Lindsey Optics has unveiled a range of rotating streak filters that fit in 4×5.65″ matte boxes, that allow cinematographers to create anamorphic streaks and other creative lens flares in camera.
The Brilliant2 Rota-Streak Filters consists of a wide range of filters for creating unique in-camera static and rotating flare effects. They can be used to create streaks on any bright lights and specular highlights in a scene. Brighter lights create bigger streaks, weaker lights create smaller streaks. By choosing the right Rota-Streak filter strength for a particular scene, streaks can be dramatic, subtle or somewhere in-between.
Lindsey Optics uses a unique manufacturing method to laminate very small cylindrical rod lenses inside the glass filter. By incorporating the rod lenses with different spacing, a variety of streak effects can be achieved. A closer spacing creates a stronger effect, a wider spacing creates a weaker effect.
Some of the Brilliant2 Rota-Streak filters in the product range produce flares that precisely imitate the anamorphic lens flare characteristics of many Cinemascope films. This anamorphic streak is a form of lens flare that appears as horizontal lines extending from bright light sources and specular reflections.
Elliptical flares
Some of the Rota-Streak filters can produce even more dramatic lens flares with various unique characteristics and colors.
The Rota-Streak Swirls create beautiful elliptical flares on specular light sources and highlights.
4″ x 5.65″ geared filter tray
The Rota-Streak filters are permanently mounted in a 4″ x 5.65″ geared filter tray that allows rotation of the flares for static flares at any angle, or for dynamic rotating streak, star and swirl flare effects. A 1/4 20 threaded hole in the handle allows you to mount a motor so the effects can be controlled by a FIZ or remote motorized follow focus system.
Competition
138mm streak filters aren’t a new concept, as both Schneider and Tiffen also make similar items. The only difference being is that the Tiffen and Schneider options come as stand-alone filters and are not permanently mounted inside a 4″ x 5.65″ geared filter tray. To my knowledge, I don’t know of anyone who makes a swirl pattern streak filter. Maybe Lindsey Optics is the first.
Price and availability
Brilliant Streak Filters are available in 7 types: 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, and 6mm, Diamond Star, Confetti and Swirl patterns. They are available now in 6 colors: Clear, Blue, Yellow, Green, Pink and Red. They are priced at $425 USD each. The filters will be initially available in the Brilliant2 4″ x5.65″ /138 Rota-Streak size that is designed to fit in most professional 4×5.65″ Matte Boxes.
