How Do Anamorphic Lenses Work?

[tommygdawg]

I got all of mine on ebay. I've done very well on price but that is the result of about 4 months checking daily. I got bargains by losing 95% of my auctions by not bidding higher than I was willing to pay. Missed out on a couple that I really wish I'd bid higher on though. The cost of the lens is just the start. Then you need to find a way to mount it, there are some expensive clamps available. My $45 lens had a thread so I bought a CPL rotating filter and pushed the glass out so had a mount for $12. My other ones I've had to buy clamps for, the cheapest $60. I also had to buy lens supports to take the extra weight off the filter threads. Diopters allow you to focus closer but they are going to cost almost as much as the lens. Expect the outlay to get a satisfying combination to end up costing you much more than you plan. You really need to buy a dud or two and have a selection to find the look you want. Once you've got a few you will learn what you need to know and know what you want. The upside is once you find a combination you are happy with you can pop the extras back on ebay and get your money back.

Definitely. I've been keeping an eye on ebay for quite a while, unfortunately whenever I come into some money that I can spend on film equipment, I usually wind up having to spend it on some other gear that is more necessary for a project. I know anamorphic isn't a cheap game to get into, but here's hoping I can sooner or later. I really like the aesthetic it provides and as a cinematographer I'd like to be well-versed in everything.