Optica Elites or Optar Illumina for 16mm or Skarlet 2/3 consideration

[C.H.Haskell]

Need to outfit some 2/3 sensor cameras and wanted to start a discussion based on people's experience with the elites or the illumenas. Two different
manufactures with two different products I believe. I do know the Illuminas
are 10 years old tech vs the Elites are about 5 and more modern but I dont know much else about the glass, how they compare, what films used them...love to see some results. I feel they are both a great alternatives to the Zeiss line.

OPTICA ELITES
http://optica-elite.com/products/lenses-s16/

OPTAR ILLUMINA
http://www.optarillumina.com/lenses/super16.html

[Charles Angus]

I've used Optar Illumina's and Zeiss SS on 16mm. The Optars were mechanically fair, focus rings ranged from slightly loose to very stiff, and aperture rings were sloppy to average.

I went to HDCAM SR 444, and was pleased with the sharpness of them. I shot almost exclusively at 2.8, though, where you would expect them to be at their best. I've used them at 1.3 as well, but a back-focus problem made sharpness hard to judge.

I think the mechanical issues could probably be ameliorated by a skilled lens tech, but I don't know.

All in all, the Illumina's were not up to Zeiss standards, but they were serviceable and got the job done. I would recommend them, but with caveats.

[C.H.Haskell]

Interesting Charles...thanks for the feedback. I should also note that the Illumina set price is quoted on the site, around 16,500 and I believe the newer elites are about 3 times this price so thats something to keep in mind.

[Mitch Gross]

With a little love from a lens tech the Optar Illuminas are great lenses. The Elites are that much better. I have used both and used to own a set of Optars. If you ant to check out some Optar Illuminas before you make any purchase, we have them here in rental in NY.

[C.H.Haskell]

I am interested in picking up some of used Optars illuminas if anyone wants to let go some, I sent you a PM Mitch.

[C.H.Haskell]

Looking for projects shot with either of these lens sets online, any links would be much appreciated.