I recently passed by WPPI Las Vegas and David from XUMEAdpters.com was there exhibiting the XUME Filter Adapters. These adapters have been around for a few years, but I thought we'd revisit the product now that cameras like the Sony A7s are hugely dependent on ND Filters when working outdoors with S-Log with it's minimum ISO of 3200.
I'm a big fan of Variable ND Filters on my cameras when outdoors, but I really hate unscrewing them when moving to shaded areas or indoors. The XUME Adapter kits allow you fast installation and removal of your filters. In order for the system to work you'll need a lens adapter (ideally placed on every lens) + a Filter Holder (ideally on every filter you plan to use). This can add up to be quite an expense if you want to convert everything you own, but personally I only find myself working with a handful of lenses outdoors and mainly 1 or 2 filters. With that in mind the XUME Pro Kit should cover most of your needs and would be a huge time saver.
As noted in the video, once the XUME Lens Adapter is placed onto your lens, your typical lens cap won't work directly. You'll need to utilize one of the XUME Filter Holders for the cap, or opt in for one of their new custom XUME Lens Caps.
Obviously many of use different lenses that may have varying filter sizes. My Sigma uses a 72mm, my Canon uses a 77mm, and my Lumix 58mm. Of course a simple fix to this is to purchase step-up filter rings so that all of your lenses share a common Filter Size. I typically step all of my lenses up to 77mm (as seen here), but this does mean you have to buy several 77mm Lens Caps - very cheap via eBay. The complete line of XUME Adapters and Kits are available via B&H (click here).
XUME Magnetic Quick Release Filter Adapters
Emm
Post author@Pepe - I'm not familiar with the converter, but the lens adapter needs to screw onto filter threads. Also keep in mind that with anything ultra wide moving the filter further out can cause vignetting, unless you go with an oversized filter. Example, if a filter is 77mm you could use an 82mm filter for less obstruction in view.
PePe
Do you think it would work on my Sigma 30mm E mount with the Panasonic fisheye converter DMW-GFC1?
Save Motion
Its really helpful!
Paul
I've been using Xume rings for a few years, and I can't imagine shooting a wedding without them. I agree with CNek that with the speed of the adapters I've found less use for my variable NDs, and have moved to higher quality, cheaper fixed NDs for run-and-gun situations. I typically roll with a 1.2 and a 1.8 (4- and 6-stop) and I've never encountered a situation that isn't covered by the pair.
David's a great guy, and I recommend Xume gear to everyone I can.
CNek
Got two full kit from these. (58mm for all my M43 primes)
I put some high quality B&W multicoated slim CPL and plus a set of 3 ND's.
Plus some very cheap UV filter (think as transparent lens caps) and screw on metal 58mm cap for making opaque magnetic lens caps.
This setup just rox 😉
A bit expensive but fixed ND = better quality than variable and cheaper, with these little things, you can swap quickly, so VND less necessary.
Jason
I've been using these for a few months now and love them. I have rings on my 11-16, 24-70, and 70-200, with adapters on my set of 3 ND filters, and a polarizer. I especially find it useful on the polarizer since I always had trouble getting a rotating filter to unscrew. These adapters have really made a difference for me.
Dale
We've been using these with our blackmagic and Hoya IRND filter set, makes changing fixed ND filters so quick. This means we can now shoot with the best filters rather than compromise on Vari ND. Also the company have been very helpful when contacted!
Dan
I bought a full compliment of these in 58mm for my 3 58mm Lumix lenses and 77mm for my Nikon lenses.
Remember, you need to buy one ring that stays on the lens, and then a mating ring that attaches to each filter you want to mount. EACH FILTER. That gets expensive. But I did it.
I thought they would be great. However, after you mount them on your lenses and put a sunshade on the filter, you can knock your $200 variable ND filter off the lens so easily it's scary.
If you're using them inside a matte box on rails as a sunshade, they're okay. They'd be protected.
Another problem is with wide angle lenses. Two rings plus the filter can possibly vignette the corners because the filter is pushed out so far in front of the lens.
Recommendation: buy a simple pair for one lens and try it. If you like it, buy the rest.
If someone wants to buy my 58mm or 77mm set, let me know. I don't use them at all anymore.
Emm
Post author@Joe - There may have been some changes over the years, but I should have my hands on the latest versions in the coming weeks.
Joe
Hi Emm, did you happen to get your hands on these adapters to play with them? I bought a couple of them about a year ago, but ended up going back to the old screw thread especially if I know the camera would be used in the environment that would shake the camera, mainly because I found that if the adapter gets bumped or shooked then it tends to fall off.
Have you had similar experience?