GL Optics (2025)

GL Optics: Redefining Lens Rehousing

At GL Optics, we are proud pioneers in the art of Lens Rehousing, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the industry. As the largest company of our kind globally, we have established a reputation for excellence that sets us apart. We are a design and engineering firm that thrives on tenacity, embracing challenges head-on and maintaining the highest sta

ndards of discipline. This dedication to continuous growth and improvement is exemplified in our cutting-edge 5th-generation lens housings. With years of experience under our belt, we have refined the art of lens rehousing to an exceptional level. Our team of skilled professionals combines creativity, engineering expertise, and meticulous craftsmanship to deliver outstanding results. Each lens housing is meticulously designed, crafted, and tested to ensure optimal performance, durability, and precision.

17/02/2025

We are excited to announce the rehousing of the legendary Olympus OM glass, a comprehensive 19 lens set of full-frame lenses introduced in 1972. This time around, we’ve employed a cam-based focus system in place of our signature helicoid mechanism—a testament to our 15 years of expertise in precision engineering and our ability to innovate for the unique characteristics of this iconic lens series.

Olympus OM lenses, designed largely by Yoshihisa Maitani, are celebrated for their optical sharpness, low chromatic aberration, and beautifully bold flares. Their multi-coated optics deliver higher contrast than many vintage lenses, yet their textured bokeh lends them a distinct and cinematic charm. Compact and lightweight, they strike a near-perfect balance between vintage character and modern optical performance, making them both practical and visually evocative.

The OM lenses were ahead of their time, offering exceptional close-focus capabilities across the set. The 50mm and 90mm, both macro lenses, perform beautifully for both standard and macro applications, adding versatility for filmmakers. This isn’t the first time the OM series has been adapted for cinema—in the 1980s, Moviecam rehoused these lenses for their film cameras, further cementing their place in cinematic history.

By reviving Olympus OM lenses with our cam-based focus system, GL Optics preserves their legendary optical character while enhancing usability for modern filmmaking. This set bridges vintage charm and contemporary functionality, making it a timeless choice for creative storytelling on full-frame cameras.

05/12/2024

We are proud to announce the Pentax SMC 67 lens set

Reimagine the possibilities of medium format cinematography with rehoused Pentax SMC 67 lenses. Unlike any other rehoused medium format system, these Pentax 67 lenses, when paired with a Kipon .8x focal reducer/speed booster, retain full coverage of the expansive Alexa 65 sensor. While Mamiya 645, Hasselblad HC, and Contax 645 lenses only cover full-frame sensors when speed boosted, the Pentax 67 lenses defy limitations, unlocking nearly a full stop of extra light transmission, transforming these classic lenses into faster, more versatile tools for cinematic storytelling.

The Pentax 67 system itself holds a legendary status in photographic history. Born from Asahi Optical’s relentless pursuit of optical perfection, it began in the late 1960s with the groundbreaking Asahi Pentax 6x7 camera. The system continuously evolved, with Super-Multi-Coated Takumars enhancing light transmission and reducing flare, while Pentax expanded the lens lineup to embrace wide-angle, telephoto, and specialized tools like the 75mm Shift.

Throughout the 1980s, the system matured into the “SMC Pentax 67. Now, these rehoused lenses transcend their photographic heritage. Imagine the possibilities: the unique character of medium format, with its exquisite rendering and shallow depth of field, now combined with increased low-light performance and the expansive canvas of 65mm storytelling.

These rehoused Pentax SMC 67 lenses are an invitation to redefine cinematic expression. Step into a world where the boundaries of medium format are shattered, and a new era of cinematic storytelling begins.

03/12/2024

GL OPTICS - Is proud to announce the Rollei HFT lens set

Rollei HFT lenses, born from a collaboration between Rollei and the legendary Carl Zeiss, occupy a unique space in the history of optics. Truly set apart by their distinctive triangular aperture, a design element that echoes the coveted Zeiss B-Speeds and their sought-after “guitar pick” bokeh.

