Meyer-Optik’s Campaign Ranks as One of Kickstarter’s Top Lens Launches
Kickstarter Campaign has Raised More than $672,000 to Revive Legendary Primoplan 58mm f/1.9
Meyer-Optik-Goerlitz’s Kickstarter campaign to revive the legendary Primoplan 58mm f/1.9 art lens is poised to be one of the most successful lens launches ever featured on the popular crowd-funding website.
The Kickstarter, which ends October 12th at 13:31 Central European Standard Time (7:31 a.m. ET), offers backers the chance to be first in line to receive the modernized Primoplan 58 at a 50% discount over the expected retail price when the lens hits the market next year. As a bonus, Meyer-Optik added a package that allows backers to add the Primoplan 75/f1.9, which the German company also plans to bring back into production.
The legendary Primoplan line of lenses were last produced in the 1950s, and were renowned for their ability to produce a variety of signature bokeh effects. The new Primoplans will benefit from advancements unavailable in the 50s, including a high-tech lens coating and improved technology and design.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response to our campaign to bring back this wonderful lens,” said Dr. Stefan Immes, CEO of net SE, owner of Meyer-Optik. “Kickstarter has been instrumental in the revival of the Meyer-Optik brand.”
Immes led the efforts two years ago to resurrect Meyer-Optik, which had closed its doors in the 1970s after a storied history that included developing many lenses that are still highly-sought after on the vintage market.
“As a small startup where we assemble all of our lenses by hand -- a successful Kickstarter can go a long way in recouping substantial R&D costs and expanding and improving our production facilities,” Immes said. “Having so many pre-orders in hand will also help us greatly in securing more competitive pricing for the bulk materials we need to bring the Primoplan 58/f1.9 back into production.”
To see the Kickstarter, click here.
To see the Press Kit, click here.
The Primoplan lenses will be available with mounts for
* Canon EF
* Nikon F
* Sony
* FujiX
* Micro Four Thirds
* M42
* Leica M (rangefinder not supported/focusing via live view)
In Europe: Dr.Stefan Immes at immes@netag.de
In North America: Joe Newman at joseph.f.newman@gmail.com and +1 202-445-1391
About Meyer-Optik Görlitz
A brand with a proud tradition and reputation for exceptional products, Meyer-Optik-Görlitz started manufacturing innovative, high-quality lenses in Germany in 1896. In 2014, net SE revived the traditional spirit of the lenses once known throughout the world and started developing new lenses under the Meyer-Optik-Görlitz brand in Germany. Manufacturing handmade lenses started in 2015 with first generation prototypes. Serial production began in early 2016.
In May 2015, net SE created a new subsidiary, Meyer-Optik USA Inc. headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Meyer-Optik USA is online at http://www.meyer-optik-goerlitz.com and on Facebook and Twitter.
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