Schneider ES Cinelux Anamorphic 2x MC

• Anamorphic Adapter by Schneider
• Double Focus
• Mount: 68 MM

There’s not much cool story behind these, as they are modern anamorphics, designed for 35mm film projectors. Schneider is the company that bought Isco some time ago so their glass is top notch. Being modern, a little too much top notch. First warning of this video is about the multiple versions available. This one – which seems to be the most compact one – is the ES version, but there’s the WA, for wider angles I assume, and the Super Cinelux, which has a horrendous front lip that will mess up your life, so avoid at all costs.

Sometimes these Schneiders come with a spherical projection lens attached to the back. For the purposes of this review, just take that off and combine the anamorphic with any taking lenses you might regularly use. The anamorphic block has the same diameter all throughout. Getting to the tech specs, this is a 2x stretch scope, with no front thread for filters and non-standard rear thread (close to 67mm but not quite). You’re gonna need a clamp to attach this adapter to your taking lens.

I wouldn’t consider this a useful lens for shooting WITHOUT a single focus solution. The reason for that is the ES Cinelux has no focus ring. Focus is adjusted by these two screws at the front of the lens. I can’t even imagine how to work this on set as double focus setups are already tough. This is just stupid. Long story short, get a single focus solution. Rectilux, Rangefinder or FM Lens. Otherwise, don’t even bother with this anamorphic.

There are a few versions of this lens, one of them with a lip over the optics which is the less preferred one. There are also golden and black versions.