Cooke s2 or zf2

[Kirk.Attard]

I'm in the process of investing in a set of glass.
Just wished to know what the general preference of users here is.
I am maily interested in narrative work.

My choices currently are a set of well refurbished and rehoused pl mount cooke s2's or a set of cine modded zf2's.
Are the cookes too old for todays look or can they hold up?

Or should I just save up some more and just wait and buy a set of cp.2s for example?

Thanks a lot

 

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

Hmmm....

The older cookes are my favorite vintage lenses, but they are that... vintage. You get a nice creamy look, while the other lenses will be a bit more modern. I like both sets.

I think when it comes to S2's and s3's, it's all about housing. The rehoused ones are great, but sometimes these can come in some not so friendly housings. Are you looking at PL rehoused?

I think you should do your own tests and decide. These two sets of lenses will give a considerable different look. Both are pretty nice though.

The CP.2's are better than ZF.2's and are much better for cinema use. The Cooke S2's and S3's are vintage and kind of a different class. If you are renting, the CP.2's will go out the door much more, only because they are more general purpose and the Cooke Speeds are for special purpose.

 

[Matt W.]

Out of curiosity, how much are the Cooke S2s going for (and for what set of focal lengths)?

 

[Kirk.Attard]

They are areound 2000$ each. I think all focal lengths exept the 100mm are available- The housing looks good from ps technik. even mr.duclos said they do things well.

Thaks ryan. That was my feeling too. They are too special purpose and not intended to be the main set of lenses. Even though here on the forum i've seen some pretty amazing stuff with old glass. One comercial that comes to mind is the motorbike commercial of Mark Toia. My problem is that sometimes I have to do corporate stuff and they want all that crisp look. I'd love to have the cooke set but I fear they are too soft for certain applications.

Thanks for response guys.

 

[Kirk.Attard]

Actually the rehousig is around 2000$. You have to supply the lens.

 

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

The Cookes (s2's and s3's) are beautiful, but you need them rehoused to make them commercially viable otherwise it's frustrating to use as a 1st AC...

I'd say they are beautiful, but likely not to be someones main set of lenses. The CP.2's, although not as beautiful in my opinion are much more versatile and the better investment.

 

[Stephen Williams]

Actually the rehousig is around 2000$. You have to supply the lens.

That sounds very cheap, I know people who have paid 7k a lens to rehouse, it just depends....

 

[Michael Lindsay]

That sounds very cheap, I know people who have paid 7k a lens to rehouse, it just depends....

...check out TLS's new design and costs...