The Kilfitt Makro-Kilar 90mm is a German macro lens from the early 1960s, built by Heinz Kilfitt in Munich.
1. Overview
The Kilfitt Makro-Kilar 90mm is a German macro lens from the early 1960s, built by Heinz Kilfitt in Munich. It was primarily developed for photography but is also used in filmmaking due to its character.
2. Characteristics
Flare characteristics according to CINEFLARES datasheet:
- Types: Veiling, Rainbow
- Colors: White
- Intensity: Strong
Linked Pattern Entries:
3. Creative Use
The lens operates spherically with slight pincushion distortion and produces a soft, low-contrast image at wide apertures with pronounced veiling flare – in backlight, it casts a dense white veil over the image. The strong flare and barrel distortion character make it interesting for close-ups with a deliberately organic look. In practice, it appears more as a single piece in private collections than in regular rental stock; those who use it are specifically seeking this slightly unbounded, documentary character of the early 60s. Relevant for productions that aim for an unedited vintage look without relying on a modern rehousing mechanism.
4. Specs Overview
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | KILFITT MUNCHEN |
| Type | Prime 65mm |
| Year | 1961 |
| Country | Germany |
| Era | Vintage |
| Focal Length (Reference Datasheet) | 90.0mm |
| T-Stop Range | T2.8 – T32.0 |
| Squeeze | 1.0× |
| Weight | 0.58 kg / 1.29 lb |
| Close Focus | 0.13 m / 5 |
| Distortion | Barrel |
News
The Kilfitt Makro-Kilar was not only produced as a 90mm version but also as a 40mm f/2.8 variant, considered one of the very first macro lenses. The lenses featured a modular system with a detachable rear section, allowing different adapters for various camera systems or bellows units to be used. Today, these German macro lenses fetch prices up to 900 US dollars on the collector's market.
Related terms
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Kilfitt Makro-Kilar"?