New Glass, Vintage Techniques: A Rundown of the Cooke SP3s
Cinematographers paint with light, with their brushes being a set of lenses. Among the plethora of lens manufacturers, Cooke Optics stands out for its impeccable craftsmanship and the legendary “Cooke Look.” The Cooke SP3 series is a testament to this legacy, offering modern features while maintaining the aesthetic that has captivated filmmakers for decades. This blog delves into the features, benefits, and real-world applications of the Cooke SP3 lenses, highlighting their transformative impact on cinematic storytelling.
Cooke Optics has been a pioneer in the world of cinematography since the late 19th century. Known for their dedication to optical excellence, Cooke lenses have been instrumental in shaping the visual language of countless films. The distinctive Cooke Look, characterized by smooth contrast, exceptional skin tone reproduction, and pleasing bokeh, has become a hallmark of high-quality cinematography.
The Cooke Look is more than just a marketing term; it’s a visual signature that enhances the emotional depth of a story. This unique aesthetic is achieved through meticulous design and manufacturing processes that prioritize smooth, natural rendering of light and color. The SP3 series continues this tradition, providing filmmakers with tools that enhance their creative expression.
Introducing the Cooke SP3 Series
The Cooke SP3 lenses are designed for modern filmmakers who demand versatility, portability, and exceptional image quality. These lenses are compact, lightweight, and built to withstand the rigours of professional production environments.
Exceptional Image Quality:
The SP3 lenses deliver the iconic Cooke Look, ensuring smooth contrast and natural colour rendition. This quality is crucial for maintaining a consistent visual style across different shots and scenes.
Compact and Lightweight Design:
Weighing less than traditional cinema lenses, the SP3 series is perfect for handheld shooting, gimbal setups, and other mobile applications. Their lightweight design does not compromise durability, making them reliable under various shooting conditions.
The SP3 series includes a range of focal lengths from 18.5mm to 100mm (25mm, 32mm, 50mm, 75mm), providing filmmakers with the flexibility to capture wide landscapes, intimate close-ups, and everything in between. This versatility is essential for diverse filmmaking needs.
Precision-engineered focus and iris controls ensure smooth transitions and accurate exposure adjustments, which are critical for dynamic shooting environments.
Designed to be compatible with a wide range of camera systems, including full-frame and Super 35 sensors, the SP3 lenses ensure that filmmakers can achieve their desired look regardless of the camera they are using. The kit comes with interchangeable E-Mount & RF-Mount backings.
The SP3 lenses are built to the highest standards of optical performance. They feature consistent T-stops across the series, ensuring uniform exposure and depth of field. The lenses are also colour-matched, allowing for seamless intercutting between different focal lengths.
The Game-Changing 18.5mm Adapter from Old Fast Glass
Old Fast Glass, renowned for their innovative lens modifications, has introduced an 18.5mm adapter specifically designed for the Cooke SP3 series. This addition expands the creative possibilities for filmmakers, providing a unique perspective that was previously unavailable in the SP3 lineup.
Features and Benefits of the 18.5mm Adapter
Ultra-Wide Perspective:
The 18.5mm adapter offers an ultra-wide field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes, tight interior spaces, and dynamic action scenes. This wide perspective adds a new dimension to storytelling, making it possible to convey a greater sense of space and scale.
Despite the ultra-wide angle, the adapter preserves the distinctive Cooke Look, ensuring that the aesthetic consistency is maintained across all focal lengths. This is crucial for maintaining a cohesive visual style throughout a production.
The 18.5mm adapter can be easily attached to the existing SP3 lenses, providing filmmakers with the flexibility to switch between standard and ultra-wide perspectives without changing lenses. This versatility is particularly beneficial for fast-paced shooting environments.
The Cooke SP3 lenses have been embraced by filmmakers across various genres, demonstrating their versatility and exceptional performance in diverse production environments.
In feature films, the SP3 lenses have been used to create visually stunning narratives. For instance, the 2023 film “The Wingman” utilized a variety of Cooke lenses, including the SP3s, to achieve its distinctive visual style. The SP3 series, with its comprehensive focal range and exceptional image quality, would be an excellent choice for similar productions, enhancing both the aesthetic and technical aspects of filmmaking.
Documentary filmmakers often face the challenge of capturing a wide range of environments and subjects. The compact and lightweight design of the SP3 lenses makes them ideal for documentary work. The SP3s were recently used to shoot “P!NK Summer Carnival Tour”, they provided the necessary flexibility and durability to capture compelling & dynamic concert shots.
Commercials and music videos benefit from the creative flexibility offered by the SP3 lenses. The ability to switch between different focal lengths allows for dynamic storytelling and visually engaging content. The gorgeous music “Deer Skin” for “Marina’s/ELDR” exclusively used the SP3s paired with the Sony FX6. ‘Deer Skin’ is a photographic movement piece exploring themes of abuse, coercion, subjugation, and racial violence. The SP3s enabled cinematographer Luciana Riso to have impeccable intimacy with the performers involved which elevated the production to a whole other level.
The Cooke SP3 lenses offer filmmakers a powerful toolset to enhance their creative expression. Their exceptional optical performance, versatility, and unique aesthetic make them invaluable for various filmmaking applications.
Revolt Camera is proud to offer the Cooke SP3 lenses for rental. Our extensive inventory ensures that filmmakers have access to the best tools to bring their creative visions to life.n.
At Revolt Camera, we are committed to providing filmmakers with the highest quality equipment and exceptional customer service. Our knowledgeable staff can assist you in selecting the right lenses and accessories for your project, ensuring that you achieve the desired look and feel.
The Cooke SP3 lenses represent a significant advancement in the field of cinematography. Their exceptional optical performance, versatility, and unique aesthetic make them a valuable tool for filmmakers across various genres. At Revolt Camera, we are excited to offer these groundbreaking lenses for rental, providing filmmakers with the tools they need to create cinematic masterpieces.
Explore the possibilities with Cooke SP3 lenses and discover how they can transform your next project into a visual triumph. Contact us today to learn more about our rental options and take your filmmaking to the next level.
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Have questions about your production or our equipment? Revolt Camera supports storytellers on their journey from providing production advice and support, to the equipment you need to capture your content. Our dedicated gear specialists and industry experts will be here for you every step of the way.
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