The Clavius is a spherical full-frame prime from Richard Gale Optics (UK), released in 2018 as part of the Clavius series.
1. Overview
The Clavius is a spherical full-frame prime from Richard Gale Optics (UK), released in 2018 as part of the Clavius series of the same name. It positions itself as a vintage character lens for the modern rental market, with a T2.0 aperture at 38mm.
2. Characteristics
Flare behavior according to CINEFLARES datasheet:
- Types: Spherical Spot, Veiling, Rainbow, Caustic
- Colors: Blue, Cyan, Amber, Yellow
- Intensity: Strong
Linked Pattern Entries:
3. Creative Use
The Clavius 38mm is used when an image is intended to exhibit organic imperfection: the non-cushion, slightly barrel-like distortion grounds wide-angle shots without distorting them. The strong flares — spherical spots, rainbow artifacts, veiling — react pronouncedly to backlight and artificial light sources, which particularly shapes night scenes and interiors with visible light sources. The look is warm amber to cyan, with reduced micro-contrast compared to modern APO lenses. It typically appears in indie productions and mid-budget projects aiming for an analog film look, without having to resort to actual vintage glass with unpredictable mechanics. Available at specialized rental houses with character lens inventories.
4. Specs Overview
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | RICHARD GALE OPTICS |
| Type | Prime FF |
| Year | 2018 |
| Country | UK |
| Era | Vintage |
| Focal Length (Reference Datasheet) | 38.0mm |
| T-Stop Range | T2.0 – T16.0 |
| Squeeze | 1.0× |
| Weight | 1.49 kg / 3.29 lb |
| Close Focus | 0.33 m / 1' 1" |
| Distortion | Barrel |
Related terms
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Clavius"?