Capture the Essence of an Era: Thypoch Ksana 21mm f/3.5 – Where Vintage Meets Vision.
Unveiling the Ksana 21mm f/3.5: A Journey into Cinematic History
True to Thypoch's signature approach, their latest optical creation, the Ksana 21mm f/3.5 M-Mount lens, is engineered to evoke a retro feel, producing photographs rich in personality and nostalgic warmth. This new offering is poised to deliver the classic visual qualities reminiscent of beloved lenses from the 1970s.
The Revolutionary "Epoch Coating" Project: Reimagining Classic Optics
The core of this retro aesthetic lies in Thypoch's groundbreaking 'Epoch Coating' initiative. This project meticulously delves into the artistic spirit of various historical lens eras, with the goal of faithfully reproducing their unique characteristics through specialized coatings and precise optical configurations. Thypoch explicitly draws inspiration from vintage cinema lenses, as their distinctive flare and rendering continue to captivate contemporary filmmakers and photographers alike.
"Epoch Coating 73": Crafting the 1970s Cinematic Look
The inaugural lens in the Ksana series, the Ksana 21mm f/3.5, incorporates the advanced 'Epoch Coating 73.' This particular coating is designed to impart a cinematic quality, characterized by a golden glow and subtle color rendition. Essentially, this lens meticulously recreates the visual language of 1970s cinema, all while ensuring remarkable image clarity.
Design and Mechanics: Compact Form Meets Tactile Precision
Following the tradition of many other Thypoch lenses, the new Ksana 21mm f/3.5 boasts a compact and featherlight all-metal construction. Crafted from aluminum, it weighs a mere 131 grams (4.6 ounces) and measures a trim 27 millimeters (one inch) in length. This manual focus lens allows for close-up focusing down to 0.5 meters (1.6 feet). When paired with a rangefinder, it provides a distinct tactile feedback at 0.7 meters. The lens features a textured focus ring and a crescent-shaped tab, all contributing to its authentic 1970s appeal.
Optical Excellence: A Sophisticated Lens Structure for Optimal Performance
The lens's optical system comprises eight elements arranged into six groups. It includes one aspherical element, two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements, and three high refractive index (HRI) elements, all working in concert to deliver superior image quality. The nine-bladed aperture diaphragm is a key feature, which Thypoch highlights for its ability to produce striking 18-point starbursts when set at f/4.
A Harmonious Blend of Heritage and Modernity: Aesthetic and Performance
Thypoch proudly states, “Exquisitely designed both internally and externally, this lens encapsulates the finest elements of vintage aesthetics, seamlessly complementing any compatible camera, and is offered in sophisticated black or silver finishes. Its refined, meticulously crafted feel makes it an ideal companion for Leica cameras, providing a retro appearance coupled with contemporary dependability—a perfect choice for artists seeking a harmonious blend of style and exceptional performance.”
Availability and Investment: Acquiring the Ksana 21mm f/3.5
The Thypoch Ksana 21mm f/3.5 M-Mount lens is currently available for purchase in both black and silver. It is priced at $549 in the United States and €479 in Europe. It is worth noting that M-Mount lenses are readily adaptable to contemporary mirrorless camera systems, as previously demonstrated by PetaPixel in their reviews of other Thypoch lense