Back in 2011 at NAB, Chimera first showed a prototype of Active Diffusion, but the idea never got to market until now with a new company. LumenArc took it on and has usefully got it to market, plus they have a smaller 24×36″ version.
The concept is the same. The Lumen Arc Active Diffusion is an electronically adjustable light modifying system that was designed to simplify grip and lighting. it is a mid-sized diffusion frame that allows you to adjust the amount of diffusion electronically.
The Active Diffusion allows you to dial in anywhere from 1/16 stop @ ~1% up to 1 1/2 stops @ 100%. Essentially the light transmission loss is 8% when the Active Diffusion is set to 1% and 21% when it is set at 100%. 1.5 stops is the current limitation for this type of technology. LumenArc states the diffusion is comparable to LEE Filters Opal Frost Diffusion Filter or Hampshire Frost diffusion.
The LumenArc Active Diffusion is controlled with a hand-held controller with a V-Mount battery plate and a 10′ power cable with an additional 10′ cable that runs from the hand-held controller/power supply to the Active Diffusion panels. With a 98Wh battery, the Active Diffusion will run for up to 20 hours.
Specifications 40×40″ LumenArc Active Diffusion
LumenArc is in development of a 4×4′ and a 6×6″ butterfly Active Diffusion models.
Price & Availability
The 40 x 40 LumenArc Active Diffusion is now available to pre-order for
$3,299.99 USD. The 24 x 36 ACTIVE DIFFUSION PACKAGE is also available to pre-order for $1,899.99 USD.
Both are expected to start shipping by June 2023.
