GH3 Xume Adapters

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d1rockwild

Well-known member
Got a simple kit from Xume Adapters. In my opinion, the magnets are just a tad too strong, which slows me down and also, there's a bit of a jolt when it finally comes off which could create the chance for the filter to fly out of your hand. I was hoping I could remove them with just my finger tips but I kinda have to use most of my thumb finger to increase my grip to get it off. For example, in one review video, the reviewer could pick up his entire dslr, (not m43) body and lens by the strength of the magnet alone. Reminds me of infomercials selling kitchen knives by cutting shoes. In my opinion, the strength it's at now is unnecessary. Also to keep in mind, most m43 lenses don't *seem* as durable as older lenses. I do wonder about the lens barrels being torqued like this from slapping on and removing of these filters as I'm sure the lenses were not designed for it. No one can actually say, only speculate. I fully understand the strength is for security's sake, my opinion is that it's just too strong.

I also wish there was a groove that went all along the ring that would increase grip as opposed to the indentations it has now which don't seem to help very much. (I'll admit, I should start rock climbing again)

Also, while an ingenious idea, they are kind of expensive for what they are. They're filter rings with magnets...But Xume was first to do it, so up goes the value. Part of me wants to say "Can't wait for the Chinese knockoffs!", when in fact, these are produced in China anyway. There goes American economic labor values.

I can already see paint chipping on these, I just got them the other day.

Anyway, these will still serve me better than most variable ND filters now, which would have me doubling the lens hoods and step-up rings I'd need for a job. Not to mention the IQ hit taken from more glass elements. Plus with the GH3's ability to adjust iso while recording, you can compensate for the lost speed in changing ND filters.

conclusion: It's a good product and there's nothing better for what my current needs are.


http://www.xumeadapters.com/
 
i had considered buying these. are the magnets visible, ie, can you knock off a few to make it not so strong. their site doesnt list 62mm which is what the kit 14-140 lens is.
 
No, I should clarify, they are magnetized filter rings. Funny you mention cause that's exactly what I need right now as well. They've said something to the extent of "Possibly, in the future." in regards to making a 62mm set. I've thought about simply stepping up to 67mm, but know I'd be kicking myself if they do end up making 62mm ones. Not to mention, being able to use the 14-140's lens hood.
 
If your lens has a lens adapter on it, the original lens cap will not attach securely without its own filter holder. Would be nice if Xume threw in a magnetic lens cap.

The original lens cap can still be used so long as there is a filter on the lens though, as it would attach as it normally does to those filter threads.

I should clarify also: I can remove them with my finger tips, but with the jolt that occurs from removing magnets, increases the chance of them slipping out of my finger tips. So I end up using a lot of my thumb to increase surface area so that doesn't happen. However what that does is put more skin closer to the glass element increasing the change of finger prints and smudges, and since I'll be using these adapters in a fast paced environment, I most likely will do just that.

I realize the pretentiousness of my nitpicking, but I think it's coming from the fact that I paid $50 for these.
 
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any way to demagnetise these, you know like in science class where you rub it with a strong magnet in the opposite polarity to weaken them?
 
d1rockwild said:
If your lens has a lens adapter on it, the original lens cap will not attach securely without its own filter holder. Would be nice if Xume threw in a magnetic lens cap.

The original lens cap can still be used so long as there is a filter on the lens though, as it would attach as it normally does to those filter threads.

I should clarify also: I can remove them with my finger tips, but with the jolt that occurs from removing magnets, increases the chance of them slipping out of my finger tips. So I end up using a lot of my thumb to increase surface area so that doesn't happen. However what that does is put more skin closer to the glass element increasing the change of finger prints and smudges, and since I'll be using these adapters in a fast paced environment, I most likely will do just that.

I realize the pretentiousness of my nitpicking, but I think it's coming from the fact that I paid $50 for these.
Click to expand...

I use Xume adapters on my NEX prime lenses (all 49mm). In my experience it's not really practical to use them with the hard plastic lens hoods, because then you have to reach into the the narrow space inside the hoods to replace the filters, leading to finger smudges easily as you point out, esp in any sort of fast-paced reactive shooting. So I replaced the hoods with cheap soft collapsible rubber hoods and collapsed the hoods when I had to switch filters. Maybe that'll work better for you. But in the end I actually just stopped using hoods altogether.

Re: lens cap issue. You can consider getting a clear uv filter + Xume filter holder and use that as your de facto lens "cap." That means buying more stuff, of course.

Re: magnet strength. I myself find the magnet strength to be appropriate. If it were weaker I'd worry about filters falling out.

Side note: I've tried and failed to find a way to use the Xume system with variable ND filters. This is because the filter holder tends to turn rather than just the front element of the vari-ND, so you can't really control filtration. In that sense, the Xume magnets are actually too weak, or in any case I wish there was a way to lock its rotation. (I say this only because Xume's website explicitly demos using the system with vari-ND filters. The whole point of the quick release is so that you can change NDs quickly, thus making vari-ND less necessary. But the ability to quickly and sublty adjust exposure remains an advantage of a vari-ND over multiple NDs. I find myself using a Heliopan vari-ND more often than not.)

