Chinese cinema lens series by Meike Electronics with 13–15 lens elements, 270° focus throw, and 28.5mm image circle for Super35mm sensors. ~$500 per lens as budget alternative to Zeiss or Canon.
All lenses in the S35 series feature 13-15 lens elements in 9-11 groups, an 11-blade iris for natural bokeh, and a 270° focus throw. Weight varies between 950g (16mm) and 1,200g (100mm). The lenses cover a 28.5mm image circle, making them suitable for Super35mm, APS-C, and Micro Four Thirds sensors. Available mounts include PL-Mount, EF-Mount, and E-Mount. The minimum focus distance ranges from 0.3m (16mm) to 0.8m (100mm). Gear rings for follow focus are standard on the focus and aperture rings.
Meike Electronics, founded in Shenzhen in 2007, initially focused on lens adapters and accessories for still cameras. With the boom of affordable cinema cameras like the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, Meike developed its first cinema prototypes in 2018. The S35 Prime series was introduced at NAB in 2019 and shipped at the end of 2019. A revised version with improved coatings and reduced optical aberrations followed in 2021. Since 2022, the S35-FF series for full-frame sensors has complemented the portfolio.
Independent filmmakers frequently use the Meike S35 Primes on cameras such as the Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro or RED Komodo. The lenses are particularly well-suited for documentary work and low-budget feature films where value for money is crucial. The uniform front and gear ring diameter allows for quick lens changes without matte box adjustments. Weaknesses appear in extreme lighting conditions due to chromatic aberrations and slight vignetting at wide apertures. The mechanical precision does not reach the level of German or Japanese manufacturers.
As budget alternatives to Zeiss CP.3 (approx. €4,500 per lens) or Canon CN-E (approx. €3,000), Meike S35 Primes cost around €500 per lens. Direct competitors include the 7Artisans Vision series and Rokinon Xeen lenses. While established manufacturers score points with superior optical quality and durability, Chinese manufacturers offer accessible prices with acceptable image quality. For productions with higher budgets, Cooke S4/i or ARRI Signature Primes remain the preferred choice due to their characteristic rendering and build quality.
Als DoP schätze ich die einheitlichen Gear-Positionen der Meike S35 – das spart Zeit beim Rigging und mein 1st AC kann blind wechseln. Die T2.1-Lichtstärke hilft bei Available Light, aber ich muss mit den Purple Fringes bei Gegenlicht leben und stopfe meist auf T2.8 ab für schärfere Bilder.
Für mich sind die Meike-Objektive ein demokratisches Werkzeug – sechs durchgängige Brennweiten zu einem Bruchteil etablierter Hersteller ermöglichen mir visuelle Konsistenz auch bei kleinem Budget. Das leicht weichere Rendering bei offener Blende nutze ich gerne für intimere Charaktermomente, auch wenn es technisch ein Mangel ist.
Ein kompletter Satz Meike S35 kostet mich 3.000€ statt 25.000€ für Zeiss CP.3 – das sind fünf zusätzliche Drehtage im Budget. Bei vorsichtigem Umgang halten sie eine Produktion durch, aber ich kalkuliere Ersatz ein und vermeide sie bei Wasser- oder Stuntszenen wegen der weniger robusten Mechanik.
1. Was beschreibt „Meike S35 Prime" am besten?
2. Zu welchem Department gehört „Meike S35 Prime"?
3. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?
The Lexikon is part of the Filmfarm ecosystem — alongside budgeting (FilmBalance), an industry magazine (FilmCircus) and crew networking (FilmCall, CrewMesh). One shared vocabulary for the whole production.