Atlas Lens Co. built a unique set of lenses with the Mercury series. They are 1.5x squeeze, they cover full frame sensors, the have all the great characteristics of vintage anamorphics, but they are packed into extremely compact, lightweight housings. These lenses are about the size of Kowa Anamorphics, but with arguably more beautiful character. They are very impressive.

The lenses have a classic anamorphic feel: barrel distortion, gradual linear focus fall off, oval bokeh, and gorgeous amber lens flares. Even though the lenses flare easily, they still handle back-light and blown out windows much better than vintage anamorphics. Chromatic aberration is extremely well controlled. Focus breathing is moderate on the 36mm and 42mm, and well controlled on the 72mm.

The housings have standard 95mm fronts, close focus is very good for anamorphic lenses, and the mechanics are smooth and precise. The 1.5x squeeze factor makes them really flexible for sensors of nearly any size or aspect ratio, allowing you to have minimal cropping almost no matter what sensor shape or size you are working with.

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