View Full Version : I think I found a nice adapter for quick release filters!!!


Jerome Cloninger
April 15th, 2013, 09:31 AM
I've been looking for clip on rings for my Genustech Eclipse ND as going from indoors to outdoors is troublesome (when needing the ND filter on or off.) I just ran across these! Products (http://www.xumeadapters.com/order-here.html)

Its a magnetic mount for lens filters!!! Of course my first reaction was "can the magnets interfere with the operation of the camera?" There's a page on that too: Please Watch This (http://www.xumeadapters.com/please-watch.html) It appears safe. I do wonder about internal motors for IS, focus, etc as this isn't mentioned, but I'm seriously thinking about ordering a kit to check out.

Thought you all would like to check these out too.\

EDIT: Here's a nice review of them here: REVIEW: Xume Adapters - My New Favorite Thing on Vimeo

Noa Put
April 15th, 2013, 09:48 AM
You want them, I got them :b

Ordered them 2 weeks ago as a quick solution to add and remove my nd filter but I do have an issue with the combination. The xume rings screws on easily and the magnet is strong enough to hold the filter without worrying that it might fall off but..if I add my variable nd filter there is a added tension to the ring when turning it so selecting a different nd value is not that smooth anymore and because the tension adds up on certain points while I turn the nd filter, the xume ring that is attached to the lens comes loose and I have to thighten it each time, not very usable in that way.

It's ok to add on a fixed nd filter since you will pull it off and snap it on but in case of a variable nd filter it doesn't seem to work well.

Jerome Cloninger
April 15th, 2013, 09:53 AM
Are you serious? Well that isn't good news.... ugh.

Noa Put
April 15th, 2013, 10:10 AM
I"ll try to post a video the following days showing the problem.

Jerome Cloninger
April 15th, 2013, 10:32 AM
I"ll try to post a video the following days showing the problem.

Sounds good...

Stephen Brenner
April 15th, 2013, 01:11 PM
Was there any vignetting on wide angles?

Noa Put
April 15th, 2013, 02:13 PM
I just tried it again and there seemed to be some "dirt" in the genus nd filter rings because I also heard a slight grinding noise, after turning it several times it became smoother, it was that extra friction that caused the xume ring to detach or to cause the xume adapter to turn inside the magnetic part of the ring. Now the xume ring didn't dome loose anymore but would occasionally turn inside the magnetic part where both rings join, this was also a result of a bit too much friction on the nd filter. Also when I tightened the xume ring too tight to the nd filter it would also have more friction when I turned it. It does work but not as smooth as I expected.

Jerome Cloninger
April 17th, 2013, 09:08 AM
Soooo think its worth having?

Noa Put
April 18th, 2013, 01:50 PM
This might be better:
HolyManta internal ND lens Adapters | FundedByMe - Fund your project through social networks (http://fundedbyme.com/projects/1740/holymanta-internal-nd-lens-adapters/)

But to come back to your question, I think it might depend how you use it. If you need to adjust on the fly while recording I would have doubts. In my case I see it as less of an issue if the adapter would turn inside it's magnet ring, for outdoor I probably will just select a suitable nd value and start shooting with it and tweak the iris a bit, for me it's less important to have a realtime nd filter ring, I"m happy if I can just select a appropriate nd to keep my shutter at 1/50

Jerome Cloninger
April 19th, 2013, 09:40 AM
That device does indeed seem interesting.

Noa Put
April 22nd, 2013, 04:39 AM
Jerome, used the xume magnet at the wedding last saturday and it was ok, it only came loose once and after I fixed it again it stayed like that. It was great getting that nd filter on a off in a snap, saved me plenty of time and I would say: go for it. :)

Gabe Strong
April 22nd, 2013, 10:06 AM
I have the Xume system. It's awesome. But to speak to the mentioned problem......

