Frequently asked questions
Here are the questions we've been frequently asked over the past decade of rehousing lenses.
Yes, there is an initial setup fee of $1,000 for the artwork, and it costs $500 per lens thereafter. This service allows you to personalize your lenses to match your specific aesthetic preferences or branding needs. Please contact us for more details and to discuss your custom finish requirements.
Yes, you can send in your own lens for rehousing. We welcome customers who wish to have their existing lenses transformed to meet modern cinematic standards. Simply select the "Rehousing Only" option on our website, place a 30% deposit via bank wire or credit card, and follow the provided shipping instructions. Our team will carefully rehouse your lens, ensuring it meets our high-quality standards and is optimized for professional use. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us.
Yes, you can choose either metric or imperial focus scales when you check out on our website. If you would like a second set of scales that are user-interchangeable, we offer this service for an additional $500 per lens. This allows you to have both measurement systems available, providing flexibility for different shooting requirements.
Yes, we do supply donor glass. Our comprehensive service includes sourcing, QCing, and supplying high-quality donor lenses that we rehouse to meet modern cinematic standards. This turnkey solution eliminates the need for customers to search for vintage lenses independently. You can browse our selection of pre-procured doner lenses on our website and choose from a variety of options to suit your filmmaking needs. If you have any specific requirements or inquiries, feel free to contact us for more details.
We are using a Hong Kong based freight forwarding service to import your donor lenses to our factory.
The cost is $150/lens and will be added to your invoice.
Please follow the instructions below for the most efficient process:
-We recommend shipping via Fedex and using their “Fragile Pack” service to pack your lenses. (Do not ship using USPS or EMS). Please send your lenses in a box (not a flight case).
Company name: YUENTUNG KOK CHAI TRADING COMPANY
Address：Room22, 11th Floor, Cheng Yun Industrial Building, 15-17 Shing Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Attn：Cindy (FOR GLOPTICS)
Phone：00852-27359244
Please send us shipping confirmation and tracking number after you complete the shipment.
The timeline for receiving your lenses after making a deposit can vary between 18 and 40 weeks, depending on our current production queue. For the most accurate and up-to-date timeline, please refer to the checkout cart on our website when placing your order. This will provide you with a precise estimate based on our current workload.
A 30% deposit is required to secure your place in the production queue. This initial payment allows us to begin the rehousing process and ensures that your order is prioritized based on our current schedule.
The website will periodically send you reminders and keep you updated on your queue time. Additionally, you are always welcome to reach out to us directly if you have any questions or need further updates on your order status. Our customer service team is available to provide you with the latest information regarding your order.
Our production process is highly mechanized and organized, with the entire factory often working on one focal length at a time. For example, the entire team might focus on one run of 24mm Canon FD T1.4 lenses for a period before moving on to the next focal length. This method allows us to deliver more rapidly compared to other rehousing services.
We do offer rush services, which are variable and range from $500 to $2000 per lens, depending on current demand and scheduling. It’s important to note that rushing or expediting a set of lenses does not mean we prioritize one client's order over another. Instead, we offer third shift options for our workers, allowing them to come in for overtime and run different programming on the machines outside of normal business hours. This ensures that all clients receive their orders without significant delays or disruptions.
If you require rush manufacturing or shipping, please contact us directly to discuss the specifics and current availability of this service.
GL Optics is one of the largest single procurers of vintage still photo glass in the world. We have dedicated in house buyers who continuously scour markets globally—from the second-hand stores of Asia to online platforms like eBay in America. Every day, we purchase around 50 lenses, ensuring no stone is left unturned in our quest for the finest optics. Our rigorous inspection and quality control processes result in the selection of only the top 30 out of these 50 lenses, guaranteeing that we retain the highest quality donor lenses available on the market. This meticulous approach allows us to offer our clients lenses that meet the highest standards of excellence and performance.
A: At GL Optics, we offer two streamlined options for placing an order to suit your needs.
1. Rehousing + Donor Option:
- Selection: Browse and select lenses on our website, ensuring you choose the "Rehousing + Donor" option.
- Payment: Secure your order with a 30% deposit, payable via bank wire or credit card.
- Queue: Once your order is placed, you will be added to our production queue.
- Completion: We will notify you upon completion of the rehousing process.
- Final Payment and Shipping: After making the final payment, your rehoused lens will be shipped directly to your door.
2. Rehousing Only Option:
- Selection: Choose the "Rehousing Only" option for the lenses you wish to rehouse.
- Payment: Place a 30% deposit via bank wire or credit card.
- Shipping Instructions: Follow the detailed shipping instructions provided after you click "Order" to send your lenses to us.
