For Immediate Release
Ontario, Canada, 19 September 2024: There are many rangefinder lenses renowned for their optical performance from brands like Leica, Canon and Voigtlander. Until today, using un-modified rangefinder lenses for video has been problematic as their small size makes them harder to focus than conventional lenses when shooting video. Even so, some cinematographers seeking their unique characteristics have embraced these, but the fitting of focus gears to improve handling has not been SIMple - until now.
Simmod Lens has solved this for most rangefinder lenses with the introduction of their new SIMple Fit Micro and Mini gears. Designed specifically for smaller optics they use the same patented Simmod Lens SIMple Fit gear system to ensure perfect fit and a solid grip.
The Micro gear fits lenses with a focus ring diameter of between 45 and 49mm, while the Mini gear fits a diameter of 50-54mm. They work in the same way as existing SIMple fit gears, with a solid aluminum geared ring and a unique compression insert ring that fits inside, holding the gear solidly in place on the focussing ring without risking damage to the lens. Once fitted to the lens it be used with a follow focus, or the gear can be used to give a better manual focus experience.
The compression insert ring also works with lenses that have scalloped focus rings like those found on some vintage Canon and Leica rangefinder lenses, plus some modern Voigtlander ones. (It should be noted that the SIMple fit gears are not compatible with lenses that have a non-removable focussing tabs.)
As mirrorless mounts are now commonplace on modern cameras the new Simmod SIMple Fit Micro and Mini gears open up the use of an even broader range of modern and vintage lenses, with their different looks and small form factor.
Ron Sim CSC, owner of Simmod Lens said, “I love the idea that you can now take a 1950s Canon rangefinder lens, or a modern Voigtlander M-mount lens, and easily attach a SIMple fit Micro or Mini gear. Add a mount adapter and it will work perfectly for video on any E-mount, RF-mount, L-mount or Z-mount camera. These rangefinder lenses are especially useful on cameras like the DJI Ronin 4D where they really open up the range of available options that can balance on its camera and use the lidar AF system.”
Patent awarded on the SIMple fit gear system
Ron Sim CSC and his team at Simmod lens have always placed innovation at the heart of what they do. With his background as a working cinematographer Ron is always seeking to make products that have real benefit to filmmakers. The latest acknowledgement of the efforts has been the recent awarding of a US patent for their groundbreaking SIMple fit Follow Focus Gear. This clever design has revolutionised the cine lens industry by allowing almost any lens to have gear securely and safely fitted, enabling seamless integration with follow focus systems.
Since Simmod’s inception, the SIMple Fit Follow Focus Gear has been a flagship product for the company, driving a surge in global demand among professionals and enthusiasts modifying vintage lenses. The gears fill the essential role in attaching follow focus or motors to lenses, facilitating smooth operation in cine configurations.
"With our newly patented SIMple Fit Follow Focus Gear, photographers and filmmakers can now effortlessly adapt virtually any photo or vintage lens for use with follow focus systems,” said Ron Sim. "This patent represents a significant milestone for us, validating our innovation and dedication to enhancing the versatility and usability of lenses in cinematography."
The SIMple Fit Follow Focus Gears from Simmod currently offer a comprehensive range of sizes, covering diameters from 55mm to 93mm.
SIMple Fit Micro and Mini gears cost just 59 USD each.
You can learn more and order at www.simmodlens.com.
For press enquiries contact dan@crashzoom.com
Images from this release can be downloaded here.
