Kowa 2x Anamorphic for Bell & Howell (often referred to as the Kowa B&H) is a legendary projection lens from the 1960s and 70s that has become one of the most sought-after adapters for budget-conscious but quality-driven anamorphic cinematography. While originally designed for 16mm projection, its high-quality Japanese glass makes it a favorite for “anamorphic-on-a-budget” setups when paired with a spherical taking lens.
Key Features and Benefits
Premium “Prominar” Glass: Widely regarded as containing the same high-quality optics as the more expensive Kowa Prominar series, offering superior sharpness compared to other projection adapters.
Classic 2x Squeeze: Provides the traditional “Hollywood” wide-screen look with significant horizontal compression, perfect for 4:3 and 3:2 sensors.
Distinctive Aesthetic: Famous for its warm, vintage flares and pronounced oval bokeh that “disarms” the clinical sharpness of modern digital sensors.
Compact Form Factor: Much smaller and lighter than dedicated cinema anamorphic primes, making it suitable for gimbal and handheld rigs.
Sharp Wide-Open: Unlike many vintage adapters, the Kowa B&H maintains impressive center sharpness even when the taking lens is set to a wide aperture (e.g., f/1.4 or f/1.8).
Low Contrast: Delivers a nostalgic, filmic image with soft highlights and a gentle roll-off that is highly desirable for narrative projects.
“Feel free to call or email and make your best offer.”
cost: TBD
Marko Procházka
marko@filmsupport.sk
R-01-02-2026
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Price Search:
Newlifecine & Justcinegear don´t have it
AI Says:
In 2026, the Kowa 2x Anamorphic for Bell & Howell remains a high-demand vintage adapter. While it was originally a projection lens, its “cult status” in the cinematography world has stabilized its price well above typical vintage projection glass.The average market price for a used Kowa B&H adapter in 2026 generally falls between $450 and $1,200 USD, depending heavily on its condition and included accessories.
Price Breakdown by ConditionCondition / BundleEstimated Price (USD)Bare Lens (Average Condition)$450 – $650
Pristine/Mint Condition (Clean optics, smooth focus)$800 – $1,200
Full Cinema Kit (With Redstan/RafCamera clamps & diopters)- $1,300 – $1,800
Fully Rehoused (Professional mechanical housing)- $3,500+
“Feel free to call or email and make your best offer.”