- Queue and Completion: Your lenses will be added to our production queue, and you will be notified once the rehousing process is complete.
- Final Payment and Return Shipping: Make the final payment, and we will ship your rehoused lenses back to you.
This process ensures a seamless experience, whether you are purchasing both the lens and rehousing service or only the rehousing service.
About 95% of the 29+ sets we've done so far have been vintage lenses. However, there are exceptions, such as the Zeiss Otus set and the Laowa 10mm prime. These modern lenses are included in our rehousing projects to provide a broader range of options for our customers. For more details on the specific sets we offer, please browse this very website.
We currently offer 29 sets of lenses, and everything we rehouse so far covers full frame and beyond, with the exception of the Lomo Sphericals and the Jena APOs. For detailed image circle coverage specifications on every one of the 320+ focal lengths we rehouse, please refer to the downloadable spec sheet beneath each lens set here on our website. This information will help you determine the compatibility of our lenses with your specific sensor requirements.
GL Optics offers a wide range of mount options, supporting popular camera systems such as ARRI, Sony, RED, Canon, Blackmagic Design, and more. This versatility ensures that our rehoused lenses can be seamlessly integrated with various professional cinema cameras, providing filmmakers with the flexibility to use their preferred equipment. If you have specific compatibility questions, please refer to our website or contact us directly for more information.
We use a heliocoid system, due to its precise and reliable linear movement, which ensures consistent and repeatable focusing performance. The design's inherent stability means that the optical elements move smoothly and accurately without lateral shifts, maintaining the integrity of the image quality throughout the focus range. This system is particularly beneficial in complex lens configurations, where multiple optical (floating) elements need to move at different rates, as it allows for the integration of varying thread pitches to accommodate these requirements. Additionally, the helicoid system's robust construction can withstand rigorous use, providing long-term durability and reliability in professional filmmaking environments. This translates to superior focus control and consistency, crucial for capturing high-quality cinematic footage
We work with various still photography lens manufacturers, including Canon, Nikon, Zeiss, Leica, Angenieux, and many others
Yes, we have several local service centers to support our customers. These include our China manufacturing facility, an officially trained service center in Asia/Korea, and one in Europe/Poland. Here are the addresses and contact details:
Cine Visuals
2801 Hyperion Ave #102
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone: +1 323-244-2552
Site: https://cinevisuals.com
Email: service@cinevisuals.com
ATM Studio
Wał Miedzeszyński 384, 03-994
Warszawa, Poland
Phone: +48 22 295 6110
Site: https://atmstudio.eu/en/
Email: bdziwirek@atmgrupa.pl
Blue Dot Earth Co.
River Work B1416, 66, Cheongcho-ro,
Deogyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do,
Republic of Korea 10543
Phone: +82-10-2643-8021
Email: doghand@gmail.com
These centers are equipped to handle service and maintenance for your rehoused lenses, ensuring they continue to perform at their best.
Due to high demand, there has been a consistent queue of almost a year for the past 13 years. However, it’s always worth reaching out to us directly. Occasionally, there may be unexpected opportunities or last-minute availability. Please contact us to inquire about current stock and potential expedited options.
We do not offer any discounts. However, our services are already approximately 20% cheaper than other rehousing companies. Additionally, we typically complete a set of lenses within 18 to 40 weeks, whereas competitors often have a queue time of 2 to 3 years. This quicker turnaround allows you to potentially monetize your investment up to three times over in the interim. Our focus is on providing high-quality rehousing services at a competitive price with a faster delivery time.
Yes, we do offer lens cases. We provide both plastic Pelican-style lightweight cases and traditional metal-cornered rental house hard cases. Both types of cases come with custom laser-cut foam, featuring softcore sandwiched foam in the middle, to ensure your lenses are well-protected and safe during transport and storage.
Yes, we do rehouse individual lenses. Whether you need a single lens or multiple lenses rehoused, we are equipped to handle your specific needs with the same level of expertise and quality. Feel free to contact us to discuss your individual lens rehousing requirements.
Contact GL Optics! We can help you determine compatibility and discuss the rehousing process for your specific lens
You are always welcome to check our website for a comprehensive list of the lenses we currently rehouse. We are continually expanding our capabilities, so be sure to check back often. If you have a special project in mind and don't see your lens listed, feel free to contact us. It may already be in the works, and we can provide you with some insight on its status.
We offer a one-year warranty on parts and labor for all our rehoused lenses. This warranty ensures that any issues related to the parts or the craftsmanship involved in the rehousing process will be addressed promptly, providing peace of mind and reliability for your investment.
