Lomography Petzvalux

The Petzvalux Prime lenses, produced by Ancient Optics with Lomography Petzval glass, bring the classic Joseph Petzval optical design into modern cinema. Available in 27mm, 38mm, 55mm, 80mm, and 120mm, they feature a full-frame cine housing, geared focus and iris rings, a de-clicked aperture for smooth exposure control, and 330° focus rotation. The lenses offer sharp center detail with dramatic field curvature, rapid edge falloff, and swirling bokeh for a distinctive vintage look.

The third ring, labeled BC (Bokeh Control), adjusts internal spherical aberration and field curvature to vary the strength of the Petzval effect. Lower BC settings produce subtle edge softness while higher settings increase swirl, radial bokeh, and contrast shifts. The BC ring does not change exposure but can slightly shift the focal plane, requiring refocusing when adjusted. Combined with focus and aperture control, the BC ring gives cinematographers three ways to shape the image in real time, from subtle vintage character to pronounced swirling bokeh.