Soviet anamorphic adapter lenses by LOMO with 2:1 compression, producing distinctive oval bokeh and blue horizontal flares.
Technical Details
Sankor lenses operate with a horizontal compression of 2:1 while maintaining unchanged vertical imaging. Typical focal length ranges for the base lenses are between 35mm and 135mm. The front attachment lenses consist of a cylindrical lens system with an asymmetric design, creating characteristic optical properties: oval bokeh circles, horizontal lens flares, and slight distortions at the image edges. The minimum focusing distance is usually 1.5 to 2 meters due to the additional optical elements. Filter threads vary between 58mm and 77mm depending on the model.
History & Development
LOMO developed the first Sankor Anamorphics in 1962 for Soviet cinema as a cost-effective alternative to expensive French Hypergonar or American Panavision systems. Production continued until the late 1980s, with various versions created for 16mm and 35mm film. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, larger quantities entered the global market. Since 2010, the lenses have experienced a renaissance among independent filmmakers and are being adapted for digital productions.
Practical Use in Film
Sankor Anamorphics are primarily used in low-budget productions aiming to utilize the Cinemascope format. The characteristic blue horizontal flares and oval bokeh lend images a vintage 1970s look. Modern adapters allow their use on digital cameras like RED, Blackmagic, or Sony. The workflow requires a 2:1 desqueeze function in the monitor or post-production. The limited close focusing necessitates additional diopter lenses for close-ups.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to modern anamorphic lenses from Cooke, Zeiss, or Arri, Sankor lenses offer significantly less optical precision but a distinctive character. The image quality does not reach the professional standards of current anamorphics, but they cost only a fraction. Alternatives include modern budget anamorphics like the SLR Magic Anamorphot series or Moment attachments for smartphones. For productions with the highest quality demands, Panavision, Cooke, or Zeiss systems remain the first choice.