Medium format is an exciting format to shoot with. You get ample details, great, film-like colors, and the ability to make truly large prints to showcase your work. However, there is also a downside. One can’t use a medium format lens on certain other medium format cameras, due to the different size of the sensors. If you have been facing something similar, then don’t worry. Kipon, a leading optical adapters manufacturer, has something in store: a new focal reducer. Here’s what it can do.
The new 0.62x focal reducer was developed by Kipon in collaboration with the Module 8 team and designed by Iain Neil, a renowned optics designer in Hollywood. For the uninitiated, this focal reducer can convert 6×7 format lenses to cover a 44×33mm sensor size. For instance, if you are using a Pentax 67 and a Hasselblad V, then the converter can help you get more field of view and an increase of up to 1.5 stops of light with a Fujifilm GFX sensor. Here is a look at its specs:
- Material: Metal, glass
- Lens Compatibility: Pentax 67
- Camera Body Compatibility: Fujifilm GFX
- Optical Design: 5 groups, 7 high-quality glass elements
- Features:
- Designed by Iain Neil in Switzerland
- 1.5-stop increase in aperture
- 0.62x wider shooting range
- Infinity focus supported
The company has launched two models, P67-GFX 0.62x and P67-LPL 0.62x, and with this on, one can use Pentax lenses on Fujifilm medium format bodies. The company has also supplemented a data sheet, which will help photographers better understand how the lens will work on different sensors:
The new 0.62x focal reducer has many advantages for photographers. For instance, now you can switch between different sensors, and the lens will offer a unique look and feel to your images. Moreover, as the sheet suggests, an f2.8 lens can now offer an f1.4 aperture, thus helping you get that extra bokeh for your portraits. Reducing the angle of view also means you can compose exciting vistas with ease. And, if you are someone who naturally uses more medium format cameras, then you get one lens and can use it on different models, thus saving some money.
The focal reducer is available on Kipon for $1,180, which is quite expensive. However, it is not as expensive as buying a new medium format lens. If you are interested, head to Kipon’s website for more.