where is the difference between this optar illumina : http://www.whitehouseav.com/OPTAR.htm
and this :
http://www.kievcamera.com/camera.php?ID=125

7100 usd between the first and the second item ???????

Fitting a PL mount to the lenses instead of the Arri Bayonet mount on the Kiev Camera versions could account for part of the difference if Whitehouse are doing the mod themselves. There also seems to be a difference in the finish and also the colour of the markings.

You should really contact Whitehouse and ask them, they're a reputable company. It depends on their purchasing costs from the supplier and any additional work they're doing on each lens over that done by Kiev Camera.

i have found this ....from www.optarillumina.com :


"Beware that there are websites using the Optar Illumina lenses to lure traffic to their website by misleading the sale price of the lenses for 7,400.00 USD or less, half the MSR price. When an unsuspecting buyer attempts to take advantage of the promotion offered, the seller then provides a reason why they can not honor their promotion and a substitute product is offered".


anyone know something else about this?? thanks

If you don't get a quick response in this forum, may I suggest trying Cinematography.com. There are a lot more 16mm film shooters there and I know a few of them own the Optars.

BTW I hear very good reports about the quality.

thank you brian......