Schneider Optics announced that it has partnered with Clairmont Camera to manufacture and distribute an innovative new In-Camera Filter System for the ARRI Alexa camera. Working closely with Schneider, Clairmont Camera’s Andree Martin and Alan Albert designed custom assemblies that hold interchangeable Schneider filters in front of the Alexa’s CMOS sensor assembly.
The kit includes a specially designed magnetic filter holder that replaces the light baffle in the Alexa camera. Once in place, the assembly allows secure mounting and precise positioning of the specially manufactured, ultra-precision Schneider filters.
Denny Clairmont, CEO of Clairmont Camera, explained that the high light sensitivity of the ARRI Alexa (600 ISO and beyond), makes use of neutral density filters particularly important. “One of the things cinematographers appreciate most about the ARRI Alexa is the excellent light sensitivity. Working at higher ISO ratings can lead to lots of ND if you want to shoot wide open.”
The standard In-Camera Filter Kit consists of an in-camera filter holder with cover ring, all required shims, (to precisely compensate for the focus change resulting from the behind the lens filter), a filter installation tool and seven mounted Schneider Ultra Precision Multi-Coated In-Camera Filters – Clear, IRND .3, .6, .9, 1.2, 1.5 and 1.8.
With the new system, a camera assistant can change the filters in a few minutes. When no filtering is desired, a clear filter is used to precisely maintain focus. All filters for the system are high-efficiency multi-layer coated to minimize flare and ghosting.
The In-Camera Filter Kit for the Alexa will interface with most PL lenses but is not compatible with Zeiss T2.1 16mm, 24mm, 32mm, Arri Macro 16mm, 24mm, and 32mm as well as Cooke Series II and III 18mm, 25mm and 32mm. Lens extenders may also interfere with the kit’s filters.
The company plans to introduce other popular filters to fit the kit, such as the Black Frost.
