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The KhanØptic KineticGlass is a circular 138mm optical filter designed to be inserted into a matte box with one particularity: you can customize it as far and as creatively as you want. Indeed, the filter consists of two glass elements with a space between them that can be filled with isopropyl alcohol and mixed with water, powder, glitter, immiscible fluids, color pigments, and so on. By putting the KineticGlass into a rotating filter tray, you can even push effects one step further. So, let’s take a closer look at it!
When it comes to innovation and new technology, filters are often not the first thing that comes to mind. Indeed, most diffusion, polarization, and filtration filters have been developed and improved over the course of decades. Most filters released nowadays are improvements and modifications from what already exists, but true innovation is quite rare.
At CineD, we love to discover innovative products from small companies, and this is precisely what this product is. When I stumbled upon the KineticGlass filter on social media, I was really impressed, as this was something I had never seen before. While not entirely new, as they were released last year, the KhanØptic KineticGlass represents a fresh, creative take on optical filters, and we think they deserve some spotlight.
KhanØptic was created by award-winning director and DP Adam Khan, who describes himself as someone who “challenges the conventional rules and methods within the industry.”
The KineticGlass is a 138mm filter that consists of two 133mm optical glass elements in a machined aluminum enclosure. However, the KineticGlass belongs to what could be considered a new category of filters: fluid filters. Indeed, there is a space between the two glass wafers that allows some fluid to be inserted in the filter.
The two optical glass elements are equipped with a solvent-resistant adhesive, which facilitates cleaning, enhances viscosity, and provides optimal performance. You can fill the filter with up to 25 mL of liquid. The filter features a 1mm access point with a screw that allows you to add liquid and particles to it.
The KineticGlass is compatible with rotating filter trays, as well as the company’s LumaTray. The LumaTray is a 138mm illuminated filter tray that enhances the KineticGlass effects and excites the particles suspended within the lens filter.
The KineticGlass ships with two spare screws, a screwdriver, a funnel, a Luer lock syringe, two needles, and a pouch. The filter ships as a “blank canvas,” and what you put inside is up to you, including fluids, polymers, glass, metals, fabrics, etc. Of course, depending on what you put inside the filter, you’ll get different results.
However, as stated by KhanØptic, “be mindful of what is placed inside KineticGlass as it may be hard or impossible to remove particular objects (i.e., fishing line), and the filter essentially becomes committed to that look. When using powders and pigments, a thin layer will adhere to the glass.”
The kit also includes a 2ml vial that can be used to test out various effects before introducing them into the filter. If you don’t feel like experimenting and taking risks, KhanØptic offers an entire Exclusive Line of effects and recipes that they have tried and approved.
Everything you insert inside the KineticGlass will alter the light entering your lens. This creative process allows you to create unique filters, with basically countless effects available. You’re only limited by your creativity and the 1mm hole to insert things inside the filter. Of course, by rotating and illuminating the filter, you can get even more creative shots.
The KhanØptic KineticGlass is available now for $600. The kit with the KineticGlass, LumaTray, rotating filter tray, filter pouch, and effect kit retails for $1700.
For more information, please visit KhanØptic’s website here.
What do you think about this filter? What kind of fluid, particles, or things would you put inside it? Do you think it could be a nice addition to your kit? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!
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Jeff Loch is a French freelance director, editor and colorist, working mostly on music videos, commercials, and corporate films.