I have two variable NDs. The Heliopan in 77mm and the new Genus Eclipse in 82mm. All my
lenses get a step ring to either 77mm or 82.....the wide lenses get 82 to keep any vignetting from
occurring. Then a Xume lens adapter. Both my variable NDs get a filter holder. Now I have
two setups, one wide, one tighter for a wedding, interview or whatever, one on my FS100
and the other on my VG20. Now the Xume system with the Genus works fantastic. But the
Heliopan variable ND has a little screw on it which controls the tension. If its tightened down,
turning the variable ND has a lot of friction and can cause the entire filter to rotate inside the
magnetic filter holder. Solution, loosen the little screw on the Heliopan so that it has about
the same tension that the non adjustable Genus comes with. Problem solved in my case.
My guess (and I could very well be wrong) is that Noa has the excellent Heliopan filter and is
running into this problem.

Jerome Cloninger
April 22nd, 2013, 10:13 AM
Jerome, used the xume magnet at the wedding last saturday and it was ok, it only came loose once and after I fixed it again it stayed like that. It was great getting that nd filter on a off in a snap, saved me plenty of time and I would say: go for it. :)

I have the Xume system. It's awesome....... the Xume system with the Genus works fantastic.
Thanks guys! Since I have the Genus, that'll work for me!

Noa Put
April 22nd, 2013, 10:26 AM
My guess (and I could very well be wrong) is that Noa has the excellent Heliopan filter and is
running into this problem.

I have the Genus, I had some added tension to the genus rings after I attached the xume ring but last Saturday it went quite well.

Jerome Cloninger
April 22nd, 2013, 10:27 AM
Noa, the FAQ metions that using step rings are not recommended. You're using them right? It said something about the added weight may make them not as strong.

Gabe Strong
April 22nd, 2013, 11:43 AM
Hmmm....using step rings on all my lenses with the Xume system and no problems.
I wonder what they mean by cause them to be not as strong? I'm clueless on that one.

Jerome Cloninger
April 22nd, 2013, 11:45 AM
They're probably just CYA'ing but I went ahead and ordered 67mm and 77mm adapters and holders.

"Can I still use step rings?
Not recommended for now. Step rings make it impossible to use an over-the-lens hood and the added extension makes the filter more vulnerable to accidental detachment."

Jerome Cloninger
April 24th, 2013, 01:38 PM
All my
lenses get a step ring to either 77mm or 82.....the wide lenses get 82 to keep any vignetting from
occurring.

Well I received the Xume adapters today. 67:77 as I had already purchased the 77mm Genustech. With the hood collapsed, I didn't receive any vignetting at full wide 18mm. Took the Genus hood off and still get a slight slight vignette in the corners. So I wish I had the 82mm filter now. I can zoom in like at "2" and its gone though. I may end up seeing if I can return the 77 for a 82mm from Genustech. I can work around this by slightly zooming in and not using full wide, but if I ever get a wider lens, then I'd definitely have a problem on my hands.

On to the adapters... I LOVE THEM!!! Genius idea! Works perfectly! Had no problems at all rotating the ND filter like Noa was mentioning... no problems at all. One thing I like is I can position the ND "marker" where I want by rotating the step ring where ever I want to put it (it always ended up on the bottom without the Xume...)

So if anyone is thinking about getting these, GET THEM! If you don't have a ND filter yet and are thinking about these adapters, get the 82mm version.

Even putting an adapter on the lens cap is a great idea! No more "making sure" it is snapped secure... just pop it on and pull it off. Easy!

Gabe Strong
April 26th, 2013, 09:21 AM
Yeah, that's why I was sharing that info about the 82mm filter, I found that the 77mm could vignette on wide angle lenses....so when I was looking for a 2nd variable ND I got the biggest one I could. Step rings are cheap and they seem to work fine for me with the Xume system, even if they aren't officially recommended.
Another bonus, is if you get a 'cross polarization effect' it is easy to pull the variable ND off and rotate it 90
degrees. Just an all around sweet system for any big sensor cam without built in NDs.

Jerome Cloninger
April 26th, 2013, 09:27 AM
I remember you suggesting 82 but head 77 was ok--maybe I didn't read all of it with using hood/xume or not. Oh well... I'm sure I can offload the 77 or return it. I didn't get ANY vignetting without the hood until added the xume system to the mix. It was the added thickness to the rings.

