Sankyo projection lens from 1965 with 2x compression ratio; now prized as vintage anamorphic adapter for distinctive lens flares and oval bokeh.
Technical Details
The Sankor 16D features a fixed focal length and a horizontal compression factor of exactly 2x. The optics consist of four lens elements arranged asymmetrically, with the characteristic cylindrical elements responsible for the anamorphic distortion. The lens has a front diameter of 67mm and weighs approximately 280 grams. The minimum focusing distance is 1.5 meters. Typically, the Sankor 16D is mounted in front of standard lenses (usually 50mm or 85mm) using a clamp mechanism, which requires dual focusing – on the base lens and on the anamorphic adapter.
History & Development
Sankyo introduced the 16D around 1965 as a projection lens for 16mm film screenings, enabling correct de-squeezed display of Scope films. From the late 1970s onwards, adventurous filmmakers discovered the lens for its inverse application – compression during shooting instead of de-squeezing during projection. This unconventional use became established in the 1980s independent film scene as the "Poor Man's Anamorphic." Sankyo ceased production in the early 1980s, leading to a thriving used market. Today, original Sankor 16D lenses are sought-after collector's items, with prices ranging between 2,000 and 4,000 Euros.
Practical Use in Film
The Sankor 16D produces the characteristic anamorphic look with horizontal lens flares, oval bokehs, and specific distortion at the image edges. The dual focusing requires precise coordination between the camera assistant and the focus puller. Derek Jarman used the lens in "The Last of England" (1987) for experimental sequences. More recently, Shane Carruth employed the Sankor 16D in "Upstream Color" (2013) to give the film a nostalgic 1970s look. The optics perform optimally at apertures between f/4 and f/8; at wider apertures, they exhibit significant chromatic aberrations and softness at the edges.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to modern anamorphic lenses like the Cooke Anamorphic/i or ARRI Master Anamorphic, the Sankor 16D offers a distinctly more "imperfect" look with stronger optical characteristics. SLR Magic produces the Anamorphot-50 1.33x, a modern homage to vintage anamorphic optics. The Isco Ultra Star and the Century Optics 2x Anamorphic are comparable vintage alternatives from the same era. For productions with limited budgets, modern lenses like the Sirui Anamorphic or Vazen 85mm T2.8 offer similar characteristics with better optical quality and easier handling.