Simmod Lens launch Essence Magnetic Rear Diffusion Filters for LPL converted lenses

Windsor, Ontario, 29 Sep 2023: Simmod Lens today introduce their groundbreaking LPL Essence Rear Magnetic filter system. Designed to work with vintage lenses modified with Simmod’s own LPL mount conversion kits, the system offers incredibly quick and easy diffusion filter changes. Once installed changing filters takes seconds with each Essence filter popping into place with a reassuring click. It also has the advantage of being smaller and lighter than screw-on or matte box mounted filtration. One small single filter size fits multiple lenses and there is no need for heavy matte boxes, multiple step-down rings, or larger more expensive filters for wide angle lenses.

With rear filtration, the look is controllable, repeatable and consistent. Using the Simmod Essence system a DP or AC on-the-go can easily carry a full set of different diffusion types and strengths at all times.

Cinematographers love the creativity, character and organic look that careful diffusion brings to their images. Often used to soften the overly digital look of modern cameras they have become an essential part of modern filmmaking. Not all diffusion filters are created equal and each Essence filter is cinema grade, with the effect being carefully honed at Simmod Lens. The way that highlights and the look of skin are handled beautifully matches that of other industry standard filters.

At launch Simmod will offer Aria Black Mist filters in 1/8, 1/4 and 1/2 strengths, as well as Aria Glisten filters for a beautiful glimmer effect 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. Every filter has a Nano resistance coating to repel water, oil and grease.

* 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

* 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 for an easy and secure grip. There are a total of 12 magnets on each ring for superior attachment, guaranteeing that it will not accidentally detach. Every filter also comes in its own protective case.

Magnetic rear lens filters have previously only been available on high-end cinema lenses. The innovative Essence filter system now offers a cost-effective solution for any vintage stills lens user willing to embrace the LPL mount system from Simmod Lens. The Essence filters also fit onto the magnetic rear mount of ARRI's Signature series lenses.

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. With the ease of adaptation of vintage stills lenses to LPL using Simmod Lens mounts, it is clear that the LPL mount is far more flexible than the older PL or EF mount systems.

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.

Each Simmod Essence filter costs $149 US and the Magnetic Pilot part costs $25 US. 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.

For more information visit www.simmodlens.com

For press enquiries contact dan@crashzoom.com

High resolution images can be downloaded here.