Rick Miller
May 3rd, 2013, 05:50 PM
I'm thinking about getting the Xume's, but a bit confused on which to buy. In the process of saving up enough money to buy the EA50, and would like to order these also.

I will be using the supplied zoom lens that comes with the cam, and lens is shown with a 67mm filter thread. So when mentioned above to purchase the 82mm, is there a particular reason for that, and if so, do Ihave to buy a step ring of some sort? Thinking about getting the Genus Variable ND mentioned.

Also, I wanna buy a simple UV filter. I was gonna get the Tiffen 67mm listed on BH website, now rethinking what I need to get after reading this post. Do I need to get a Xume for both my Variable ND filter, and another for my UV filter?

Jerome Cloninger
May 4th, 2013, 05:19 AM
Hi Rick. First, let me clear up the discussion about 82mm. That's the size of the ND filter. I bought a 77 & it was fine until I added the xume system. It's just a tad thicker so resulted in vignetting. A larger filter won't vignette.

For the xume system. You need a lens adapter that goes on the lens. Then you need a filter holder that goes on anything that goes on that lens (lens caps, filters, step rings, etc.)

To go from the kit lens to say the 82mm genus nd filter, you'll need 67:82 step up ring. So you'd need the following from xume:
67 lens adapter.
2x 67 filter holder (for step ring & cap)
82 lens adapter (other side of step ring)
82 filter holder (for the genus filter)

UV filter.... I've never ever used them.

Rick Miller
May 4th, 2013, 06:48 AM
Hi Jerome - thanks for the reply. I am coming from cam's that do not have interchangable lenses, but have built in ND filters, still learning! If I am just going to use the kit lens with the 67mm thread, what would be the benefit of using the 82mm ND filter rather than a 67mm one? And having to get extra adapters, stepup rings, etc?

This is what I was gonna purchase before coming across this post: the Genus 67mm Variable ND filter, a Tiffen 67mm UV filter (I will use this filter when shooting indoors to protect lens), and from Xume, the 67mm starter kit, which includes one lens adapter and two filter holders. Sound correct for just using the supplied lens?

Jerome Cloninger
May 4th, 2013, 08:23 AM
I would not get the 67 ND filter--especially if you're getting the rubber hood (which I also recommend getting.) The reason is with the 77 ND filter with hood collapsed, there's no vignetting at the wide end of the kit lens without the xume. With the xume, there is vignetting even without the hood. I can't speak from experience, however I would definitely bet that with a 67 ND filter that there WILL be vignetting even without the rubber hood attached to the ND filter.

You will probably end up eventually wanting to use other lenses. The kit lens is ok, but you'll end up wanting better--especially indoors. I'd go ahead and get the 82mm.

Use the stock plastic lens hood inside to protect the lens. Seriously, in all my years of filming, I've NEVER had a scratch on any lens. Sure, there's always something that can happen, but I don't see the point of attaching a UV filter to protect the lens. Might as well get LCD covers and wrap the camera in bubble wrap and protect the whole thing.... not trying to sound like a S.A. but just how I see it.

Gabe Strong
May 4th, 2013, 11:47 AM
Hi Jerome - thanks for the reply. I am coming from cam's that do not have interchangable lenses, but have built in ND filters, still learning! If I am just going to use the kit lens with the 67mm thread, what would be the benefit of using the 82mm ND filter rather than a 67mm one? And having to get extra adapters, stepup rings, etc?

This is what I was gonna purchase before coming across this post: the Genus 67mm Variable ND filter, a Tiffen 67mm UV filter (I will use this filter when shooting indoors to protect lens), and from Xume, the 67mm starter kit, which includes one lens adapter and two filter holders. Sound correct for just using the supplied lens?

There are two issues here. First issue. To use the Xume system, you must add a magnetic
ring to both the lens, and the filter. Although they are relatively thin, they put the filter out
'in front' of the lens further. When it is a 67mm lens and a 67mm filter, you will have vignetting
at wide angles if you don't screw the filter right onto the lens (which is exactly what you
are trying to get around with the Xume system, no more screwing and unscrewing filters!)
So you get an 'oversize' filter to stop vignetting at wide angles. Now you could buy a 77mm
filter, but this brings us to the second issue. Second issue. Maximum flexibility. Say you
get a 77mm lens in the future. Now you can't use an 77mm filter with Xume system on it, if
it is wide angle, without vignetting. Step rings are cheap, like $5 each. So to me, it made
sense to buy the largest filter I could now, so I wouldn't have to 'upgrade' filters later if I
bought more lenses. Hope this makes sense.

