Oprema Brings Back The Pre-WWII Biotar 75mm f1.5

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by Fabian ChaundySeptember 11^th, 2017

Having achieved their Kickstarter campaign, Oprema aims to resurrect the much-sought-after Biotar 75mm f1.5 vintage lens.

The original Biotar 75mm was produced in the 1930s in Jena, East Germany, and despite its premium price tag back in the day, it proved popular popular among many types of photographers thanks to its characteristic swirly circular bokeh.

Enthusiasts can still get their hands on copies of the original lens in M42 mount, although these days they still go for a pretty penny. Well, Stefan Immes – the person behind the resurrection of vintage Meyer Optik glass – got back on Kickstarter, this time aiming to bring the Biotar 75mm back for the masses. Check out the promotional video below:

The Kickstarter campaign for the Oprema Biotar 75mm proved successful, with over $544K pledged and greatly surpassing the original $75K goal.

Oprema will be collaborating with Japanese lens manufacturer Tokina for the production of this new Biotar 75mm f1.5. This new take on the classic aims to maintain all the optical characteristics that made it so desirable, while improving the mechanical design to allow compatibility with modern cameras. As a result, the lens will be available in Canon, Nikon, Sony-E, Leica-M (rangefinder coupling supported), FujiX, M42 and Pentax-K.

Oprema Biotar 75mm f1.8 – Tech Specs

• Focal lenght: 75mm
• Aperture: f1.5-f16
• Optical elements/groups: 6/4
• Aperture blades: 15
• Angle of field: +/- 19
• Minimum focus: 0.8m
• Filter thread: 58mm
• Dimensions: 65mm x 80mm (2.56in x 3.15in)
• Weight: 520g / 18oz.

If you’re after a lens that leans more towards character than optical perfection, then the Oprema Biotar 75mm f1.5 could be something worth looking at. For some video examples shot at night, check out the video below:

The Oprema Biotar 75mm is now in pre-production stages, and will ship to backers in January 2018, with an expected world-wide release in June. Oprema was also offering another resurrection, the upcoming Biotar 58mm f2, with one of their backing options, so stay tuned for more information on that one in the future.

Do you have any experience with any of these resurrected vintage lenses from Kickstarter? Let us know in the comments below!