DZOFILM Marlin 1.6x Expander Released

Lens Accessories

by Francesco AndreolaJune 30^th, 2022

DZOFILM has recently released an optical accessory to grant compatibility between their Pictor Zoom S35 lenses and large-format sensors: the Marlin 1.6x Expander. It is available in 5 different mount options (PL to E/RF/L/PL/LPL), starting at $1,159.

A few weeks ago, we reported about the new Atlas 1.4x LF Expander, an optical accessory designed to make the popular Atlas Orion anamorphic lenses compatible with large-format cameras, such as the ARRI ALEXA LF/ Mini LF, Sony VENICE 1 and 2, and RED V-RAPTOR.

Recently, Chinese lens manufacturer DZOFILM came up with a similar product: the Marlin 1.6x Expander. Optimized for their Pictor Zoom lens series, this expander also works with other Super 35 mm lenses, expanding their coverage to full-frame or Vista Vision sensors. Let’s take a closer look.

DZOFILM Marlin 1.6x Expander: features

While the Atlas 1.4x LF Expander has a PL-to-PL-only design, the new DZOFILM Marlin 1.6x Expander comes in 5 different options. Thus, it enables users to adapt S35 PL-mount lenses to either Sony E, Canon RF, Leica L, PL, or even LPL-mount camera bodies with full-frame or larger-than-full-frame sensors.

The expander is designed with the company’s Pictor Zoom lenses in mind and extends both the focal length and image circle of such lenses by a factor of 1.6x. However, you can download the Marlin Adapter Clearance Check tool to test compatibility with other S35 PL-mount lenses.

According to the company, the Marlin 1.6x Expander doesn’t require shimming, provides superior image performance, and doesn’t interfere with image quality. Nonetheless, the use of this expander will result in a light loss of approximately 1.5 stops.

Each adapter features a robust, compact, and lightweight construction. A removable base can provide extra support to heavier lenses, while the the stainless steel mount offers additional peace of mind. The heaviest of the five expanders slightly exceeds 0.7kg in weight and is no longer than 109mm. 

Price and availability

The new DZOFILM Marlin 1.6x Expanders are now available for pre-order from B&H and CVP. All units should start shipping towards the beginning of July. Pricing varies depending on the chosen lens mount:

• PL to Sony E – $1,159 (B&H / CVP)
• PL to Canon RF – $1,159 (B&H / CVP)
• PL to Leica L – $1,159 (B&H / CVP)
• PL to PL – $1,699 (B&H / CVP)
• PL to LPL – $1,699 (B&H / CVP)

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

What S35 lenses would you like to adapt to a large-format camera? What do you think of the new DZOFILM Marlin 1.6x Expander? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!