Newly announced: Simmod Lens rear magnetic (IRND) filters for ARRI Signature Zooms & Primes
Simmod Lens has introduced their latest rear magnetic IR Neutral Density (IRND) filters, compatible with ARRI Signature Zooms and Primes, as well as stills lenses modified with Simmod’s LPL mount conversion kits.
Simmod Lens states that their new Full Spectrum Essence IRND filters incorporate advanced filter technology to ensure minimal color shift and nearly flawless skin tone reproduction
Compatibility
The Full Spectrum Essence IRND Filters, suitable for LPL and Signature Primes, are offered in densities ND 0.3, ND 0.6, ND 0.9, ND 1.2, along with a clear uncoated option.
New launch
The LPL Essence Rear Magnetic filter system, initially launched with Simmod’s rear diffusion options, now includes new IRND choices, offering cinematographers the convenience of swiftly and effortlessly switching between ND filters or diffusion.
Simple swaps
Once installed, swapping filters is a matter of seconds, as each Essence filter snaps into place magnetically. This system is more compact and lighter than traditional screw-on or matte box-mounted filters.
A single small filter size fits various lenses, eliminating the need for bulky matte boxes, numerous step-down rings, or larger, costlier filters for wide-angle lenses.
Each Essence filter is made of aircraft-grade aluminum and has a knurled edge for an easy and secure 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.
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.
LPL mount
The Essence filter system fits onto the magnetic rear mount of ARRI’s Signature series lenses, as well as Simmod LPL-converted stills lenses. It 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 regular LPL conversion kits already come as standard with a rear pilot (non-magnetic) 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).
Secure attachment
The Full Spectrum Essence IRND filters from Simmod Lens attach using 12 magnets, providing an innovative and cost-effective solution for users of vintage stills lenses willing to adopt the LPL mount system. Historically, magnetic rear lens filters have been a premium option exclusive to high-end cinema lenses.
The Simmod Essence system ensures consistent focusing across all focal lengths. Each Simmod LPL conversion kit includes standard shims, and additional shims can be purchased from the Simmod website if needed. Shims are available for various lens brands including Leica R, Nikon F, Olympus OM, Contax Zeiss, Canon FD, and Mamiya 645.
Introducing an additional glass filter or element can slightly alter the back focus of a lens, typically causing the infinity focus to extend beyond the lens’s infinity mark. However, if the lens is properly calibrated, it will still reach infinity. For accurate distance markings, the lens may need to be shimmed. Once a lens set is correctly shimmed for use with the filters, no further adjustments are needed when switching filters or focal lengths. If no ND filter is needed, a magnetic clear uncoated filter can be used to preserve the correct flange distance.
Price & availability
Each Simmod Essence filter costs $149 USD. A complete kit of ND 0.3, ND 0.6, ND 0.9, ND 1.2 Full Spectrum Essence IRND Filters is available for $499 USD. They are available to purchase soon on Cinegear, stay tuned!
