Kern-Paillard 12.5mm f/1.3 Macro-Switar Lens
The Kern-Paillard 12.5mm f/1.3 is a 12.5mm f/1.3 cinema lens designed for C-Mount mount cameras. Used copies start from $179.52 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Kern-Paillard 12.5mm f/1.3 Macro-Switar Lens
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Lens Overview — Kern-Paillard 12.5mm f/1.3
Key Features — Kern-Paillard 12.5mm f/1.3
12.5mm Wide-Angle Prime: Fixed focal length delivers a broad field of view suited to environmental shooting, documentary work, and close-quarters cinematography.
f/1.3 Maximum Aperture: Very fast aperture gathers substantial light for shooting in low-light conditions and enables shallow depth-of-field effects.
Macro Capability: Close-focus macro design allows the lens to render fine subject detail at short working distances.
C-Mount Standard: Fits cameras with a C-Mount interface, a widely established cinema and video mount compatible with a broad range of equipment.
2/3-Inch Image Circle: Designed to cover a 2/3-inch sensor or gate, matching the format common to many cinema and broadcast video cameras.
Manual Focus Only: Fully manual focus ring gives cinematographers precise, repeatable control over focus pulls with no autofocus interference.
Lens Specifications — Kern-Paillard 12.5mm f/1.3
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Macro, Creative Effects, Product |
| Lens Type | Cine |
| Format | Super 16 |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 12.5mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.3 |
| Camera System | Cinema / Video |
| Lens Mount | C-Mount |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
Description — Kern-Paillard 12.5mm f/1.3
The Kern-Paillard 12.5mm f/1.3 Macro-Switar is a prime lens built for the Cinema/Video camera system, operating on the C-Mount standard with a 2/3-inch image format. Its fixed 12.5mm focal length puts it in the wide-angle category, providing a broad perspective well-suited to a variety of cinema and video scenarios. The f/1.3 maximum aperture stands out as a key attribute, allowing the lens to work in demanding lighting conditions while also enabling creative control over depth of field.
Focus is handled entirely through manual operation — there is no autofocus — giving operators full, tactile control over focus pulls and critical focus placement. The lens carries a Macro type classification, pointing to its capability for close-focus work beyond what a standard prime might offer. With no image stabilization, this lens is best paired with a stable support system.
The C-Mount interface is a time-tested standard in the cinema world, and the 2/3-inch coverage area is an important compatibility consideration when pairing this lens with a camera body.
Pros — Kern-Paillard 12.5mm f/1.3
- ✓Wide maximum aperture of f/1.3 allows for significant light-gathering capability
- ✓Prime lens design at a fixed 12.5mm focal length ensures a straightforward optical path
- ✓Wide-angle focal length classification provides a broad field of view for Cinema/Video use
Cons — Kern-Paillard 12.5mm f/1.3
- ✗No image stabilization, requiring stable rigging or support for smooth footage
- ✗C-Mount and 2/3-inch format limits compatibility to cameras designed for this specific mount and sensor size
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus option for run-and-gun or fast-moving subjects
Videos — Kern-Paillard 12.5mm f/1.3
Paillard Bolex L8 Yvar 12.5mm / Kodak 100D — nobuhiro saiki
Frequently Asked Questions — Kern-Paillard 12.5mm f/1.3
What camera mount does the Kern-Paillard 12.5mm f/1.3 Macro-Switar use?+
This lens uses a C-Mount, as specified in the mount data. It is designed to cover a 2/3-inch image format, so camera compatibility should be confirmed against both the mount type and sensor size.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
No. The Macro-Switar 12.5mm f/1.3 is a manual focus lens only. There is no autofocus mechanism, which is consistent with its Cinema/Video camera system designation and vintage prime design.
What is the maximum aperture of this lens?+
The maximum aperture is f/1.3, which is on the faster end for a wide-angle prime of this format. This enables use in lower-light conditions and provides flexibility for shallow depth-of-field work.
Is this lens a zoom or a prime?+
This is a prime lens with a fixed focal length of 12.5mm. There is no zoom capability — the focal length is fixed at 12.5mm as confirmed by the matching minimum and maximum focal length values in the specifications.
Does the lens have image stabilization?+
No. The specifications explicitly list image stabilization as None. Users should plan accordingly with appropriate camera support and stabilization rigs when shooting video.
What type of shooting is this lens classified for?+
The lens is classified under the Cinema/Video camera system and carries a Macro type designation, indicating it is suited for close-focus and specialty cinema or video applications within a wide-angle perspective.