The KipperTie LCminiND is now available to order. The LCminiND is a precision electronic ND cartridge with Bluetooth control for Canon RF-to-EF and compatible adapters.
This looks like a good solution if you are running EF glass with a RED Komodo, Komodo-X, Canon R5, etc.
Key features
- Infinitely variable ND between 0.6 and 2.1 (2 to 7 stops)
- Minimal color shift and polarization artifacts
- Bluetooth control with a dedicated iOS app
- Robust CNC-machined anodised aluminum construction
- Individually calibrated for precision
- Minimum 24-hour runtime between charges
KipperTie’s new LCminiND Electronic ND drop-in filter adapter utilizes technology developed by LC-Tec. It is initially available for Canon’s popular Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R with Variable ND Filter and any third-party versions that can take the same size filters. KipperTie will also be making versions for other products going forward.
The LCminiND Electronic ND drop-in filter adapter just fits into the Canon Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R with Variable ND Filter like Canon’s original VND filter. This opens up the potential to use electronic ND on both Canon and Red cameras, as well as a broad range of others, including L, E, and Z host mounts, with EF, PL, LPL, and more as the lens mount.
There is a myriad of adapters on the market that utilize drop-in filters, and some of them utilize electronic variable ND. Cameras from Kinefinity and Z CAM, just to name a few, have had adapter mounts for quite some time that have electronic variable ND.
The new LCminiND offers an ND range from 0.6 to 2.1 stops, and it allows you to have precise control over how much vND you want to introduce. The only issue with drop-in electronic variable ND filters is that you can’t have them set to 0 ND. This means you will need to take the filter out if you are working in lighting conditions where ND isn’t required.
Colour accuracy and internal consistency across the ND range is claimed to be excellent. The shift from clear to ND depends on the clear filter employed, but is typically a small magenta correction.
How do you control it?
There is a button and a dial on the LCminiND that you can use to make adjustments to how much ND you are applying. These allow you to make pretty precise adjustments.
Users can select increments of full, half, third, and quarter stops, or use the fine mode to adjust ND.
The ultra-small daylight-readable OLED display shows you key information.
Via Bluetooth and the dedicated iOS app, you can make all of these adjustments from a distance, and even rack the ND smoothly during a live take.
How do you power it?
Internally powered, the LCminiND can be charged at any time via USB-C, and requires nothing from the host camera. It can run for around 24 hours via its built-in battery.
Build Quality
The casing for the LCminiND is made out of aircraft-grade aluminum.
Prototype
KipperTie is also working on a prototype Revolva-style cartridge where you will actually be able to move the LCminiND out altogether so you have a clear setting with no ND. This obviously will make the whole adapter drop-in filter mechanism a lot larger.
Pricing & Availability
The KipperTie LCminiND can now be pre-ordered for £695.00, and it will ship in July.
Each LCminiND ships in a custom-made foam-lined hard case, complete with USB A to C charging cable and durable dust cover.
