Richard Gale Optics Clavius FF Vintage Primes (BLACK)

Richard Gale Optics — Clavius FF Vintage Primes (Black) A matched set of four full-frame prime lenses — 28mm, 38mm, 58mm, and 88mm — all F2, built around a single vintage Helios 58/2 optical block for consistent character across every focal length.

One of the most distinctive vintage prime sets available in Toronto. The Clavius shoots like a vintage lens and handles like a modern cinema tool — pronounced flares, lower contrast, swirling bokeh — with internal focus, standard gears, and long buttery focus throw built for serious AC work.

Every focal length shares the same 1971 Helios 58/2 MMZ optical core. Richard Gale Optics built the 28mm, 38mm, and 88mm by adding proprietary elements around that single block — keeping flare behaviour, bokeh, and colour rendering matched across the set. Single-layer MgF2 coatings produce the characteristic blue-purple flare and low contrast of Soviet-era glass.

Optional aperture disk inserts modify bokeh character in the field — circular, anamorphic oval, and coloured effect options available. Anamorphic aesthetic without the full anamorphic overhead.

Inserts available to rent separately. Ask us about adding them to your order.

Noteworthy Attributes:

• Full-frame coverage (46.5mm image circle)

• Full Frame / VV coverage (DXL, Monstro, Arri LF)

• Historic optical elements (Single Layer MgF2 Coated Primary Elements)

• Classical lower contrast rendering

• Ultra responsive to flaring

• Interchangeable aperture disks (ovals, soft focus, defocus distortion, apodised, translucent etc)

• Unorthodox optical designs

•  f/2.0 aperture throughout the range T2.3

•  Silky smooth optical characteristics