Introduced in the 1970s, HFT lenses featured Rollei’s proprietary High Fidelity Transfer (HFT) multi-coating, and like the Zeiss B-Speeds, renowned for their unique 9-blade iris and the captivating bokeh it produces, the Rollei HFT lenses with triangular apertures offer a distinct visual signature. Out-of-focus highlights take on a hituar pick shape, adding a subtle yet captivating dimension to the image.

We are also pleased to say that we have taken care of the hexagon shape Iris adorning Planar 50mm f/1.4 HFT... After countless hours of meticulous engineering and relentless experimentation, we’re thrilled to unveil a groundbreaking achievement: the world’s first universal triangular iris for rehoused lenses.

This revolutionary iris, featuring fifteen precisely crafted matte blades working in perfect harmony, allows filmmakers to achieve the captivating “guitar pick” bokeh previously limited to a select few lenses. Imagine the creative possibilities: imbuing your scenes with a subtle yet distinct visual signature, adding a touch of artistry and emotion to every frame.

This innovative iris is compatible with our not only Planar 50mm f/1.4 HFT. but our entire catalog of 32 sets and counting (381+) rehoused lenses, giving you unprecedented control over your visual storytelling. Whether you’re seeking the classic character of vintage glass or the pristine precision of modern optics, you can now add a unique take on bokeh to any lens in your arsenal.

At GL Optics, we’re not just rehousing lenses; we’re pushing the boundaries of cinematic expression. Explore the world of triangular bokeh and discover a new dimension of creative freedom.

18/11/2024

BLACK FRIDAY 10% 𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗪𝗜𝗗𝗘, 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗦𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 𝗨𝗣 𝗧𝗢 $10,000

Forget silhouettes & whispered rumors – GL Optics turns on the spotlight - 9 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗦 𝗦𝗘𝗧𝗦, 𝗔𝗩𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗪

We’re thrilled to announce 9 new rehoused lens sets, ready to elevate your cinematic vision today.

𝗭𝗲𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗝𝗲𝗻𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗿: Unearth cinematic history with these East German gems, known for their smooth bokeh, subtle warmth, & classic character.
𝗣𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘅 67 𝗦𝗠𝗖: Experience the magic of medium format with an image circle so big they still cover 65mm whilst .8 speed boosted.
𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗶𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗛𝗙𝗧: Capture captivating imagery with the unique triangular aperture of these classic Rolleiflex lenses, now reimagined for cinema.
Beijing 608 - Great Wall: Journey to the heart of Chinese optical history with these rare and enigmatic lenses, prized for their unique rendering and historical significance.
𝗛𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗱 𝗛𝗖: These early 2000s, turn-of-the-century gems represent the modern end of medium format with exceptional sharpness for a hyper-contemporary shooting experience. A departure from the vintage charm of the rest of our 65mm collection.
𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗻 𝗞35: Reimagined and reborn. Initially drawn in 2019, these iconic lenses were meticulously re-engineered just last week for our Mark V lens bodies, delivering their signature vintage character with a new level of modern precision.
𝗟𝗲𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗠: Harness the legendary sharpness & compact form factor of Leica M lenses, meticulously fine-tooth combed by us.
𝗭𝗲𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝘁𝘂𝘀/𝗠𝗶𝗹𝘃𝘂𝘀: Deemed by us, the full-frame “Mini Master Prime”… Embrace optical perfection with these, modern masterpieces, renowned for their exceptional resolution, technical prowess, and micro-contrast.
𝗭𝗲𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘅 645: Equip yourself with yet another one of our medium format options for all the 65mm camera systems in today’s pipeline.

Each set has been meticulously re-engineered to meet the demands of modern filmmaking, ensuring flawless performance & unparalleled optical quality all softly landed in our cutting-edge Mark V lens bodies, providing unmatched versatility & control.

23/04/2024

presents the , proudly rebreathing life into the world’s 1st Soviet zoom lens.

The has 14 elements in 11 groups. and was the kit lens that came with the Zenit 6 camera. The Zenit Camera lines top model of this family, was the Zenit-6 which came with with the first Soviet photographic zoom lens, the Rubin-1. It eloquently played the role of an expensive toy in the Soviet movie ‘Zigzag of Success (1968). The main character, the photographer Oreshnikov, looks at it in a store window with a price sticker showing 400 roubles (he is dreaming about a journalistic career). His attempt to win the money in a lottery becomes the center of the entire movie.