You can always reach out to us via email to inquire about your specific lens. We are continually expanding our capabilities and may already be working on or considering rehousing options for lenses not currently listed on our website. Your inquiry could help us prioritize new projects and meet the needs of our valued customers. Feel free to contact us with the details of your lens, and we will be happy to discuss potential rehousing options.
We do not offer recoating services. Our aim is to select donor lenses that are originally pristine and perfect. Many vintage lenses have coatings that contain lead, thorium, and other materials that are no longer permitted to be used. Additionally, replicating vintage coatings with accuracy and quality is quite complex. Therefore, we focus on sourcing lenses that are in excellent original condition to ensure the best possible results in our rehousing process.
Yes, visiting the GL Optics facility is possible! Our facility is located in Chengdu, China, the renowned home of the giant panda. While you're here, we encourage you to explore the city's many attractions. Besides visiting the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, you can stroll through Jinli Pedestrian Street to experience traditional Chinese architecture, local snacks, and vibrant street life. Explore the Wuhou Shrine and adjacent Jinli Street for a glimpse into the Three Kingdoms period and a mix of history and local flavor. If you're up for a short trip, Mount Emei offers breathtaking views and serene temples. The well-preserved Wenshu Monastery provides beautiful architecture and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for cultural and spiritual exploration. Don't forget to indulge in Chengdu's famous spicy Sichuan cuisine at one of the many local restaurants, where you can try dishes like hot pot, Mapo tofu, and Kung Pao chicken. We look forward to welcoming you to our facility and helping you discover the unique charms of Chengdu!
GL Optics is dedicated to continuous innovation and development in the field of lens rehousing. Our plans for the future include pushing the envelope by introducing new technologies and refining our processes to enhance the quality and performance of our rehoused lenses. We aim to expand our range of supported lenses and offer even more customization options to meet the evolving needs of filmmakers. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements and maintaining our commitment to excellence, GL Optics strives to lead the industry and provide our clients with the best possible rehousing solutions.
Rehoused lenses offer numerous advantages, making them an excellent choice for filmmakers and cinematographers who seek to combine vintage optical characteristics with modern functionality and durability.
- Enhanced Focus Control:
- Rehoused lenses often feature extended focus rotation, such as a 300° focus throw, which allows for more precise and smoother focusing. This is particularly beneficial for capturing intricate details and achieving critical focus in cinematic shots.
- Uniform Front Diameters:
- By ensuring uniform front diameters across all rehoused lenses, accessory changes become quicker and more efficient. This consistency eliminates the need to adjust matte boxes and follow focus systems when switching lenses, saving valuable time on set.
- Modern Mechanics:
- Vintage lenses are given new life with modern mechanics, including improved close focus capabilities and durable construction. This enhances the usability of the lenses while retaining the unique optical qualities that make vintage glass so desirable.
- Internal Movement and Fixed Length:
- All telescoping that may have occurred in the lens's previous life as a still camera lens is eliminated. The rehousing process ensures that all movement is internal, maintaining a fixed lens length. This feature is crucial for compatibility with matte boxes, ensuring that they remain properly aligned and functional throughout shooting.
- Compatibility:
- Rehousing adapts lenses to contemporary cinema camera mounts, such as PL mounts, ensuring compatibility with modern professional film equipment. This opens up a wider range of creative possibilities without sacrificing the distinctive look of vintage lenses.
- Image Quality Preservation:
- The rehousing process meticulously preserves the original optical elements, maintaining the unique color rendition, contrast, and bokeh characteristics of the vintage lenses. Filmmakers can achieve a timeless aesthetic while benefiting from the reliability and performance of new lens housings.
- Robust Construction:
- Rehoused lenses are built to withstand the demands of professional filmmaking environments. The new housings are typically made from high-quality materials that provide greater durability and resistance to wear and tear compared to their original counterparts.
- Investment Potential:
- Rehousing vintage lenses can be a wise investment for the future. Unlike modern cinema lenses, which tend to depreciate quickly, rehoused vintage lenses often appreciate in value. Their unique combination of classic optics and modern functionality makes them highly sought after in the market. As demand for high-quality vintage glass continues to grow, rehoused lenses can provide a quicker return on investment and are more likely to retain or increase their value over time, offering both artistic and financial benefits to filmmakers.
By combining the best of vintage optics with contemporary engineering, rehoused lenses offer filmmakers a unique blend of classic image quality and modern functionality, enhancing both the creative and practical aspects of cinematography.
GL Optics provides various customizationoptions, including:
- Front ring selection for compatibility with different lens diameters.
