In an era of ultra-sharp 12K digital sensors, why did we choose to shoot a recent high-end brand film on lenses from the 1960s?

The answer lies in character. While modern lenses strive for clinical perfection, the Pentax Super-Takumar series offers a soulful, organic aesthetic that digital sensors simply cannot replicate in post-production.

The Unique Character of Takumar Lenses

The Super-Takumar 50mm f1.4 and 35mm f2 are legends in the cinematography world for several reasons:

• The “Takumar Flare”: Thanks to the early thorium coatings, these lenses produce a warm, golden “dream-like” flare when pointed toward light—a signature look we utilized for our latest Collingwood lifestyle shoot.
• Silky Bokeh: The 8-blade iris construction creates a soft, creamy background fall-off that keeps the viewer’s focus squarely on the subject without the harsh “digital” edges.
• Micro-Contrast: These lenses offer a gentle roll-off between highlights and shadows, giving skin tones a natural, healthy glow that saves hours in the color-grading suite.

Vintage Glass in a Modern Brand Context

For our recent project, we paired these Pentax vintage lenses with a modern cinema camera. This “vintage-meets-digital” setup allowed us to capture the grit and texture of Collingwood’s industrial spaces while maintaining the professional reliability required for a brand film.

Why Filmmakers Still Choose Vintage in 2026

Choosing a vintage lens review isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about differentiation. In a market saturated with “perfect” content, the slight imperfections of vintage glass—the subtle vignettes and organic textures—help a brand feel more “human” and authentic.

Whether you are a filmmaker looking for a distinct aesthetic or a business owner wanting a video that doesn’t look like a stock ad, the Super-Takumar series remains a gold standard.

Want your next brand film to have a distinct, cinematic edge? We specialise in combining high-end strategy with unique visual storytelling (including our specialised vintage lens kits). Contact us for a free audit of your current video content, and let’s see how we can give your brand a look that stands out in 2026.