Arri Launches Impression V Filters
The new line of diopters is designed to give a vintage feel to Arri Signature Prime and Zoom lenses.
Arri has launched the Impression V Filter line, designed to give a vintage feel to the company’s Signature Prime and Zoom lenses.
The eight filters — four negative and four positive diopters — incrementally shift the focus characteristics of the image, allowing a range of detuned looks to be created for Super 35 or large format with one set of Signature lenses.
Whereas diopters are traditionally positioned in front of a lens to reduce its close-focus distance, Arri’s Impression V filters attach to the back of Signature lenses via the built-in rear magnetic filter adapter, altering the appearance of out-of-focus image elements (aka bokeh).
All bokeh is affected by the filter, but it is particularly noticeable in background highlights, which get more of a “donut” effect (bright around the edges) with negative filters, and more of a “bauble” effect (brighter in the middle) with positive filters. In general, the positive filters have a nostalgic, glamorous feel, with swirly bokeh, glowing skin tones and softer backgrounds, and negative filters have a grittier look, with inward-pulling bokeh and vibrant backgrounds.
The four positive Impression V filters are IV 070P, IV 140P, IV 230P and IV 330P. The four negative filters are IV 050N, IV 100N, IV 200N and IV 290N. The increasing numbers signify a stronger diopter effect.
Impression V filters are designed to be used at T1.8, where the effect is strongest and lens scales remain accurate. Positive filters attach directly to the rear of each Signature lens; the negative filters require a shim to be added to the back of the lens first. There is a 2mm shim for shooting at T1.8, and a 1.85mm shim to act as a base for the additional shimming required to shoot with Signature Zooms, or at higher stops with Signature Primes.
The Impression V filters work with Arri’s Alexa 35, Alexa Mini LF, Alexa LF and Alexa 65.
The filters are sold in a kit that contains all eight diopters, a shim set, an adjustable torque screwdriver for adding shims, and inscribable Velcro tabs for labeling filtered lenses on set. The kit is packaged in an aluminum flight case.
Each of the eight filter types can also be purchased in a separate three-filter set that includes foam inlays, Velcro tabs and (for the negative filters) a shim set. Velcro sets and shim sets can also be purchased separately.
Arri Impression V filters are available to order now.
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