A Cinematographer’s Vision

Director of Photography Michael Krautter has worked in the film industry since the early 1990s, building a career across narrative features, commercials, and documentaries. Starting as a focus puller and later becoming a DOP and director, Michael’s journey has been driven by one goal: creating images that feel alive, natural and atmospheric.

“Every project had to be different, special, something people hadn’t seen before. I realised that lenses could help me achieve that. The right glass brings atmosphere and emotion into the frame.” 

When the first DSLR full-frame cameras arrived in the early 2000s, Michael began experimenting with Leica R lenses, drawn to their warm flares, natural contrast, and the subtle “Leica Glow” described by legendary lens designer Walter Mandler. 

“Mandler never wanted a lens to be too perfect. He believed a touch of imperfection creates beauty. That glow gives life to an image.”

Balancing Precision and Soul

Michael describes Leica R lenses as “classic.” For him, they strike the ideal balance between modern technical sharpness and timeless optical character.

“When you work on commercials, you need focus and colour fidelity, but you also want warmth and mood. Leica R lenses give you both. They’re versatile, ideal for a wide range of projects while keeping a cinematic feel.”

From Cinemods to TLS Rehousing

Originally, Michael used Cinemodded Leica R lenses, adding focus gears and standard fronts. But as large-format cameras like the ARRI Alexa LF and RED Monstro became industry standards, he needed a more robust solution.

“I realised I needed proper rehoused lenses with PL mounts. I researched several companies and spoke to rental houses across Germany. Everyone told me the same thing, go to TLS.”

Michael sent his 10-lens Leica R set to TLS for full rehousing. The result was a reliable, mechanically smooth set that has held up through years of use. The focus and iris rings align perfectly across all focal lengths, and the TLS team provided hands-on support and was open to small custom adjustments to meet his needs.

“TLS are famous for their engineering. I’ve been using these lenses for years without a single issue. Even the one early repair was handled instantly. Parts were upgraded, and the system improved.”

Real-World Results: Emotional Texture on Screen

Michael’s TLS Leica R lenses have traveled worldwide, from Berlin to Seoul. One memorable moment came while filming several commercial projects in South Korea. 

“We were shooting for three months, and on one day, clients and the agency kept asking which lenses I was using. They said, ‘This looks like being in cinema. We’ve never seen this texture before.’”

He also recalls filming a documentary scene in an attic, lit only by daylight through small windows. The Leica Rs rendered unexpected flares that enriched the mood without artificial lighting. 

“In that scene, the lenses created the most rich atmosphere. There was no direct sunlight, just reflections through the windows. The soft flares became part of the emotion.”

Performance in Commercial and Automotive Work

Although modern lenses are often the default choice for commercials, Michael prefers Leica R lenses because they strike the right balance between technical precision and cinematic character. 

He values lenses that capture all the necessary detail while still preserving warmth, flares, and bokeh, elements that contribute to the overall atmosphere of the image. Reflecting on his experience shooting automotive projects in Shanghai, Michael explained: 

“At night in big cities like Shanghai, the bokeh and flares from Leica R lenses make backgrounds look gorgeous. The 35mm, 50mm, and 80mm lenses are perfect, sharp enough for car details, yet still cinematic.”

This approach allows him to highlight the product effectively while keeping the image visually rich and engaging, giving commercials a cinematic quality without sacrificing technical accuracy.

Preserving a Legacy: Built for the Future

Michael’s Leica R set represents the best of both worlds, classic Leica glass with modern TLS mechanics. He continues to rent his lenses through Vantage Film in Berlin, Weiden, Paris and across Europe, sharing their cinematic character with other filmmakers. 

“I trust these lenses. I know them inside out. They never fail me, and they always give me the atmosphere I want.”

Why TLS Rehousing Matters

Michael’s story reflects a growing movement among cinematographers seeking authenticity in a digital era. TLS rehousing turned a beloved optical design into a professional, production-ready toolset that keeps Leica’s cinematic heritage alive.

“Digital sensors itself are super clean, and when the first large-format sensors were introduced, I panicked because most of the available lenses at the time were too clinical. I needed that Leica look back. TLS made it possible. They helped me preserve the atmosphere I built my style on.”

“Leica R lenses are classic. They bring emotion without sacrificing precision. Thanks to TLS rehousing, they’ve become timeless tools, ready for any format, any story, anywhere.”

Discover More

You can find out more about Michael Krautter on his website (https://www.michaelkrautter.com/) or instagram page: @michael_krautter

Learn how TLS can help you preserve and enhance your cinema lenses.
Contact us on +44 (0) 1455 848 411 or Sales@truelens.co.uk

Products relating to this Case Study

Leica R