Cinefade-Variable-ND-banner.jpg

Variable ND Filter

Our cmotion Cinefade VariND consists of a Motorised Polariser and a Static Polariser. When inserted into a matte box together, they form a variable ND filter that works as a standalone VariND or as a remotely controlled, dynamically adjustable variable ND filter for professional filmmakers.

The Cinefade VariND can be upgraded to the new Cinefade Vari360 to allow automatic compensation of camera rotation via a 3-axis gyro-stabiliser, as well as enabling 360° rotation the filter.

Cinefade VariND icon

The Cinefade VariND is the only professional motorised variable ND filter that can be remotely controlled using a cPRO or Hi-5 lens control system and enables cinematographers to maintain a constant exposure and T-stop in changing lighting conditions, for example during an interior-to-exterior Steadicam transition shot.

Our VariND is easy and fast to setup with plug-and-play simplicity and automatic calibration. Compatible with ARRI LMB matte boxes, the variable ND filter can also be adjusted directly via buttons on the filter, replacing a set of traditional ND filters.

Hire VariND
 
 

Go behind the scenes on ‘Devotion’

We primarily used the Cinefade VariND as an exposure tool for the exteriors. The ability to leave the iris where you want it and adjust exposure with the VariND is fantastic. It’s particularly useful on a crane, because you don’t have to pull the crane down to adjust the ND.
— Erik Messerschmidt ASC
Read more
 
cmotion Cinefade VariND-logo-web.png
 
 

Watch INT to EXT shot

Trigger by FORM music video

 
Cinefade Winner cinec Award 2018 for Camera Technology
Hire Cinefade VariND
 

Up to ND1.9+

Light transmission dynamically adjustable between ND0.4 to ND1.9. Can be extended up to ND2.7 with ‘optical safe range’ turned off.

Only 1.5 stops initial light loss
No visible colour cast
ARRI polarisers
Cinefade-Variable-ND-ND2-1-Banner-web.jpg

Direct or remote control

Control the variable ND filter with a cmotion cPRO, ARRI Hi-5 or directly via buttons on the Motorised Filter.

Compatible with cPRO & Hi-5
Works as standalone VariND
OLED display with ND readout
 
Cinefade-Variable-ND-direct-remote-control-web.jpg
 

5.65" x 5.65"

The Motorised Polariser fits all ARRI LMB matte boxes with the motor block sticking out the top.

Compatible with ARRI 4x5 - LMB5 - LMB25
LBUS protocol for daisy chain
Quiet motor
Cinefade-Variable-ND-5-65x5-65-web.jpg
 

Watch interior to exterior shot

Hire VariND
Buy VariND
 

VariND Applications

The cmotion Cinefade system consists of a Motorised Polariser and a Static Polariser which can be used together or separately, with or without a cmotion cPRO or ARRI Hi-5 LCS, combining five useful applications in one solution.

 

Variable depth of field effect

Cinefade variable depth of field application icon VariND, LCS, motor

The Motorised Polariser together with the Static Polariser form a variable ND filter that is slaved to an iris motor and controlled remotely with the cmotion cPRO or ARRI Hi-5 LCS, allowing cinematographers to vary depth of field in film.

Find out more about Cinefade mode

 

Remote Variable ND

Cinefade remote variable ND application icon VariND, LCS

The Motorised Polariser together with the Static Polariser form a variable ND filter that can be remotely controlled with the cmotion cPRO or ARRI Hi-5 LCS, allowing filmmakers to control the density of the light filter whenever the camera is inaccessible, for example enabling interior to exterior Steadicam shots without riding the iris.

 

Standalone Variable ND

Cinefade standalone variable ND application icon VariND

The Motorised Polariser together with the Static Polariser form a variable ND filter that can be directly adjusted via two buttons on the motor block, without the need for a LCS, saving the AC time when adjusting ND values and replacing a set of traditional ND filters.

 

Remote Polariser

The Motorised Polariser can be remotely adjusted with a cmotion cPRO or ARRI Hi-5 lens control system to control polarisation effects like reflections and blue skies and animate them over time.

+ 360° rotation of the RotaPola and built-in 3-axis gyro-sensor with Cinefade Vari360 upgrade

Find out more about RotaPola mode

 

Standalone Polariser

The Motorised Polariser can also be adjusted directly via two buttons on the motor block, without the need for a lens control system, enabling precise and repeatable adjustments of the polariser.

 
Learn about RotaPola Mode
HIRE CINEFADE VariND
BUY CINEFADE VariND

 

Cinefade-VariND-product-shot-banner-web.jpg
Interior to exterior shot with the Cinefade VariND

INT to EXT Steadicam shot

Shots where the camera travels from an interior to an exterior location with large lighting differences are now possible without having to 'ride the iris' and affecting depth of field.

The variable ND filter is controlled with the cPRO or Hi-5 hand unit to adjust exposure when transitioning between bright and dark environments, allowing the DP to maintain a constant shallow depth of field inside as well as outside (read more).

Cinefade remote variable ND filter application icon VariND, LCS
 
 
 

Faster ND changes

Instead of manually changing traditional Neutral Density filters, a variable ND filter allows for faster and more precise neutral density changes in third and full stops either remotely with the cPRO and Hi-5 or directly on the filter without a lens control system.

Cinefade standalone variable ND filter application icon VariND
cmotion cPRO hand unit zoom joystick ND control and Cinefade VariND button ND control
 
Hire VariND
Buy VariND
Shooting outdoors with constantly changing cloud coverage the cmotion Cinefade variND allowed me to quickly adjust the ND value whenever the sun came in or out to maintain a good exposure without changing the DPs stop.
The speed and ease of use enabled us to capture an unscheduled plane fly-by.
— Rafael Miralles, 1AC
Cinefade-Variable-ND-Fast-ND-changes-web.jpg