Soviet anamorphic adapter from the 1960s by Sankor Corporation; produces distinctive horizontal lens flares and oval bokeh circles for authentic vintage aesthetic.
Technical Details
The Sankor 16C has a minimum focusing distance of 1.5 meters and weighs 680 grams with a length of 165mm. The lens utilizes a prismatic lens system consisting of two opposing cylindrical lenses. The front aperture is 58mm, and the filter threads are standardized to 67mm. The adapter lens requires a spherical base optic with focal lengths between 35mm and 85mm for optimal results. The design dates back to the 1960s and is based on Soviet optical technology.
History & Development
Sankor developed the 16C system in 1962 as a cost-effective alternative to expensive Panavision systems for smaller productions. The Sankor Corporation, based in New York, manufactured these adapters primarily for the educational and industrial film sectors. Sankor disappeared from the market in the 1970s, but the lenses were rediscovered by filmmakers and appreciated as vintage anamorphics from the 1990s onwards. Today, surviving examples are considered rare collector's items with characteristic optical properties.
Practical Use in Film
The Sankor 16C produces distinct horizontal lens flares, oval bokeh circles, and specific distortion at the edges. Filmmakers consciously use these characteristics for an authentic anamorphic look in low-budget productions. The lens requires precise focus pulling, as the depth of field is reduced by the anamorphic compression. The asymmetrical distortion makes gimbal use problematic, which is why the Sankor 16C is primarily used for static shots or controlled camera movements.
Comparison & Alternatives
In contrast to modern anamorphics like the Cooke Anamorphic/i or ARRI Master Anamorphic, the Sankor 16C offers significantly less correction of optical aberrations. Contemporary alternatives included the Kowa Anamorphic 16-H or the Century Precision Optics 16mm adapter. Modern replicas like the SLR Magic Anamorphot series are inspired by Sankor's characteristics. For productions aiming for a specific vintage look, the original Sankor 16C remains unrivaled, while modern systems are preferable for technically demanding shots.