Venus Optics has announced the 1.4x Full Frame Expander and 1.33x Rear Anamorphic Adapter in PL to PL mount. The anamorphic adapter expands the filming canvas to a 2.35:1 cinematic widescreen ratio on a 16:9 sensor and the 1.4x Full Frame Expander expands the coverage from Super35 into full-frame.
In the case of both adapters, Laowa claims that there is no hit in resolution or image quality, but there are some tradeoffs for each.
For example, when paired with Laowa’s OOOM 25-100mm T2.9 Cine Lens, the 1.33x Anamorphic Adapter can successfully expand the film canvas but does not produce the oval bokeh or horizontal field of view like a true anamorphic lens would, but Laowa says that it still introduces “cinematic character” and can create that distinctive anamorphic flare look. When using the adapter, lenses lose a half stop of light as well.
Below is a full list of compatible lenses, other than Laowa’s OOOM:
Venus Optics proided a few sample screenshots showing how footage that uses the adapter looks:
The 1.4x Full-Frame Expander can offset the aberrations found on cinema lenses and also expand the coverage from Super35 to Full-Frame. Laowa says that it does this while also maintaining the “vintage characters and excellent optical performance” of the lens. During the expansion, one stop of light is lost, which isn’t a terrible tradeoff for turning a high-end lens designed for Super35 sensors into an optic that can work on full-frame cameras.
The Expander also has a specially-designed back-focus adjustment mechanism that replaces what Venus Optics describes as a “tedious procedure of back focus adjustments by shims.”
Below is a list of compatible lenses, again other than the Laowa OOOM:
Both adapters are built entirely of metal, are shipped with a protective case, and are available for $1000 each or as a bundle together for $1,800.