Moviecam lenses were first produced in the 1980s, using extremely high-quality donor glass dating from the 1970s. When ARRI took over Moviecam in the 1990s, camera technology was its main focus, but a quite different benefit has been pursued in the 2020s by ARRI Rental: the Moviecam lenses.

Recognizing the appeal of these scarce vintage optics to digital filmmakers seeking a special look, ARRI Rental followed the original Moviecam design and built the same 1970s glass into robust lens housings with modern features, ready for a new life on large-format productions.

In terms of look, the Moviecams sit somewhere between the Canon K-35 and DNA LF vintage lens series offered by ARRI Rental, thereby widening creative options for large-format filmmakers. Despite their significant resolving power, the Moviecams retain a gentle and natural feel, with attractive focus fall-off. Flare handling is interesting and characterful, but not over-lively or troublesome to control. 

Aside from the 100 mm and 135 mm at T2.8, all of the lenses are T2, though the 60 mm goes a stop further to T1.5 for low-light situations and bokeh-enriched portraits. Optical performance is consistent throughout the range, making it a great choice for cinematographers who want a vintage aesthetic but also complete freedom to explore all focal lengths without creating work for themselves in post.