The use of modern photography lenses for beautiful cinematography is rare, mostly because many modern photo lenses lack a distinct and artistic character, instead prioritizing sharp images that can feel devoid of life. The Leitz THALIA lenses, based on the sublime Leica S medium format lenses, are an exception to the rule. The S lenses are designed to capture people above all else and the way THALIA lenses render faces evokes the iconic portraiture that medium format is known for. Add in Leica’s unrivaled skin tone rendering, just warm enough to add a divine spark of life, and the THALIA lenses stand apart as a set that puts beauty front and center of every frame.

Many cinematographers have pulled away from modern cinematography lenses in order to introduce aberrations that take the edge off digital sensors. The THALIA lenses deliver many of these characteristics without some of the drawbacks associated with vintage lenses like difficult-to-control flares and limited availability of replacement parts. Like many older lenses, they exhibit a field curvature that brings the viewer’s attention to the center through a gradual falloff of contrast and resolution toward the edges. The images created by THALIA lenses are clear and detailed without feeling overly sharp as witnessed by their beautiful, smooth skin tones. And the newly designed circular iris keeps the bokeh smooth and beautiful through all stops while maintaining structure in the out-of-focus details.