The Elite MK-IV and Optar Illumina Super 16 are lenses out of Russia that were made to cover the Super 16 frame with ease. The Optar Illumina lenses are older than the Elite MK-IVs and both models share a similar Russian ancestry from LOMO. Originall the Optar Illuminas were called Russia’s answer to Zeiss Super Speeds, as the lenses share similar speed, size, and mechanical design. The Elite MK-IVs are improved mechanically and boast of more focal lengths including the 6.6mm. In comparison, the widest Optar Illumina lens made was the 8mm.
The Elite MK-IVs have 9-leaf iris blades while the Optar Illuminas have 10-leaf iris blades, meaning that petal-shaped bokeh is to be expected. Both models have modern coatings and suppress flares more easily than its Zeiss counterparts. The Optar Illumina’s coatings revolve around green-magenta character while the Elite MK-IV are similar (slightly more magenta). Both are known for their excellent contrast and warm tones and they offer a slightly softer, more vintage look than Zeiss—closer to Cooke. Designed specifically for Super 16, these lenses are fast and ideal for modern cinematography.
The Elite MK-IV and Optar Illumina Super 16 are lenses out of Russia that were made to cover the Super 16 frame with ease. The Optar Illumina lenses are older than the Elite MK-IVs and both models share a similar Russian ancestry from LOMO. Originall the Optar Illuminas were called Russia’s answer to Zeiss Super Speeds, as the lenses share similar speed, size, and mechanical design. The Elite MK-IVs are improved mechanically and boast of more focal lengths including the 6.6mm. In comparison, the widest Optar Illumina lens made was the 8mm.
The Elite MK-IVs have 9-leaf iris blades while the Optar Illuminas have 10-leaf iris blades, meaning that petal-shaped bokeh is to be expected. Both models have modern coatings and suppress flares more easily than its Zeiss counterparts. The Optar Illumina’s coatings revolve around green-magenta character while the Elite MK-IV are similar (slightly more magenta). Both are known for their excellent contrast and warm tones and they offer a slightly softer, more vintage look than Zeiss—closer to Cooke. Designed specifically for Super 16, these lenses are fast and ideal for modern cinematography.
| Focal Length | Aperture | Close Focus | Front Diameter | Weight (lbs) | Image Circle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.6mm Elite | T1.3 | 8" | 104mm | 2.86 | ⌀15mm |
| 9.5mm Optar | T1.3 | 10" | 80mm | 1.56 | ⌀15.2mm |
| 12mm Optar | T1.3 | 10" | 80mm | 1.54 | ⌀15.3mm |
| 16mm Elite | T1.3 | 10" | 80mm | 1.82 | ⌀15.8mm |
| 20mm Elite | T1.3 | 10" | 80mm | 2.2 | ⌀17mm |
| 50mm Optar | T1.3 | 20" | 80mm | 1.96 | ⌀27.1mm |
