-C. In 4K S35 mode the result once de-squeezed in post-production is close to 2.35:1. Using Panasonic’s 3.5K 4:3 mode users can get the anamorphic look while still getting a 16:9 final image – ideal for some TV and commercial users.

Using the L-mount converted Sirui lenses on the LUMIX S1H allows users to get a 16×9 aspect result and still maintain the anamorphic look.
The lenses can be used to cover a slightly larger area if the user is willing to accept some vignetting (this requires the user to shoot in Full-frame 5.9K mode and then crop the image in post-production to the equivalent of around 1.35x crop)

London-based DP Jim Marks has been using the lenses and is impressed. He said, “Previously our anamorphic lens options were either ruinously expensive or homemade. The MTF Services L-mount conversions of the Sirui 1.33x 35mm and 50mm are the missing pieces of the puzzle that finally allow Panasonic’s anamorphic modes to be used in anger with lenses that are affordable, lightweight, and easy to use. The lenses are fast, very sharp, and enjoy smooth focus with a throw that aids the solo shooter. On my LUMIX S1H, they create a simple handheld package, with the option to shoot regular 4K 16×9 for a 2.4:1 finished aspect, anamorphic 4K S35 mode for a 16×9 finish, or full-frame 5.9K with a slight crop in post for an even wider field of view. Set up like this I have a wonderfully portable combination that is truly fun to shoot with.

L-mount converted Sirui 50mm f1.8 anamorphic costs £499 (plus tax) for the base lens, plus £150 (plus tax) for the conversion. The 35mm f1.8 anamorphic costs £637 (plus tax) for the base lens, plus £150 (plus tax) for the conversion. Both lenses are available to order immediately from authorized MTF Services dealers or the MTF Services website.

More info on the MTF Services website.