From Refugee Camp to Reinventing Vintage Glass: Guest Ron Sim from Simmod Lens – Focus Check Ep74

by Nino LeitnerJuly 24^th, 2025

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In this episode of the CineD podcast, Ron Sim, founder of Simmod Lens, joins Johnnie to share his incredible journey from refugee to lens innovator. What started as a DIY side project evolved into the launch of APSARA, a new line of character-driven cinema lenses.

Ron Sim’s journey from a Cambodian refugee camp to becoming the founder of Simmod Lens is anything but typical. In this heartfelt and revealing conversation with Johnnie, Ron opens up about his early years, his love for cinematography, and how financial pressure during his wife’s medical school years sparked the creation of Simmod Lens. Now, he’s not just modifying vintage lenses—he’s building his own.

We discuss the birth of the new APSARA lens brand, co-developed with SIRUI, why character-rich flaws matter more than clinical perfection, and why he’s committed to giving back through education in Cambodia. This episode is a must-listen for any filmmaker who’s ever dreamed of doing more with their craft.

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Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at 08:05.

► Chapters mentioned in this episode:

00:44 – Introduction: Ron Sim’s origin story & cinematography beginnings

03:04 – The birth of Simmod Lens

05:21 – Why design your own lens?

10:38 – Partnership with SIRUI

12:52 – Introducing APSARA

13:50 – The LUMIERE and PRESTIGE lines

15:15 – Innovations in lens design

18:04 – What’s the difference to SIRUI lenses?

22:13 – Why does the market need a new lens company?

25:29 – Giving back: APSARA Academy

29:14 – On our industry, innovation & AI

31:20 – Looking ahead & closing thoughts

We hope you enjoyed this episode!
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