Module 8 PL Tuner Mount Kits Now Available for X-Mount and L-Mount Cameras

Lens Adapter

by Omri Keren LapidotApril 12^th, 2024

Module 8 tuner, a unique optical tuner slotted between a PL lens and a mirrorless camera got a nice update: additional user-replaceable mounts. There is no need to buy new Module 8 tuners, get the mount kit, and assemble it onto an existing tuner. Two new mount kits are available: FUJIFILM X-Mount and Leica / Panasonic / SIGMA L-Mount. They join the existing Canon RF and Sony E-Mount. The latter two are also available as mount kits so a single Modul 8 tuner unit can now fit four different systems.

Module 8 tuner’s designers wanted to create a product that would help democratize the film industry. The concept behind the tuner is to enable specific rendering for various lenses and cameras, canceling the need for complete vintage sets.

Instead of starting another lens line, optical designer Mike Thomas and Oscar winner lens designer Iain Neal teamed up to mass-produce this unique solution. The Module 8 Tuner recreates famous lens’ looks and can be mounted onto various mirrorless cameras, supporting an endless variety of EF/PL lenses.

Module 8 “Tuning”

The Modul 8 Tuner is an optical lens adapter. Its unique optical formulas alter the incoming light, infusing it with unique distortions and aberrations designed to emulate specific looks. Tuners come in three flavors: The L1 tuner emulates the look of classic Super Baltar lenses. The L2 emulates the look coming from Canon K35 lenses and the L3 emulates Iain Neil’s signature look. The control ring provides variable control over the strength of the optical effects, with the selected aperture setting further influencing the final outcome.

Camera – Lens adapting options

Module 8 offers various adapter options. EF lenses can be adapted to Sony E-Mount and Canon RF cameras. Since EF lenses are fully electronic, these adapters include electronic coupling and aren’t too relevant for the new user-interchangeable mounts. PL mount adapters are fully mechanical and will easily enable additional mounts. The new addition of the L-Mount and X-Mount kits brings adapting options to a total of four mounts, covering most optional cameras (except Micro Four thirds).

User-interchangeable

If Module 8 had simply announced the two new Tuner adapters, one for X-Mount and another for L-Mount, we wouldn’t have complained. Although that seems like a commercially sound move, the company still went the extra mile, proving how serious they are regarding their goal to make cinematic looks accessible for all. Assembling the mount kit isn’t too complicated. It will require a clean indoor environment though.

Who is it for

The new Module 8 mount kits are for those who have the Module 9 PL Tuner but would like to migrate to another mount. The entire Modul 8 Tuner ecosystem can now cater to the needs of a significantly larger crowd. Recent FUJIFILM cameras such as the X-H2 and X-H2s offer incredible feature sets, Panasonic’s LUMIX S5II and S5IIX are also very potent motion capture tools, and the recent Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K also work with the L-Mount. These are some of the most accessible video cameras around; all are capable of excellent codecs and formats.

The addition of such a flexible tool to these already very flexible systems further expands the creative envelope achievable on this kind of budget. While $2500 isn’t cheap for an adapter, it’s considerably lower than the cost of an equivalent lens set capable of delivering these specific renderings. If you already have a Module 8 PL Tuner and want to try it on another system, it’s a no-brainer.

Price and availability

A Modul 8 Mount Kit for PL Tuner will cost you $100, be it an X, L, RF, or an E-Mount. It’s available for pre-order. The PL tuner will set you back $2,500 and is available for special order at B&H or MOMENT, where you’ll also find a $200 discount (as of publishing this article)

Do you use the Modul 8 Tuner?? Do you use either X- or L-Mount cameras and would you consider this unique tool now? Let us know in the comments.