The Bausch & Lomb Baltar is an American prime lens from 1939, originally developed for cinema projection and early film cameras.
1. Overview
The Bausch & Lomb Baltar is an American prime lens from 1939, originally developed for cinema projection and early film cameras. As a spherical optic with a 30mm focal length and T2.5, it is among the sought-after vintage lenses that are widely available for rent today, rehoused.
2. Characteristics
Flare behavior according to CINEFLARES datasheet:
- Types: Spherical Spot, Veiling, Rainbow, Caustic, Starburst
- Colors: Blue, Amber
- Intensity: Strong
Linked Pattern Entries:
3. Creative Use
The Baltar 30mm is used when a soft, slightly bulging image with strong character is desired — the barrel distortion is visible at wide apertures and is deliberately utilized by some DoPs. The flares are pronounced: spherical spots, rainbow artifacts, and caustics in blue and amber react strongly to hard light sources within the frame. Due to the age of the coatings, the contrast is significantly lower than modern optics, which makes skin tones appear softer. The lens is primarily found in indie productions and music videos seeking an analog look without digital post-processing. It is usually available as a rehoused set from specialized rental houses, less often in standard studio pools.
4. Specs Overview
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bausch & Lomb |
| Type | Prime Super 35 |
| Year | 1939 |
| Country | USA |
| Era | Modern |
| Focal Length (Reference Datasheet) | 30.0mm |
| T-Stop Range | T2.5 – T22.0 |
| Squeeze | 1.0× |
| Weight | 0.45 kg / 1.1 lb |
| Close Focus | 0.39 m / 1' 3" |
| Distortion | Barrel |
Related terms
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Bausch & Lomb Baltar"?