Rick Miller
May 4th, 2013, 01:06 PM
Thanks for all the replies. This really does clear it up. I can definately see myself wanting other lenses in the future, and best to be able to go backwards to have everything fit. And obviously, don't want any vignetting if possible.

So when I order my cam, does this look right (as far as getting and EA50 kit lens with the Xume System)

From B & H
67 to 82 stepup ring
82mm Genus Variable ND Filter
82mm Genus lens hood

From Xume
Both 67 and 82 Kits

Jerome Cloninger
May 4th, 2013, 01:13 PM
Thanks for all the replies. This really does clear it up. I can definately see myself wanting other lenses in the future, and best to be able to go backwards to have everything fit. And obviously, don't want any vignetting if possible.

So when I order my cam, does this look right (as far as getting and EA50 kit lens with the Xume System)

From B & H
67 to 82 stepup ring
82mm Genus Variable ND Filter
82mm Genus lens hood

From Xume
Both 67 and 82 Kits
You're welcome.
Your list looks good...
From Xume, you need:
1- 67mm Lens Adapter (EA50 kit lens)
2x 67mm Filter Holders (1 for lens cap and 1 for step up ring.)
1- 82mm Lens Adapter (82mm side of step up ring)
1- 82mm Filter Holder (Genus Eclipse ND Filter)

Technically, you could get by without the 82mm Xumes and leave the ND filter attached to the step up ring, however, as you get other lenses, you'll wish you had the quick release on the step up ring and filter.

So far I only have the 35mm Rokinon as another lens so having the xumes on the step up rings and filter allow me to switch easily with lenses and filter. Best to think ahead.

Peter Rush
May 27th, 2013, 04:10 AM
Well I've just used this system on 3 consecutive sunny weddings over the weekend and it's a life saver!!! My biggest beef regarding the EA50 is the lack of ND and even though it's not as convenient as flicking a switch, as on my old Z1 it's the next best thing.

The magnets clamped together nicely - no danger of my variable ND filter coming off and nice and easy to rotate securely.

UK buyers beware - you'll be stung for import duty and an £8 Royal Mail 'handling' fee - which, as the parcel sat in the sorting office for me to collect meant they actually 'handled' it less than a regular parcel, I guess is just another stealth tax.

Also I forgot to order an extra filter adapter for my lens cap - you'll need one of these!

All in all a good buy :)

Jerome Cloninger
May 27th, 2013, 07:52 AM
Well I've just used this system on 3 consecutive sunny weddings over the weekend and it's a life saver!!! My biggest beef regarding the EA50 is the lack of ND and even though it's not as convenient as flicking a switch, as on my old Z1 it's the next best thing.

The magnets clamped together nicely - no danger of my variable ND filter coming off and nice and easy to rotate securely.

UK buyers beware - you'll be stung for import duty and an £8 Royal Mail 'handling' fee - which, as the parcel sat in the sorting office for me to collect meant they actually 'handled' it less than a regular parcel, I guess is just another stealth tax.

Also I forgot to order an extra filter adapter for my lens cap - you'll need one of these!

All in all a good buy :)
I shot with an EX1 the other day and guess what... I missed the variable ND filter! I'm finding I like the variable much better than the built in ones!

Glad you like the adapters, photographers I come in contact with are amazed by how quickly I can put the filter on and off. LOL!

Les Wilson
June 13th, 2013, 06:59 AM
Sometimes I want to add an ND filter and a polarizer. Can you stack the filters when using the Xume system? Do you need a 2nd adapter to do that?

Jerome Cloninger
June 13th, 2013, 06:58 PM
Sometimes I want to add an ND filter and a polarizer. Can you stack the filters when using the Xume system? Do you need a 2nd adapter to do that?

Only if you want to "quick release" them I suppose.