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In a bid to clear up online speculation, surprise entrant to the full-frame cinema lens market Nisi has answered some questions about its relationship with brands marketing lenses very similar to its own recently-announced F3 series.
NiSi F3 Cinema Lenses
The company says that it owns the designs of its own lenses as it ‘took ownership’ of them from the ‘now dead’ Bokkeh Bokkelux project. Nisi also claims that it has made changes to the original optical and mechanical designs of the series to make the lenses more reliable, the assembly more accurate, and to reduce their overall weight. Nisi goes on to explain that it is a partner of cinema equipment company Kinefinity, and that it manufactures the brand’s Mavo Prime range of full-frame lenses.
The release doesn’t say it directly, but this is clearly a move that aims to end claims that Nisi is just copying existing lenses and marketing them under a different name.
Further details of the lenses have also been released, including that the five officially announced will be joined by 18mm and 135mm focal lengths in the second half of 2018. We should also expect a ‘new and innovative design for an optical accessory’ in the near future.
As the lenses will cover 46.5mm sensors, the F3 series will be compatible with ARRI Alexia LF, Red Monstro VV, Panavision DXL2, SONY Venice and Canon C700FF cameras (as well as ‘future’ models). Service centers are being established in Europe, USA and South Asia.
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Allure Mist Filters
Nisi has also introduced a new series of filters to its cinema range. The Allure Mist filters will come in white and black versions and are designed to soften contrast in movie footage. The white version pulls back highlights and reduces the appearance of skin blemishes, while the black version diminishes the effect of flare and creates a misty atmosphere.
They will be available in 4×5.65in and 6.6×6.6in sizes and can be pre-ordered now
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| A comparison of the effects of the Allure Mist filters, with the Black Mist on the left and the White Mist on the right. Click to enlarge the view |
And here’s a demo of the filters in ‘action’:
For more information visit the Nisi website.
Press Releases:
Five Fundamental Facts about the NiSI F3 Range of Full-Frame Prime Cine Lenses (and other news)
Since the announcement of the NiSi F3 range of full-frame lenses, NiSi’s headquarters have been inundated with questions and queries. In order to address some of these, we have compiled a list of answers around five key subjects. Read on for more, and to discover news in our announcement of the new NiSi Allure Mist Black/White Filters
1. Where does the name F3 come from?
The ‘F’ in F3 stands for ‘Full-Frame’. The lenses are all designed for full frame cameras and are extremely versatile, coming complete with PL, Canon EF and Sony E-Mounts. Mounts for other systems will need to be purchased separately, although NiSi will provide shims to ensure consistent filmmaking.
The number ‘3’ simply means ‘third generation’ and also refers to the range’s three key design characteristics, i.e. high resolution, low dispersion and retro flare.
2. What exactly is the relationship between the NiSi F3 range and Bokkelux?
Let’s be clear; the F3 prime lenses belong solely to NiSi since the company took ownership from Bokkelux. Since this time, NiSi are pleased to report that numerous improvements have been made and, being based on the original Bokkelux design, NiSi’s optical and mechanical design engineering experts have re-optimised some key elements to deliver the excellent new range.
These include:
- Improved accuracy with assembly and improved supply chain for the optical elements
- Improved physical attributes, i.e. the weight and calibre of the lenses have been improved with reliability and user assurance being of primary importance
- Along with these significant improvements, NiSi has developed a new and innovative design for an optical accessory for F3 range. Once this is completed, we will release information, but you can be assured that it will meet the unique needs for many filmmakers.
3. OK, so what about the relationship between the NiSi F3, Kinefinity and Mavo Prime?
That’s simple, really. Kinefinity is partner of NiSi. Our specialist engineers have modified the industrial design for the Mavo Prime while retaining the same performance and quality. The new F3 range and Mavo Primes are manufactured exclusively by NiSi.
4. Will the NiSi F3 Primes come with both imperial and metric markings?
Absolutely. Markings will be in feet and metres.
5. What are the details for the F3 sales warranty policy and can we expect additions to the focal lengths this year?
NiSi is currently in the process of setting up special service centres, specifically for sales warranties. Bases will be in Europe, North America and in South Asia. We will make further announcements about the details of the certified sales warranty suppliers after the third quarter. You can expect to see 18mm and 135mm primes coming to light in the second half of this year.
F3 Lens Range Highlights – (a recap):
- Covers Full-Frame Format
- PL Mount/Canon EF Mount/Sony E-Mount
- T2.0-T22 Click-less Aperture Range
- Ultra Low Dispersion
- High Resolution
- Retro Cinema Style Housing
- 12-Blade Iris
- Same physical attributes across the lens range
- Geared Focus and Iris Control Rings
- Pure Performance in Film
Launching in 25mm T2.1, 35mm T2.0, 50mm T2.0, 75mm T2.0 and 100mm CF T2.0 formats, the new range of premium lenses from NiSi debuted during NAB 2018, which took place between the 7th -12th April in Las Vegas.
Compatibility
The new F3 prime lenses cover full-frame format which is compatible with ARRI Alexia LF, Red Monstro VV, Panavision DXL2, SONY Venice and Canon C700FF, along with ‘future-proofing’ for other cameras that we will see arriving in the future. They cover 46.5mm format sensors, allowing filmmakers full creative control, opening up a wide range of cinematic possibilities.
Pure Performance in Film
The new F3 lenses offer filmmakers advanced resolution and perfect dispersion control, image contrast and flare; all optimised by their stylish, retro housing.
The entire F3 series of lenses share the same physical attributes, allowing for the simple and time-efficient fitting of lens accessories, along with the native ‘Sensed presence’ technology, which provides users with the ability to shoot with a beautiful bokeh. The native apochromatic optical design results in excellent ratio/axial dispersion performance, giving a pure and natural colour, with almost no purple/green fringing within focus and in bokeh.
NEW: NiSi Announces Allure Mist Black/White Filters
Allure Mist White – Highlights:
* Reduces highlights and lowers contrast* Softens wrinkles and blemishes
Allure Mist Black – Highlights:
* Reduces overall flare and contrast* Produces mist effect
To coincide with the exciting launch of F3 full-frame prime cine lenses, NiSi has also released Allure Mist White/Black and anamorphic filters; adding to their already burgeoning range of cinema filters.
Available in sizes 4×5.65”, 6.6×6.6”, the new filters will further assist filmmakers to capture their intended artistic expression with every shoot.
Preorders for individual filters available from May 7th 2018
Special kit launch
Along with individual lenses, NiSi has announced that all lenses will be available as a specially designed F3 kit, which will include a complete set of lenses, from 25-100mm, along with a NiSi 4×5.65 Allure Mist white 1/4 filter, a NiSi 4×5.65 Allure Mist Black 1/4 filter and a NiSi 4×5.65 Polarizer, all packaged in a tough NiSi hardshell case.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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