EUMIG SUPROGON F 1.2 12.5 - 25 MM ZOOM LENS

For many years I have complained about the poor quality of projection lenses, including the expensive Schneider f 1.1 11-30 mm (sold too as Isco Cinelux: a lens that, if it is a good unit, is sharp and luminous, but that, over the decades, tends to develop fog on some internal lenses, whose cleaning is very laborious because the barrel is made of plastic that ages very poorly). But I´ve certainly no complaints about the Suprogon f 1.2 12.5 - 25 mm lens, in my view, one of the 4 best zoom projection lenses.

Eumig Suprogon instead the original Schneider zoom

It´s remarkably free from aberrations and gives a sharp picture, from edge to edge, at all focal lenghts. Contrast and definition are excellent. This lens, designed in Switzerland but produced in Austria, was introduced by Eumig in 1975 to replace the Suprogon f 1.1 18-28 mm, marginally with better light output, but not as good at maintaining flat focus across the entire width of the screen (but I don't dislike the original Suprogon because of its metal barrel).

Several versions of Suprogon 1.2, even with Bolex brand, and the rear row 3 older Suprogon f 1.1

Eumig kept the Suprogon f 1.2 12.5 -25 mm zoom in production until the company collapsed in 1982. The lens was also marketed also under the Bolex brand. In the last two or three years, the optical coating, which was already good, was improved to increase contrast (these lenses are distinguished by two-color reflections in the glass and, usually, the lens is labelled as "multicoated"). 

The best thing about these Eumig f 1.2 12.5 - 25 mm lenses is that they can be found very cheap! But, shhh, don't tell anyone!, and buy yours before the price increases.

Suprogon lens at the bottom: improved coating