LC-Tec has lengthy been researching and growing eND and different liquid crystal merchandise. Now, in IBC 2025, they’ve teamed up with KipperTie to launch some fascinating merchandise. Be part of us as we speak to Jesper Osterman (LC-Tec) and Natasha Allan-Chalmers (KipperTie) to see the place digital filtering is heading, and what may be performed with liquid-crystal applied sciences to offer higher filmmaking-related options
LC-Tec is a Swedish tech firm growing liquid-crystal applied sciences reminiscent of optical filters and manufacturing them in-house. Their eND expertise controls gentle transmission electronically with no shifting elements and a slim footprint. Along with KipperTie, the duo managed to develop some closing merchandise: A compact, electronically managed ND for adapter drop-in slots, and they’re advancing bigger 4×5.65-inch options for matte packing containers, digital variable diffusion filters, in addition to variable star-effect filters.
The LC-Tec filter and KipperTie adapter. Picture credit score: CineD
Present eND merchandise obtainable
KipperTie’s LCminiND is a drop-in digital ND cartridge for the Canon RF-to-EF adapter normal and suitable mounts. It gives repeatedly variable ND from 0.6 to 2.1 (about 2–7 stops) with on-device management and Bluetooth app help for distant adjustment and easy ND ramps. A transparent insert may be swapped in when no ND is required.
KipperTie x LC-Tec eND. Picture credit score: CineD
Matte field model is coming
LC-Tec has additionally been growing a sq. 4×5.65-inch digital ND to be used in a matte field. Earlier showings demonstrated repeatedly adjustable density in a normal tray, managed from a small exterior unit. KipperTie and LC-Tec informed us at IBC {that a} matte-box model is in lively growth, with pricing nonetheless being finalized.
Matte Field is coming! Picture credit score: CineD
Are inside digicam eND filters developing?
Whereas LC-Tec’s coverage doesn’t enable them to reveal their particular prospects, Jesper indicated that there’s some collaborative development with digicam producers. We all know that Sony makes use of their very own tech, adopted by FUJIFILM with their new GFX ETERNA 55 cinema digicam, however different firms could also be working with LC-Tec, so we might hope for some developments sooner or later. In spite of everything, who doesn’t need a slim, stepless ND filter in-camera nowadays?
eND is simply a part of the sport
Alongside ND, LC-Tec develops Digital Variable Diffusion (eVD) and Star filters, shifting towards mass manufacturing after showcasing some prototypes.
At this level, it’s a 4×5.65-inch matte-box filter whose diffusion power may be adjusted electronically, enabling repeatable in-shot adjustments that beforehand required swapping glass. In accordance with LC-Tec, it’s potential to stack eND and eVD filters into one single product, but it surely gained’t essentially be commercially viable. Additionally, keep in mind that digital filters can’t “xero” the impact, so you could need to separate them, so that you gained’t have a minimal of -2.0 stops glued to your variable diffusion filter, and vice versa.
Exact and repeatable app management. Picture credit score: CineD
Pricing and availability
The KipperTie LCminiND (LC-Tec inside) is on the market for direct buy at £695, or for $1,047 for our US viewers. It ought to match Canon’s EF-RF Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter, in addition to KipperTie’s personal adapter line that ought to quickly be launched. The 4×5.65-inch matte field sq. filters costs are but to be decided, in addition to launch dates. Be sure you observe us for updates!
Will you go for these neat, hi-tech options, or would you favor the old-school, tried-and-true glass filers? Tell us within the feedback.
