Cook Speed Panchro 50mm f2. A modified Leica M mount version of the renowned cinematic lens manufactured by Taylor Hobson in England. Rangefinder coupled. The minimum focusing distance is 0.7m. It features a double Gauss design with 4 groups and 6 elements. The lens is uncoated. This particular unit is believed to be an early example from the 1930s, referred to as Series 1.
The Cook Speed Panchro series, introduced in 1930, made a significant impact on the lens industry worldwide. It was widely adopted by prestigious Hollywood film studios, including MGM, United Artists, and Universal.
In line with its illustrious reputation, the lens offers dramatic rendering, especially when shot wide open. On a full-frame 35mm camera, the edges may exhibit vignetting, but the lens's emotional and expressive quality more than compensates for this. Recently, it has seen a resurgence in popularity and is being re-evaluated by enthusiasts.
The original lens head shows minimal paint loss, but it is in good condition with very little sign of use. In September 2024, a professional service performed a cleaning of the aperture blades. All functions operate smoothly, providing a pleasant handling experience. While the rangefinder's double image slightly overshoots at infinity, the coupling works perfectly from close distances.
The front element has a few very light cleaning marks that are barely noticeable and will not affect actual shooting. There is no fog, and the glass is exceptionally clear.
The lens produced excellent results during actual shooting tests. The images captured during the last sale have been posted in the sample gallery at the trial studio. The resolution from wide open is outstanding, and the rich bokeh, combined with substantial background blur and slight vignetting, creates a dreamlike quality. I hope you enjoy viewing them.
