GL Optics in Munich manufactures precision aluminum rehousing for vintage lenses with standardized 0.8-pitch gears and PL mount, enabling modern handling of classic optics.
GL Optics manufactures its rehousing bodies from CNC-milled aluminum blocks with a tolerance of ±0.002mm. Standardized dimensions include focus and aperture gear rings with 0.8 module pitch, 300° focus rotation, and uniform gear positions across all focal lengths within a set. The flange focal distance is calibrated to PL mount standard (52mm) with millimeter precision. The bodies weigh between 1.8kg (35mm) and 2.4kg (85mm) and offer screw-in points for 15mm rod support. Optional macro focus extensions up to 1:1 magnification and close focus modifications down to 25cm are realized.
GL Optics was founded by Guido Lukoschek in Munich in 2009, after he had previously experienced the limitations of old lenses in modern productions as a camera assistant. The first major rehousing project was Zeiss Super Speed Mark III lenses in 2011 for the series "Parfum". In 2013, GL Optics developed the first full-frame rehousing for Leica Summilux-R lenses, followed by specialization in anamorphic Isco optics in 2015. Since 2018, the company has also offered vintage zoom rehousing for Angenieux lenses, and since 2020, custom solutions for collector's lenses like Cooke Speed Panchros.
Wes Anderson's "The French Dispatch" (2021) utilized GL Optics-rehousted Cooke Speed Panchros for a characteristic vintage look with modern handling. "Babylon" (2022) used rehousted Zeiss Super Speeds for period-authentic imagery. The uniform gear positions allow for seamless focal length changes without follow focus recalibration. Typical workflows combine 3-4 rehousted prime lenses (25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm) as a compact set. Disadvantages: 6-8 weeks processing time and potential impairment of the original optics during improper disassembly.
GL Optics competes with True Lens Services (USA), IronGlass Adapters, and P+S Technik Vintage-Line. While TLS focuses on Hollywood standards, GL Optics specializes in European optics and custom solutions. Alternatives include lens adapter systems from Wooden Camera or original vintage lenses with separate support systems. Rehousing is suitable for productions with frequent lens changes and standardized workflows, whereas original housings suffice for one-off uses or budget productions.
Ich schätze die einheitlichen Gear-Positionen – einmal den Follow Focus kalibriert, kann ich zwischen allen Brennweiten wechseln ohne Neuausrichtung. Die präzisen 300° Fokusrotation geben mir deutlich feinere Schärfeziehung als die ursprünglichen 90°-Systeme der Vintage-Objektive. Der einheitliche 95mm-Front-Durchmesser bedeutet, dass alle meine Mattebox-Filter und Blenden ohne Adapter-Ringe funktionieren.
Mir ermöglichen die GL Optics-Objektive den authentischen Look klassischer Filme mit der Zuverlässigkeit moderner Technik. Während der Dreharbeiten kann mein Team schnell zwischen verschiedenen Brennweiten wechseln, ohne dass ich kreative Kompromisse wegen technischer Limitierungen machen muss. Die charakteristische Bokeh-Qualität und Farbwiedergabe historischer Gläser bleibt vollständig erhalten, aber ich verliere keine Zeit durch umständliche Vintage-Equipment-Eigenarten.
Ein 4er-Set rehouster Zeiss Super Speeds kostet mich 15.000-20.000 Euro, aber die Investition amortisiert sich durch reduzierte Drehzeiten und weniger technische Probleme am Set. Die standardisierte Bauweise bedeutet weniger Spezial-Equipment im Rental-Package und geringere Versicherungsrisiken als bei fragilen Original-Vintage-Objektiven. GL Optics bietet 24-Monats-Garantie und europaweiten Service, was meine Produktionsrisiken minimiert.
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