Simmod Lens has announced its new Essence Magnetic Rear Diffusion Filters for LPL converted lenses. These filters allow you to attach magnetic rear diffusion filters to LPL adapted lenses in the same way that you can on high-end cinema lenses like the ARRI Signature primes, but at a much lower cost.
The physical design of the LPL mount is what makes the Essence magnetic filter system possible. By designing a modern mount with a shallower flange distance and wider opening ARRI’s engineers provided the space required for a rear filter system.
Now, the only way you can use the Essence Magnetic Rear Diffusion Filters is if you have LPL mount lenses, or by using Simmod’s LPL mount conversion kits. Even though Simmod Lenses states that this combination makes for a compelling argument for mirrorless and cinema camera users to replace EF and PL mounts with the more modern ARRI LPL mount, I am not so sure.
The rationale behind using this combination is that you don’t need a matte box or step-up rings to add diffusion. It also allows the use of front-mounted variable ND filters at the same time as rear diffusion on mirrorless cameras. You also don’t need to carry around a matte box and filters that take up a lot of space. In saying that, a matte box does a lot more than just hold filters, and with the Simmod Lens solution, you can’t use multiple filters in series like you could with a lot of matte boxes. There are also countless diffusion filter options in 4 x 4″ and 4 x 5.65″, etc. sizes and not nearly as many rear filter options available.
It only takes seconds for an Essence filter to be installed. As I previously mentioned, not only does it have the advantage of being smaller and lighter than screw-on or matte box-mounted filtration, but one small single filter size fits multiple lenses.
By using rear filtration, the look is controllable, repeatable, and consistent.
The Essence filters will be available in different strengths, and at launch
Simmod will offer Aria Black Mist filters in 1/8, 1/4 and 1/2 strengths, as well as Aria Glisten filters in 1/8 , 1/4, 1/2 and 1 strengths. A range of Aria Pearl filters, as well as a clear filter, will also be available very soon.
According to Simmod Lens, every filter has a Nano resistance coating to repel water, oil and grease.
So, let’s check out what the various filters do.
ARIA MIST
- Reduces highlights and lowers contrast
- Creates a cinematic look
- Softens wrinkles and blemishes
- Creates a soft, pastel-like quality
- Softly diffuses light
- Resolution is maintained while contrast and sharpness are understated
ARIA GLISTEN
- Creates glowing highlights
- Softens wrinkles and blemishes
- Sparkle appearance for added confidence
- Softly diffuses light
- Resolution is maintained while contrast and sharpness are understated
The Essence filter system comprises a magnetic pilot guide ring that screws onto the rear of the Simmod LPL mount, plus any one of the Essence filters snapped onto it. All Simmod LPL conversion kits already come as standard with a rear pilot guide ring that screws onto the LPL mount (this guides the lens into the camera body or adapter when mounting it and has a 55mm thread at the rear, allowing users to use most regular 55mm screw-on filters for rear filtration if desired).
To use the Simmod LPL Essence Rear Magnetic Filters users must remove the original pilot guide and replace it with the new Essence magnetic pilot. Once screwed into the LPL mount it allows the rapid attachment of a magnetic filter to the rear.
Each Essence filter is made of aircraft-grade aluminum and has a knurled edge to make it easier to grip. There are a total of 12 magnets on each ring guaranteeing that it will not accidentally detach. Every filter also comes in its own protective case.
The Essence filters also fit onto the magnetic rear mount of ARRI’s Signature series lenses.
Are there any caveats?
Yes. One important factor to bear in mind is that whenever an additional glass filter or element of any kind is introduced it slightly changes the back focus of the lens. This typically results in infinity focus going past the infinity mark of the lens. If the lens is calibrated correctly it will still go to infinity, but if accurate distance markings are required then the lens must be shimmed.
Each Simmod LPL conversion kit comes with shims as standard and if more are needed they can be purchased via the Simmod website. Shims are available for Leica R, Nikon F, Olympus OM, Contax Zeiss, Canon FD, and Mamiya 645’s. If no diffusion is required on a shimmed lens then it needs to have a Simmod magnetic optical clear used in its place to maintain correct focus.
Price & Availability
Each Simmod Essence filter costs $149 USD and the Magnetic Pilot part costs $25 USD. They are available to purchase now from the Simmod Lens website. You can find the Aria Black Mist filters here and Aria Glisten filters here.
