The Bausch & Lomb Baltar lenses, originally designed in the late 1930s, were the first cohesive set of cinema primes manufactured in the United States. Known for their unique optical design, the Baltars provide a distinctive aesthetic with field curvature, single-layer coatings, and primitive glass polishing techniques. These elements create a vintage look, delivering a classic, soft image with an organic feel, rich in warmth and subtle imperfections. When rehoused by Zero Optik, the Baltar lenses are transformed into a more durable, reliable, and user-friendly tool for contemporary filmmakers, preserving their signature vintage charm. Zero Optik's rehousing ensures smoother focus, better ergonomics, and more consistent mechanics, allowing filmmakers to maintain the nostalgic quality of the Baltar lenses without sacrificing performance in today’s fast-paced productions.

The Baltar lenses excel in creating a cinematic, nostalgic atmosphere, with gentle bokeh and slightly reduced sharpness that adds character to portraits and close-ups. These lenses are often sought after for their dreamy, vintage appeal and ability to render out-of-focus areas smoothly, providing a natural and filmic texture.

In contrast, the Angénieux Type R2 lenses provide modern precision and sharpness, offering a high-definition image with controlled distortion and minimal chromatic aberration. With a more defined bokeh and clearer contrast, the Type R2 lenses offer the clarity and technical performance required for scenes demanding higher resolution and exactness.

When used together, the Type R2 and Baltar lenses complement each other perfectly. The Baltars create a warm, organic, and softer look, while the Type R2 lenses bring modern clarity and sharpness. This balance allows cinematographers to blend sharpness and softness, creating a visually dynamic and texturally rich composition. The Type R2 enhances the more detailed aspects of a shot, while the Baltars add atmospheric, vintage elements—making this combination ideal for filmmakers seeking a fusion of clarity and nostalgic warmth.