This camera family was one of the most ambitious projects of the whole camera making of USSR in that era.

The was Loosely based on the Voigtländer Zoomar, originally designed by Dr. Frank G. Back as a motion picture lens, the Zoomar was widely considered to be the first successful zoom lens for 35mm. Both lenses have 14-elements in 11 groups, but the position of the individual elements is not the same. The Zoomar also has a slightly wider range of 36mm to 82mm, as well as the original method for zoom mechanics differs significantly.

We are excited to see what you creative spin up with this beautiful piece of history reimaginedh.

26/01/2024

We proudly Unveil, The world's 1st Laowa VistaVision 10mm T3.1 Before Anyone Knew It Existed.

13 years into rehousing, GL Optics is proud to announce the Laowa 10mm T3.1 wide-angle lens. The world’s first LPL Mount, rectilinear, 10mm full-frame lens, brought here to the West and reimagined for cinema use before anyone even knew it existed In photography form.

This groundbreaking lens isn’t just the world’s first rectilinear 10mm LPL full-frame option; it’s the lightest and most affordable in its class.

With a 4-inch minimum focus distance, a mind-bending 130.4° field of view and zero distortion, this powerhouse lens shatters the boundaries of wide-angle cinematography. Our rehousing process delivers a 170° focus throw for silky-smooth control, a 95mm front end, and an LPL mount for seamless integration into your professional workflow.

Unlike most 10mm lenses that bend and warp reality, the Laowa 10mm T3.1 LPL renders the world with breathtaking rectilinear accuracy. Capture cityscapes in their true, awe-inspiring grandeur, with pristine lines and unfaltering perspectives. No bulging horizons, no distorted smiles; just the sheer, unadulterated beauty of the world laid bare in your 130.4° embrace. Imagine capturing architectural marvels without their edges melting away, or weaving through bustling streets without pedestrians morphing into funhouse caricatures. With the Laowa 10mm, what you see is what you get, and what you get is pure, unadulterated, ultra ultra-wide reality. Prepare to rediscover the world, unfiltered and untamed, through the eyes of this groundbreaking lens.

With edge-to-edge sharpness. Its 15-element design delivers pristine clarity, while the T3.1 aperture unlocks stunning low-light performance and buttery-smooth bokeh.

The Laowa 10mm T3.1 LPL cinema Lens Rehoused by GL Optics redefines the possibilities of wide-angle filmmaking.

Please note: this lens Is compatible and works on all LPL cameras. Alexa s35, Monstro, alexa mini LF, Sony burano, Venice, etc.

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http://www.glopticsusa.com/

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UP TO $10k OFF 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱’𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘀: 𝟯𝟮 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘀 & 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴. At GL Optics, we are proud pioneers in the art of lens rehousing, for 15 years, we’ve not just operated within this specialized world—we’ve been a part of defining it... With 32 distinct sets of lenses meticulously re-engineered for cinematic use, and a staggering 481 individual lens variations and counting, our collection is unrivaled. Our passion for cinematic expression knows no bounds. From the iconic Leica R to the rare and elusive Beijing 608 - Great Wall lens, we’ve meticulously deconstructed, analyzed, and rehoused a vast spectrum of optics, breathing new life into classic glass. Our ever-growing catalog encompasses everything from vintage spherical lenses to classic anamorphic favorites, each rehoused with an unwavering commitment to optical precision and mechanical excellence. At GL Optics, we believe that limitations stifle artistic vision. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to building the most comprehensive lens rehousing operation in the world. We’re not just rehousing lenses; we’re unlocking a universe of creative possibilities. Whether you’re seeking the classic warmth of vintage glass or the crisp precision of modern glass, GL Optics has the perfect lens to bring your cinematic dreams to life. Embark on a journey through the world’s most expansive collection of rehoused lenses. Unearth hidden gems, rediscover classic favorites, and experience the exceptional level of craftsmanship that has established GL Optics as a dominant force in the cinematic lens rehousing landscape. Our dedication to preserving and enhancing classic optics is unmatched, offering a curated selection that spans decades of optical innovation.

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