ISCO anamorphic adapter with 1.5:1 squeeze ratio and single-focus system; 480g, close focus 1.2m. Defined European arthouse cinema in the 1970s–80s.
The Iscorama 36 operates with a two-lens optical system of special cylindrical elements that compress horizontally exclusively. The adapter weighs 480 grams with dimensions of 82mm x 65mm and features an M52 filter thread. The minimum focus distance is 1.2 meters, significantly closer than professional anamorphic lenses like the Cooke Anamorphic/i (2.1m). The integrated single-focus system allows focusing solely on the base lens, while conventional dual-focus systems require separate adjustments on the adapter and base lens.
ISCO Optic originally developed the system in 1962 for 16mm projectors in French arthouse cinemas. In 1974, Gottfried Iscorama released a revised version for 35mm cameras, which quickly found favor with low-budget productions. Production ended in 1995 after approximately 8,000 units were manufactured. Since 2018, the German company SLR Magic has been producing a digital re-release under license called "Iscorama 36 MKII," optimized for modern sensors and reproducing the characteristic bluish lens flare of the originals.
The Iscorama 36 shaped the visual style of numerous European arthouse films of the 1970s and 80s. Cinematographer Robby Müller used it for Wim Wenders' "The American Friend" (1977) to create the Hamburg harbor scenes with characteristic oval bokeh circles and horizontal lens flares. Its compact design allows for handheld shots that would be impossible with heavy anamorphic lenses. However, the fixed focal length compatibility significantly limits lens selection – wide-angle lenses under 35mm produce strong distortions at the image edges.
Unlike Panavision or Hawk anamorphics, the Iscorama 36 works as an attachable system on standard lenses rather than as a standalone optic. The 1.5:1 squeeze differs from the industry standard 2:1 (Cinemascope), resulting in a less extreme widescreen format. Modern alternatives like the SLR Magic Anamorphot 40mm offer better optical quality but lose the characteristic "vintage look." Smartphone apps digitally simulate anamorphic effects but achieve neither the optical authenticity nor the physical properties of true cylindrical lenses.
Ich schätze das Iscorama 36 für seine einzigartigen ovalen Bokeh-Kreise und die warmen, horizontalen Lens-Flares, die digitale Effekte nicht authentisch reproduzieren können. Das Single-Focus-System beschleunigt meine Arbeit erheblich, da ich nur am Grundobjektiv fokussieren muss, während andere Anamorphot-Systeme doppelte Schärfeneinstellung erfordern. Die begrenzte Naheinstellgrenze von 1,2m zwingt mich allerdings zu größeren Abständen bei Nahaufnahmen.
Das 2,66:1-Format des Iscorama 36 schafft eine intimere Bildwirkung als extremes Cinemascope, ohne die Übertreibung klassischer 2,39:1-Kompositionen. Die charakteristischen bläulichen Flares und die leichte optische Unperfektion verstärken melancholische oder nostalgische Stimmungen perfekt. Für Actionsequenzen ist das System jedoch zu träge, da die begrenzte Objektivauswahl schnelle Brennweitenwechsel verhindert.
Ein gebrauchtes Iscorama 36 kostet zwischen 3.000 und 8.000 Euro – deutlich günstiger als professionelle Anamorphot-Sets, die täglich 500-800 Euro Miete kosten. Die Kompatibilität mit Standard-Objektiven reduziert die Ausrüstungskosten erheblich, da keine speziellen Anamorphot-Linsen angemietet werden müssen. Allerdings verlängert die empfindliche Vintage-Optik die Drehzeit durch häufigere Reinigungspausen und mögliche Reparaturen.
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