COOL LENSES
RENT SOMETHING REALLY DIFFERENT! While most films are shot on a range of focal lengths fromwide to short telephoto, a real macro shot can
while many macro lenses are longer focal length telephotos, the Laowa is 24mm, so it not only focuses as close as 2cm, but gives a wide-angle view that includes more background details. The front of the lens is waterproof and there is an LED ring light at the tip for illumination, so you can keep a sensible distance from your subject while shooting, or even shoot underwater while keeping the camera on dry land. Hireacamera also has a range of other exotic lenses that make sense for a one- off project. Everything from 600mm f/4 telephotos to a Voigtländer 25mm f/0.95 prime that can pretty much see in the dark!
definitely add something special to a production. And if you are shooting something very small, then a specialist lens might be the only way to get the effect you’re after. It’s sensible to hire something specialist like the Laowa 24mm f/14 2x probe lens. Hireacamera has stocks of the lens, so you can hire and try before you buy or just rent it when needed. The unique-looking Laowa is compatible with full-frame cameras and, at its closest, offers 2:1 macro reproduction, so any subject appears twice as big as it really is on the sensor. The lens is fully manual in terms of focus and aperture control, and
IMAGES The Laowa 24mm f/14 probe lens looks unusual, but lets you get in really close
IT’S THE FILTER FACTOR
effect on conventional lenses. Traditionally, the blue True-Streak filters are used, but Schneider offers eight other colour options to choose from, as well as clear. Schneider also has rainbow, confetti and the star True-Streak to really give a whole different look. We tried the traditional True-Streak blue in a 2mm size for the traditional sci-fi streak look on specular highlights. You need to use a wide aperture when using the filter, or else you can actually see some of the lines engraved on the filter. With a wide aperture, highlights took on the lovely anamorphic flare look. UK-based Formatt-Hitech is also making a name for itself with its filters in the traditional 4x5.65in size for use with full-size matte boxes, and the company is launching a new range of screw-in filters that are far more affordable.
It’s not just lenses that can optically alter what’s being recorded, as filters can also make a huge difference. Of course, there are technical filters, but some offer more creative effects. Schneider-Kreuznach offers a huge range of filters, but its True- Streak series is used on some of the world’s biggest TV and film productions like Star Trek and CSI . These filters are super-white optical glass – so need to be used in proper filter holders inside pro- quality matte boxes. The standard size for these is 4x5.65 inches, and the True-Streak range features 136 different variations, including subtly different colours and effects. And many of the filters are available in 1mm, 2mm, 3mm and 4mm thicknesses to suit different uses. The True-Streak filters recreate the classic anamorphic streak
“Filters are a cost-effective way of creating a cinematic look”
ABOVE The new range of British-made
The firm has launched its Supermist filters, available in clear or black, which dial back fine details such as wrinkles and also give a pleasant film-like bloom to point light sources. This also has the advantage of lowering contrast to give a vintage feel and preserving dynamic range for easier editing and colour correction. The black Supermist softens the fine detail and reduces contrast, but is more subtle than a standard clear Supermist, with less lightening of shadow areas. It’s a very cost-effective way of creating a real cinematic look.
Formatt-Hitech Supermist filters
LEFT The True-Streak filter in blue gives highlights a long streaky
flare, similar to an anamorphic lens
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