Sirui SR35M

SIRUI 35mm F1.8 1.33X APS-C Anamorphic Cinema Lens Instruction Manual

Model: SR35M

1. Overview

The SIRUI 35mm F1.8 1.33X APS-C Anamorphic Cinema Lens is designed to capture stunning cinematic footage with a unique widescreen aspect ratio and distinctive visual characteristics. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your lens to achieve optimal performance.

This lens features a 1.33x squeeze factor, transforming standard 16:9 footage into a wider 2.4:1 cinematic aspect ratio without the need for post-cropping. Its fast F1.8 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and beautiful shallow depth of field with oval bokeh.

2. Key Features

  • 1.33x Squeeze Factor: Achieves a wider horizontal field of view, equivalent to a 26.3mm lens, producing a 2.4:1 cinematic video.
  • Fast F1.8 Aperture: Excellent for low-light conditions and creating a shallow depth of field with unique oval bokeh.
  • Blue Flare Effect: Generates distinctive blue light streaks and starburst effects, adapting to aperture values for optimal cinematic visuals.
  • High Resolution and Sharpness: Designed to control chromatic dispersion, delivering sharp, high-resolution images with unique visual characteristics.
  • Durable Construction: Features an all-metal build for robust performance.
  • Manual Focus: Provides precise control over focusing for cinematic applications.

3. Setup

3.1 Attaching the Lens

  1. Ensure your camera is powered off.
  2. Align the red dot on the lens barrel with the corresponding mark on your camera's lens mount.
  3. Gently insert the lens into the camera mount and rotate it clockwise until it clicks into place.
  4. If using an adapter for other camera mounts (e.g., Sony E, Canon RF, L-Mount), attach the appropriate adapter to the lens first, then mount the assembly to your camera.

The SIRUI 35mm F1.8 1.33X Anamorphic Lens is primarily designed for M4/3 mount cameras. Adapters are available for compatibility with other mirrorless systems.

SIRUI 35mm Anamorphic Lens mounted on a Micro Four Thirds camera
Figure 3.1: SIRUI 35mm Anamorphic Lens mounted on a Micro Four Thirds camera.
Various lens adapter rings for different camera mounts
Figure 3.2: Optional adapter rings for mounting the lens on different camera systems.

3.2 Compatible Mountings

This lens is natively designed for Micro Four Thirds (M4/3) mount cameras (e.g., Z CAM, Panasonic, Olympus, BMPCC 4K). Optional adapters are available for:

  • MFT to E Adapter (for Sony)
  • MFT to EF-M Adapter (for Canon)
  • MFT to Z Adapter (for Nikon)
Diagram showing compatible camera mounts and adapters for the SIRUI 35mm F1.8 1.33x Anamorphic Lens
Figure 3.3: Compatible camera mounts and available adapters.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Achieving Cinematic Widescreen

The 1.33x squeeze factor of this anamorphic lens allows you to capture a wider horizontal field of view than a standard spherical lens. When shooting in a 16:9 aspect ratio, the lens compresses the image horizontally. In post-production, you will need to "desqueeze" the footage by a factor of 1.33x to achieve the classic 2.4:1 cinematic widescreen look.

Comparison of 16:9 footage without anamorphic lens versus 2.4:1 footage with SIRUI Anamorphic lens
Figure 4.1: Visual comparison of standard 16:9 and anamorphic 2.4:1 aspect ratios.

4.2 Manual Focus and Aperture Control

This lens features manual focus and a de-clicked aperture ring for smooth adjustments during shooting. The focus throw is designed for precise control, making it suitable for cinematic pulling.

  • Focus Ring: Rotate the focus ring to achieve sharp focus on your subject. Utilize focus peaking or magnification features on your camera or external monitor for accuracy.
  • Aperture Ring: Adjust the aperture ring from F1.8 to F16 to control depth of field and exposure. The de-clicked design ensures silent and seamless transitions.
Side view of the SIRUI 35mm Anamorphic Lens showing the focus and aperture rings
Figure 4.2: Focus and aperture rings on the lens.
Close-up of the SIRUI 35mm Anamorphic Lens aperture ring set to F1.8
Figure 4.3: The F1.8 aperture allows for bright images and shallow depth of field.

4.3 Cinematic Effects: Blue Flares and Oval Bokeh

The SIRUI 35mm Anamorphic Lens is renowned for its distinctive blue horizontal flares and oval-shaped bokeh, which contribute significantly to the cinematic aesthetic.

  • Blue Flares: When light sources hit the lens, they produce characteristic blue horizontal streaks, adding a dramatic, sci-fi feel to your footage. The intensity of these flares can vary with aperture settings.
  • Oval Bokeh: Out-of-focus highlights appear as elongated ovals rather than circular shapes, creating a unique background blur that is a hallmark of anamorphic cinematography.
Front view of the SIRUI 35mm Anamorphic Lens showing the rectangular anamorphic element
Figure 4.4: The anamorphic element creates unique visual effects.
Example footage showing a car with prominent blue horizontal lens flares
Figure 4.5: Example of blue horizontal lens flares.
Example footage showing oval-shaped bokeh in the background
Figure 4.6: Example of oval bokeh effect.

4.4 Instructional Videos

Video 4.1: An overview of the SIRUI 35mm Anamorphic Lens features and cinematic capabilities.

Video 4.2: Example footage captured with the SIRUI 35mm Anamorphic Lens, showcasing its unique look.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning the Lens

  • Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth to gently wipe dust and smudges from the lens elements.
  • For stubborn marks, use a specialized lens cleaning solution applied to the cloth, not directly to the lens.
  • Avoid touching the lens elements with bare hands.

5.2 Storage

  • Always attach the front and rear lens caps when not in use to protect the elements.
  • Store the lens in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
  • If storing for extended periods, consider using a dehumidifying agent to prevent mold growth.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 Common Issues

  • Soft Focus: Ensure accurate manual focusing. Utilize camera features like focus peaking or magnification.
  • Excessive Flares: While blue flares are a characteristic, if they are too strong, consider adjusting your lighting, lens position relative to light sources, or using a matte box.
  • Chromatic Aberration: This lens is designed to control chromatic dispersion effectively. If noticeable, check your camera settings and post-production correction options.
  • Mounting Issues: Ensure the lens is correctly aligned and securely locked onto the camera body or adapter.

7. Specifications

Brand:
Sirui
Model Name:
SR35M
Focal Length:
35 Millimeters
Maximum Aperture:
F1.8
Minimum Aperture:
F16
Lens Type:
Anamorphic Cinema Lens
Compatible Mountings:
Micro Four Thirds
Focus Type:
Manual Focus
Lens Coating Description:
HD Coating
Number of Diaphragm Blades:
10
Item Weight:
1.6 Pounds
Color:
Blue Flare
Video Capture Resolution:
1920 x 1080 (when desqueezed from 1.33x anamorphic capture)
Video Capture Format:
MP4 (camera dependent)

8. Warranty and Support

8.1 Warranty Information

This SIRUI product comes with a Two-Year Warranty. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

8.2 Customer Support

For technical assistance, service, or any inquiries regarding your SIRUI 35mm Anamorphic Lens, please contact SIRUI customer support:

  • Manufacturer Contact Information: 862-277-1002
  • Online Support: Visit the official Sirui Store on Amazon for FAQs and additional resources.