- Gear configurations to match specific camera systems.
- Internal coatings for enhanced image quality and flare resistance.
Lens rehousing involves taking the optical elements of a vintage or existing lens and placing them into a new, custom-built housing/mechanics designed specifically for professional cinema use. The fusion of vintage glass and modern mechanics bolsters an improved focus rotation, uniform diameters typically improving close focus capabilities We use a helicoid focus system, which provides smoother and more precise focus control. The result is a lens that retains its original optical character but gains enhanced functionality, durability, and reliability.
Turnaround times can vary depending on the workload and complexity of the lens. Contact GL Optics for a current estimate.
GL Optics is based in Chengdu, China, the renowned home of the giant panda. This vibrant city is not only famous for its unique wildlife but also for its rich culture and rapidly growing technology industry.
Since we opened our doors 13 years ago, we have delivered lenses to almost every corner of the world. If you have specific shipping concerns or questions about your location, please feel free to contact us for more information.
GL Optics stands out as the leading choice for lens rehousing, combining unmatched expertise, high-quality standards, and comprehensive services. With over 13 years in the industry, we have become the largest lens rehousing company by volume, commanding half of the market share. Our extensive range includes more than 30 sets of vintage lenses, making us the go-to provider for filmmakers seeking both variety and excellence. We are committed to precision and quality, selecting only the finest donor lenses and ensuring every rehoused lens meets stringent performance criteria. Our services are competitively priced, approximately 20% cheaper than other rehousers, and we offer a significantly faster turnaround time of 18 to 40 weeks, compared to the industry standard of 2 to 3 years. This allows you to monetize your investment much sooner. What sets GL Optics apart is our uniquely turnkey experience. Unlike most other rehousing services, we source, QC, and supply our own donor lenses. This means you don't need to already own vintage still camera lenses or scour the Earth to find them. We have already taken the headache out of sourcing, offering you vintage glass as if it were a brand new product. Simply purchase through us, and we will provide you with turn key glass at your door, ready to elevate your filmmaking projects.
At GL Optics, we are proud pioneers in the art of lens rehousing. Now on our Mk V lens body we have established a reputation for excellence. By choosing GL Optics, you are investing in a partner dedicated to enhancing your filmmaking experience with superior lens rehousing services.
Contact GL Optics to discuss your lens service needs and obtain a return authorization.
Our warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase.
If your rehoused lens malfunctions after the warranty period, you have several options. You can take it to one of our local service options, as mentioned on our website. Additionally, we offer repair services for out-of-warranty lenses in-house at our factory. Please contact GL Optics for a service quote and further assistance with the repair process.
At GL Optics, our philosophy on lens rehousing is centered around preserving the unique optical characteristics of vintage lenses while enhancing their mechanical performance for modern cinematic use. We believe in meticulous craftsmanship and precision engineering to transform vintage optics into reliable, high-performing tools for filmmakers. Our goal is to blend the timeless quality of classic lenses with contemporary functionality, providing our clients with the best of both worlds. By sourcing, QCing, and supplying our own donor lenses, we offer a turnkey experience, ensuring that our customers receive the highest quality products with minimal hassle. We are committed to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, continually expanding our capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the film industry.
GL Optics stands out in the lens rehousing industry through a combination of extensive experience, comprehensive services, and unique capabilities. With over 13 years in the business, we have become the largest lens rehousing company by volume, holding half of the market share. Our extensive range includes rehousing services for over 30 sets of vintage lenses, providing filmmakers with a wide variety of options. Unlike many other rehousing companies, we offer a uniquely turnkey experience by sourcing, QCing, and supplying our own donor lenses, eliminating the need for customers to independently search for vintage lenses.
Our commitment to high-quality standards ensures that only the finest donor lenses are selected and transformed into high-performing cinematic tools while preserving their unique optical characteristics. We offer competitive pricing, approximately 20% cheaper than other rehousers, and a significantly faster turnaround time of 18 to 40 weeks, compared to the industry standard of 2 to 3 years. This allows clients to monetize their investments sooner. Additionally, we provide extensive customization options, including custom finishes and colors, as well as personalized focus scales (metric or imperial), ensuring our lenses meet specific aesthetic and operational preferences.
GL Optics has built a solid reputation for reliability, quality, and customer satisfaction, delivering lenses to clients worldwide. By blending the best of vintage optics with modern engineering, we offer a superior lens rehousing experience that sets us apart from the competition.
GL Optics was founded in 2011. Since then, we have grown to become a leading provider in the lens rehousing industry, offering a wide range of services and products to filmmakers around the world.
