This is the first and oldest generation of the now legendary Arriflex/Zeiss family of lenses and they share a lot of DNA with the later lenses, the Standard and Super Speeds. Commonly referred to as “B-Speeds” they were introduced in the 1970s with ARRI Bayonet Mounts. Their incredible optics are made of “rare earth element glass,” (which lens manufacturers are no longer allowed to use) and our sets have their original coatings and arguably, most importantly their original iris design. Indeed the optics and iris are all original but in a modern, robust TLS re-housing that stands up to the vigours of modern production and offers an enhanced scale for more accurate focus pulls.

The thing that sets B-Speeds apart from nearly any other lens ever made is their unique 9-blade iris that results in an aperture that has the shape of a triangle with rounded sides. This iris design not only gives the lenses a more gentle focus roll off, but it also produces one of the most striking bokeh effects of any other lens. Shoot them wide open and out-of-focus pinpoint light sources are rendered as round orbs. However stop down to T2, and the circular orbs turn into rounded triangles. B-Speeds give you multiple looks within the same set, and the ability to make your project stand out. These are the most expressive, artistic lenses in the family, excelling in music-driven visuals, night exteriors and stylised narratives.

Breathing is minimal. Flares are pleasing thanks to the vintage coatings. Shooting wide open results in a beautiful flattering look with a slight glow to highlights. Stop down and the look is sharper and has more contrast.