RESTRAIN YOURSELF! -- I know these lenses SUCK already. That's why I'm replacing them.

Briefly...the Westars were purchased used and they all have pits and/or scratches. Some of them seem to have little web-like formations "growing" on the inside (mold?) They also happen to be the wrong size...a few of these flat images come frightfully close to filling the scope screen.

Kollmorgen lenses are outmoded. They don't focus. Actually, the specific problem that I've experienced with ALL of these is that if you focus the centre of the image, the sides will fall out-of-focus. If you split the difference, then the ENTIRE picture is somewhat out-of-focus. Some of them also have "stains" on them.

But...please...let's not dwell on the outgoing lenses...

...Here's what I have requested a quote for...

Isco-Optic CinemaScope Blue-Star lenses (scope) These are the blue lenses
Isco-Optic Ultrastar HD PLUS (flat) These are the red lenses

Am I on the right track here?
Are they gonna cost a fortune?
What's your take on used lenses?
Is there something better (or comparable) you wanna suggest?

Please let me know what you think! I'd appreciate the help.

Just so you know: I did a search and I got some information to start with. But I can't see where this topic has been "done to death" or anything like that.

I only use the red or blue Isco lenses if the situation demands it. ie Preview room or something in the theatre conditions demands the extra performance, short throw & big screen for example. For most cinemas the gold ones are perfectly adequate.

To answer your questions.

Expensive, depends on what you call expensive. IMHO good lenses are worth every penny, and will last almost indefinitely if well cared for.

You won't be dissapointed with the picture from those lenses.

Used lenses I'ev no problem with if they are a good make and are in good condition, if you'ev sourced some used lenses, ensure you can try before you buy.

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For the prime lenses, ISCO's plus lenses or Schneider's SC lenses are both excellent choices. The PLUS series is a bit more flexible in that there are stop-down rings (f/2.4 and f/2.7) if you want to balance light a bit better between formats or to improve depth of focus. The PLUS lenses brightness improvements are chiefly in the corners...they don't hot-spot like older designs. Schenider lenses tend to have a more contrasty look to them. They really low lens flare.

When it comes to cutting your aperture plates, watch out on the PLUS lenses...they practically look around the aperture plate! The fringe area is notably larger than using older designs. I have found this to be true of Schneider lenses on some focal lengths as well.

To answer you question though...yes you are on the right track.

Steve

Is it still true that the longest one available is about 50MM or so? That's what I remember, so they are only applicable if you have a short throw/big blow-up.

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Actually, I just looked at the ISCO site and you can actually get integrated anamorphics up to 95MM...maybe we needed longer than that, or a 'between' focal length. I will check next time I'm at work. I should remember these things!

ISCO Blue Star integrated anamorphics are only available in 42, 45 and 48MM, according to their website. If you can't use those, then something else from their range would need to be used. You can also get 'red' and 'gold' series integrateds.

For our more 'normal' focal lengths, we got 'gold' series ISCO integrateds. I think the red series is optimised if you are light-challenged; otherwise the golds do well.

One of the most recent screens we added has stunning sharpness in scope (ISCO gold integrated). Cannot recommend them highly enough. I can only imagine what the blue ones must be like. You cannot go wrong with ISCO.

First -- yes, you are on the right track. You might take a look at the Inventory Reduction Program Strong has going on right now -- great way to pick up some Ultra-Star * HD lenses at a great price, if the focal length(s) and/or types you need are still available.

ISCO's Blue Stars are in two types. The "Cinemascope Blue Star" is the integrated type, available in 42, 45 and 48mm focal lengths. The "Blue Star Cinemascope Attachmnet" is the 2:1 Anamorphic that you attach to a fixed focal length prime lens. This attachment works with ISCO Plus lenses above 52.5mm with the proper adapter., and with Ultra-Star * HD lenses above (I think) 65mm.

Michael -- as much as I like the Integrated Scope lenses, I still prefer a separate prime lens with the separate anamorphic, either the great Blue Star or the nearly as great Ultra-Star * HD Cinemascope attachment, especially in critical applications. These are larger lens assemblies than the integrated's but they do give a sharper image with better light uniformity on screen. The difference is the anamorphic section itself, where the separate attachments have more elements.

Pat

No Blue-Star for me?

"Where do we go from here?"
--Eva Peron, "Evita"

You could use the Blue Star Anamorphic with 85 or 90mm prime lenses in the ISCO line. You'd have great results. Couple the Blue Star Anamorphics to Ultra-Star * HD lenses and your picture would be awfully good.

Why do you want to fool with integrated anamorphics? Unless you have a clearance problem of your flat image hitting the anamorphic lens with a turret, there is no sensible reason to us an integrated. Stick with the Blue-Stars if you can afford them.

Steve

No...there's no problem with the flat image hitting the scope lens.

So basically, if you have the clearance for it, and your turret motors can handle the slight increase in bulk/weight of separates, go for the blues!

As to suggestions, I believe I have already made them...if you can afford them, use the Blue-Star anamorphics. For the prime lenses, you have both ISCO and Schneider to choose from. Each have their ups and downs and personal preference will often decide which you choose.

As Pat stated there is a pretty good sale going on for the older style ISCOs as well...including the Ultra-Star line of primes and anamorphics.

Steve