The Xume system is a bit pricey, yes, but like you say there's nothing like it. I think it works very well for me and try to promote it whenever I can. And if we're honest about it, relative to other photo/video gear, the price isn't really much.
 
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aly324 said:
I use Xume adapters on my NEX prime lenses (all 49mm). In my experience it's not really practical to use them with the hard plastic lens hoods, because then you have to reach into the the narrow space inside the hoods to replace the filters, leading to finger smudges easily as you point out, esp in any sort of fast-paced reactive shooting. So I replaced the hoods with cheap soft collapsible rubber hoods and collapsed the hoods when I had to switch filters. Maybe that'll work better for you. But in the end I actually just stopped using hoods altogether.

Re: lens cap issue. You can consider getting a clear uv filter + Xume filter holder and use that as your de facto lens "cap." That means buying more stuff, of course.

Re: magnet strength. I myself find the magnet strength to be appropriate. If it were weaker I'd worry about filters falling out.

Side note: I've tried and failed to find a way to use the Xume system with variable ND filters. This is because the filter holder tends to turn rather than just the front element of the vari-ND, so you can't really control filtration. In that sense, the Xume magnets are actually too weak, or in any case I wish there was a way to lock its rotation. (I say this only because Xume's website explicitly demos using the system with vari-ND filters. The whole point of the quick release is so that you can change NDs quickly, thus making vari-ND less necessary. But the ability to quickly and sublty adjust exposure remains an advantage of a vari-ND over multiple NDs. I find myself using a Heliopan vari-ND more often than not.)

The Xume system is a bit pricey, yes, but like you say there's nothing like it. I think it works very well for me and try to promote it whenever I can. And if we're honest about it, relative to other photo/video gear, the price isn't really much.
Click to expand...

Thank you for disagreeing in such a respectful manner. It's incredibly rare.

It'd be nice if there was some indentations in the lens adapter for the filter holder to set into, so that you can rotate a variable ND filter while the Xume stays in position.

As for the price, in terms of comparing to many other pieces of equipment, it definitely is on the lower end, but looking at the Xume adapters for what they are (magnetic filter rings), my subjective opinion is Xume is definitely taking advantage of the fact they're the only ones making these. Like I said, the paint is already starting to chip, and they openly state they're made in China.

Eh. It's a great, great idea, and a good product. I look forward to the minute improvements.
 
Hi, thanks! Mostly I agreed with you and just wanted to share my own experience. Above all I'm happy to see other people giving Xume a try.

Agreed about indentations to prevent unintended rotation.

With the popularity of the GH3 and Blackmagic cameras, I hope Xume gets more publicity.
 
I use Xume filters with my variable NDs all the time. A 77mm Heliopan and a 82mm Genus Eclipse.
If the Heliopan is tight, the filter holder can turn when trying to turn the front ring on the Heliopan.
But you can loosen the little screw on the Heliopan to make the filter easier to adjust, not as much
tension and it turns easier, which solves the problem. The Eclipse works fine as is.
 
Picked up a set of 58mm Xume Adapters for the 12-35/2.8 & 35-100/2.8. Though I haven't used them in anger I already plan on ordering more.

The build quality seems good, & I'm fine with the strength of the magnets. While Xume warns that the adapters may vignette lenses with the FOV of a 24mm on a full frame 35mm (5D, D800, etc) I did not see any on the GH3 at 12mm when using B+W, or Tiffen (Digital HT), NDs.

I also tested a Heliopan VND (without front threads) but it does darken the corners at 12mm. A Xume setup pushes the filter about a 1/4" further away from the lens so this is understandable. Unfortunately the 12-35/2.8's lens hood isn't very efficient in the best of cases, & even less so with the filter sticking further out, so some occasions will call for a bit of extra protection, be it tape, cinefoil, or (my favorite) a FlareDinkum.

http://www.dinkumsystems.com/compact-lens-shade/

Xume recommends using a OEM bayonet mount lens hood to protect the filter from being knocked loose, & this seems prudent. It's easy to quickly unmount the hood when swapping filters, & surprisingly the 35-100/2.8's hood even slips over the Heliopan VND, a detail I missed previously.

For those looking for a lens cap for use without a filter, I ordered Tiffen's metal screw-in caps that will be fit with adapters.

http://www.amazon.com/Tiffen-58mm-Metal-Screw-In-Lens/dp/B00004ZCDE

And while I already own too many filter wallets, & the potential of wearing a holder on my belt seems beyond geeky, I went ahead & picked up one that's perfectly sized for 58mm filters.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/735393-REG/Tiffen_4BLTPCHSMK_Belt_Filter_Pouch_Small.html

While initially skeptical of Xume's approach I'm now truly excited to use their product. I never found a great solution for filtering the 12-35/2.8 but the Xume seems excellent, especially for those using it for documentary or other arenas that may benifit from a compact &/or stealth solution.

Lastly I also praise their customer service. I ordered a "Pro Kit" with some add-ons, but due to jetlag neflected to add some other bits, so placed a second order. Without prompting they combined my order which reduced shipping, & gave me the discount I would have received had I ordered these with the Kit. And though it was after hours on a Friday they shipped via USPS on Saturady & I received the adapters on Monday. Combined with a 30 day return policy I find their customer service, including communication, simply excellent.
 
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