The Cooke Look: An interview with the CEO of Cooke Optics

[Coldkennels]

I just stumbled on this interview with Cooke's CEO, and thought some folks on here might find it interesting: The UK lens maker used on The Last of Us, The Batman and Asteroid City

Sounds like they're going through a decent bit of expansion, despite being relatively small in terms of overall production (with "production volumes almost doubling from 1,400 lenses a year to 2,500") - apparently there's an 18 month backlog for orders, according to this article. Not bad for a small firm in Leicester.

 

[dexdog]

Thanks for posting this, I enjoyed it. Being in a position to say that you have an 18 month backlog is pretty cool for a relatively small firm. I wonder how their lens sales compare with other lens manufacturers such as Canon and Nikon

 

[Coldkennels]

I wonder how their lens sales compare with other lens manufacturers such as Canon and Nikon

Based on that article, I think they're selling exclusively to filmmakers and the movie industry. I don't see them making any M-mount consumer grade lenses any time soon, sadly.

 

[dexdog]

yeah, I agree. Was not talking about the consumer market, but the professional market of film makers/movie industry.

 

[Rob-F]

A few years ago (time flies at my age; could be a few more than a few) there was a post that Cooke was requesting suggestions for lenses that Cooke might consider making for Leicas. So I stepped up and spoke with a lady at Cooke. I said that ever since the M6, the 50mm framelines are sized more for, say, 55mm or so. In view of that, I told her, why not make a 55mm lens for those who would like a lens that matches their framelines at most normal (non-closeup) distances. The lady was very nice, thanked me, and I have not seen anything more about Cooke in the context of lenses for Leicas (until now).

 

[raydm6]

Based on that article, I think they're selling exclusively to filmmakers and the movie industry. I don't see them making any M-mount consumer grade lenses any time soon, sadly.

I just saw this linked from another forum (Announced Sept. 5, 2023):

SP3

The SP3 T2.4 Full Frame spherical prime. Cooke’s classic Speed Panchro design delivered through lenses built for the digital age.

cookeoptics.com

Images that tell a story​

Cooke SP3 is an exciting new prime lens series based on one of the most influential lenses in film history, Speed Panchro™. SP3 is a completely new design optimised – optically and mechanically – for full-frame mirrorless cameras which will enable more creatives to enhance the visual narrative of their stories.

 

[x-ray]

You can never tell with Cooke. About 8 or so years ago the produced a very few of their PS45 soft focus and series XVa triple convertible lenses. I understand they only made 50 in each batch and have made several batches since but the total number is quite small in the few hundred units. The thing is there’s a waiting list and no guarantee they’ll make any more plus the XVa in a shutter is around $4,800. I’m not sure about the PS45 but think it’s about the same price if you’re luck enough to score one.

Attached is the extremely rare original version of the XV convertible. In all the decades I’ve been in photography this is only the 4th I’ve seen. They never produced large batches of lenses apparently.

The Cooke XV was supposedly used by Ansel Adams for Moon Over Hernandez, unfortunately not this one.

 

[Rayt]

I use the PS945 for general photography usually shot wide open. It‘s a normal focal length on 5x7 and covers wide open near infinity though the outer zone won’t be sharp it doesn’t go black. I have only ever view the 5x7 negatives on a light table until I can scan them.

 

[Archiver]

I'd love to try some Cookes for work, I just need to find a client with the budget for rental. Cinematographer Matteo Bertoli on YouTube says that Leica R glass gives a look very similar to Cooke, which is interesting.