The shorter focal length Kinons {3.5 and 5 cm} are known for their swirly bokeh. The shorter of these has a very limited image circle, but the 5cm covers nearly full frame. There are a number of variations of the 5cm and a number are labeled “Superior”. If the lens is cylindrical and does not specify aperture, it is the most common type, which is approximately f2. There are also f1.8 and f1.6 versions, which have the front part of the barrel larger than the rear part, and are clearly marked either f1.8 or f1.6. I have had the 1.6 on my radar for several years, and finally chanced upon one for a very reasonable price (200 euros). While all the Kinons are seriously swirly, the f1.6 version is extreme, and the images I saw suggested that it also had very interesting bokeh, reminiscent of the Elgeet Cine Navitar 2 inch f1.5. I was not disappointed. In addition to the swirl and bokeh, the lens is very sharp in the center and has both excellent contrast and microcontrast, something that I did not expect from an uncoated, 90 year old lens! Here are some first images
