Minimal modification of a still camera lens for cinema use: adds gear adapter and extended focus throw while preserving original housing.
A cinemod is the lightest form of lens rehousing. Instead of replacing the complete housing of a photo lens, only the essentials are adapted: a gear ring is screwed or glued on, the focus throw is mechanically extended, and sometimes the aperture click is removed. The original housing is retained.
Cinemod vs. Rehousing
In a full rehousing, the optics are transplanted into a completely new housing—uniform front diameter, standardized length, professional gear rings. With a cinemod, the photo housing remains: the lenses have different diameters, different weights, different lengths. However, a cinemod typically costs €200-€500 instead of €1,500-€3,000 for a full rehousing.
Duclos Lenses
The best-known provider is Duclos Lenses in Los Angeles. Their cinemod service for Leica R, Canon FD, and Nikon AI-S lenses has become the de facto industry standard. A Duclos cinemod of a Leica R 35mm f/1.4 delivers the iconic Leica look with a cine-ready focus throw—at a fraction of the cost of a Leica Summilux-C.
When Cinemod, When Rehousing?
- Cinemod: when the budget is limited, only 1-2 focal lengths are needed, or the lenses should also remain usable as photo glass.
- Full Rehousing: when a complete matched set is needed, front diameters must be identical, or the lens will be used permanently in cine applications.