ARRI Impression V Filters Launched – Detuned Look for Signature Primes and Zooms

Lens Accessories

by Francesco AndreolaFebruary 23^rd, 2023

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ARRI just introduced a new line of 8 diopter filters specifically designed to complement their Signature Prime and Zoom series. The new ARRI Impression V Filters act on the image’s out-of-focus areas, allowing cinematographers to achieve a vintage, detuned look.

ARRI’s prestigious Signature series currently consists of 16 prime lenses, ranging from 12 up to 280mm, as well as four T2.8 zooms: 16-32mm, 24-75mm, 45-135mm and 65-300mm. Forming one of the vastest glass offerings for large-format cameras, these lenses are renowned for delivering warm skin tones and a silky-smooth bokeh.

However, if you still feel their look is too “aseptic”, you now have the option to detune it using the new dedicated ARRI Impression V Filters. Let’s take a closer look!

ARRI Impression V Filters: overview

A few months ago, ARRI launched a new family of “experimental” large-format lenses called HERO LOOK. Exclusively available via their ARRI Rental program, these lenses produce a swirly-style bokeh whose intensity is adjustable by rotating a gear on the lens barrel.

In a vaguely similar fashion, the new ARRI Impression V filters are designed to effectively alter the bokeh produced by the company’s Signature Primes and Zooms, thus delivering images with a more vintage feel.

The set includes a total of 8 diopter filters – 4 positives (IV 070P, IV 140P, IV 230P and IV 330P) and 4 negatives (IV 050N, IV 100N, IV 200N, IV 290N). The naming convention indicates the filter series (IV), the diopter type (P or N) as well as the intensity of the effect, which is stronger for higher numbers. For the best results, ARRI recommends shooting with the aperture wide open when using the filters.

The German manufacturer claims that the positive filters deliver nostalgic images characterized by swirly out-of-focus areas, while the negative ones produce a “grittier look with inward-pulling bokeh”. The difference between the two filter types is immediately evident when judging blurred background highlights. Indeed, these are rendered as “baubles” by positive filters and as “donuts” by N-type ones.

The Impression V filters attach to the back of the Signature lenses via a magnetic filter holder. However, while the positive filters can be mounted directly, the negative diopters must be shimmed. Two shim sizes are available: 2mm (for shooting at T1.8 on the Prime lenses) and 1.85mm (for use with higher T-stops or Signature Zooms).

The filters are compatible with both large-format and Super 35 cameras, but not with the rear lens cap. Apparently, ARRI did this to prevent users from mistakenly leaving a filter attached to the rear of the lens.

Overall, these new filters seem to be a convenient solution to expand the possibilities offered by the Signature lenses without forcing users to pick up a secondary vintage lens set. Moreover, it’s nice to see ARRI keeps developing tools to allow cinematographers to gain granular control over the image look, from the ARRI Textures feature launched with the ALEXA 35 (our Lab Test here), for example, to these new optical accessories.

Price and availability

The new ARRI Impression V filters are now available to pre-order from B&H. The complete set, which retails for $6,900, includes 8 filters, a shim set, an adjustable torque screwdriver, Velcro tabs for labeling purposes, and an aluminum flight case.

If you don’t want to opt for the full set, the company offers a 3-piece kit. Finally, Velcro and shim packs are also available to purchase separately.

For more information, please visit ARRI’s website here.

Have you ever shot on ARRI Signature lenses? What do you think of the new Impression V filters? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!