Kurosawa and Lens Choice

[Owen A. Davies]

Does anybody here happen to have any insight on what lenses (Baltars, Cooke, etc) were often used by Kurosawa in the early life of his film career? I’m thinking of through the 50s and 60s. Yojimbo, Throne of Blood, Seven Samurai, Stray Dog, etc. Any insight would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[David Mullen ASC]

Keep in mind that from “Hidden Fortress” (1958) to “Red Beard” (1965), all of his films were shot in Tohoscope. One website said that Tohoscope lenses used Kowa anamorphics adapted to the rear of spherical lenses. I don’t know if that’s accurate and I don’t know what spherical lenses he used at that time. Could have been Japanese optics from Canon, Nikon, etc.