The Lomo Super Speed 35mm is a Soviet prime lens from the early 1980s, originally built for Soviet film production and today rehoused into modern barrels by GL Optics.
1. Overview
The Lomo Super Speed 35mm is a Soviet prime lens from the early 1980s, originally built for Soviet filmmaking and now rehoused by GL Optics into modern mounts. With a T1.5 aperture, it belongs to the fastest class of vintage optics available and is internationally rented through rental houses.
2. Characteristics
Flare characteristics according to CINEFLARES datasheet:
- Types: Rainbow, Caustic, Veiling
- Colors: Blue, Purple, Yellow, Cyan, Amber
- Intensity: Strong
Linked pattern entries:
3. Creative Use
The lens produces pronounced barrel distortion and, at wide open aperture, a soft, low-contrast look with noticeable corner softness—typical for Soviet optics of this era. The flare characteristics are strong and broad: rainbow artifacts, caustic refractions, and pronounced veiling in backlight are not exceptions but creative tools. Indie productions and music video teams turn to it when a recognizable vintage character is desired without sacrificing speed. The rehousing by GL Optics makes it rental-ready: standardized focus ring, /i Technology optional, reliable mechanics. In controlled studio environments, the flare can be used with precision; on locations with uncontrolled light sources, patience and a clear vision of what you want are required.
4. Specs Overview
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | LOMO (GL Optics rehoused) |
| Type | Prime Super 35 |
| Year | 1980 |
| Country | USSR |
| Era | Vintage |
| Focal Length (Reference Datasheet) | 35.0mm |
| T-Stop Range | T1.5 – T16.0 |
| Squeeze | 1.0× |
| Weight | 0.9 kg / 2.0 lb |
| Close Focus | 0.25 m / 10" |
| Distortion | Barrel |
News
The Lomo Super Speed lenses are receiving increased attention within the cinematography community. Users report characteristic optical properties: at wide open aperture, the lenses exhibit a soft rendering with subtle blooming, while they become significantly sharper stopped down to T2-2.8. The 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm focal lengths, in particular, are frequently used in combination with modern digital cameras like the Arri Alexa Mini.
Related terms
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Lomo Super Speed"?