Prism Lens FX’s Handheld Ripple FX Filter features a water ripple glass texture that is claimed to create an effect that is supposed to be very reminiscent of step printing and or a slow shutter in-camera effect when held and moved around in front of your lens.
According to Prism Lens FX, as the name suggests, the Handheld Ripple FX filter was designed to create a fluid-like distortion effect when held in front of your lens. The handheld design and center hole cutout give you creative control over how you use the effect on set and in-camera.
While you could very well make an argument that it doesn’t really replicate step printing in the traditional sense, it still can create an interesting effect. No filter can replicate shutter speed and frame rate. To get something sililar in camera, you could just drop your shutter speed and then export your footage at a lower frame rate than it was shot in, and then simply re-import the footage.
The Prism Lens FX Handheld Ripple FX filter is available in 2 different sizes: 100mm and 150mm. The 100mm is great for smaller setups with lenses that range from 49mm to 95 mm. When using larger cinema setups with matteboxes, the larger 150mm version is recommended.
The Ripple FX filter works with all focal lengths, but the effect can be increased or decreased depending on your focal length. Wider lenses tend to create a reduced effect, while telephoto lenses tend to create an increased effect. A shallow aperture is recommended for a more pronounced effect. Shooting with a deeper aperture will result in a reduced effect.
Pricing
The Prism Lens FX Handheld Ripple FX handheld filter is available to pre-order, starting at $109.99 USD for the 100mm version. The 150mm version costs $119.99 USD.
