KIPON has announced two cinema adapters: the “PL-Sony E Variable ND Adapter” and the “PL-Nikon Z Variable ND Adapter.” Designed specifically for professional cinema shooting, both adapters integrate a continuously variable neutral density system directly into the mount, enabling a lighter, faster, and more efficient workflow for filmmakers.
This launch marks a historic milestone for KIPON. For the first time in the company’s history, its flagship cinema-oriented products have been designed and assembled in Japan and manufactured using Japan’s optical supply chain.
Ten years of innovation
More than 10 years ago, KIPON developed one of the earliest autofocus adapters in the industry, incorporating a variable ND system.
This pioneering spirit is now being revived in a new form, bringing integrated variable ND technology to the world of professional cinema.
KIPON commented as follows:
“These products are the culmination of many years of experience in optical engineering and adapter design.
Our goal was to create a tool that improves the actual shooting workflow without compromising optical quality or lens compatibility.”
Designed for professional cinema lenses.
One of the biggest technical challenges in integrating variable ND technology into PL adapters is maintaining compatibility with cinema lenses that have protruding rear optical elements.
To solve this problem, KIPON developed its own deep-recessed variable ND architecture. The ND assembly is positioned as deep as possible within the adapter body, and a precise multi-start screw mechanism allows for accurate adjustment of the flange focal length.
This design maximizes clearance for the rear lens elements, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of professional PL cinema lenses.
Developed in collaboration with industry professionals
Throughout the entire development process, KIPON worked closely with leading professionals in the Japanese film industry, including technical experts and camera crews from Sanwa Eizai and CRANK.
The adapter’s design incorporates extensive feedback from rental technicians, cinematographers, and production staff, ensuring it meets the practical needs of modern filmmaking.
Japanese optical quality
At the heart of this system is a top-of-the-line variable ND module manufactured in Japan.
These optical filters are manufactured in specialized factories in Japan, delivering the exceptional optical flatness, color consistency, image quality, and long-term reliability demanded by professional videographers.
Compatible with KIPON’s medium format cinema ecosystem.
The new adapter is fully compatible with KIPON’s “Mamiya 645-PL 0.7x Optical Focal Length Reduction System”.
By combining the two products without mechanical interference, users can build their own unique cinema solutions with the following features:
- Image quality characteristics unique to medium format cameras
- 0.7x reduction in focal length
- Improved light transmittance
- Integrated Variable ND Control
This integration is expected to further expand the creative possibilities for cinematographers using vintage medium format lenses.
KIPON Variable ND Adapter Shipping Date
Both adapters are scheduled to begin shipping in mid-August 2026.
A 15% discount applies when you purchase any variable ND adapter and the “KIPON Mamiya645-PL 0.7x optical focal length reduction lens” as a set.
