The Omnar Bertele 50mm 𝒇2 MC FLB is a contemporary reimagining of the classic Jena lens design from 1934. The founders, Chris from Skyllaney Opto-Mechanics and Hamish from 35mmc.com, have been crafting high-quality, machined brass rehousings for vintage lenses since 2021. This project marks their first use of an innovative focus correction mechanism (FLB) alongside new glass elements developed from a 91-year-old formula by Dr. Ludwig Bertele. All aspects—design, manufacturing, hand-finishing, and assembly—are conducted in the UK.
The founders' passion for the Bertele design united them initially. However, unlike their previous projects (see: analog.cafe/comments/l1rc), the nearly century-old glass cannot be reused in rehousing. The original design suffers from issues like degraded coatings, easily scratched glass, and focusing errors that produce soft images at medium apertures and close distances.
The Omnar Bertele 50mm đť’‡2 MC FLB addresses these focusing errors through its Floating Lens Block design, which adjusts the elements into an optimal position for sharp focus and smooth, traditional bokeh without altering the original lens formula. The newly crafted multi-coated glass elements are housed in a high-quality metal chassis designed for the Leica M-Mount, which further improves close-focus performance.
The Bertele 50mm 𝒇2 MC FLB begins at £2750, available at omnarlenses.com/omnar-bert… This limited edition comprises only 30 lenses.
#editorial🔥 #gas
Since 2021, founders Chris (from Skyllaney Opto-Mechanics) and Hamish (from 35mmc.com) have been producing high-quality machined brass rehousings for classic lenses. Their inaugural project, Bertele, features an innovative focus correction mechanism (FLB) along with newly designed glass elements based on a 91-year-old formula by Dr. Ludwig Bertele. The entire process, from design to manufacturing, hand-finishing, and assembly, takes place in the UK. #editorial.