Formatt Hitech Bloom Gold Diffusion Filters by Philip Bloom Introduced

Lens Filters

by Jeff LochSeptember 6^th, 2023

British filter manufacturer Formatt Hitech has just introduced a new lineup of diffusion filters created in collaboration with cinematographer Philip Bloom: the Bloom Gold. These circular screw-on filters are available in various sizes from 49mm to 82mm and in various strengths, including 1/8th, 1/4th, and 1/2. So let’s take a closer look at these diffusion filters with a bit of warmth to them!

Formatt Hitech is a British company that creates high-quality filters for photographers and filmmakers. For filmmakers, the company has two dedicated filter lineups: the Firecrest Cine and Firecrest Ultra.

Partnerships between accessory manufacturers and content creators are not something new. This time, our friend and award-winning cinematographer Philip Bloom recently partnered with Formatt Hitech – an excellent fit since both are from the UK – to create its lineup of diffusion filters: the Bloom Gold. This is not Philip’s first partnership with a manufacturer to create a product. If you’ve been in this industry for quite some time, you might remember the very well-made Kessler Crane Philip Bloom signature series Pocket Dolly V2 that came out over a decade ago. We can tell that Mr. Bloom is not known to attach his name to any product that is not up to his high standards. So, what are these Bloom Gold filters all about?

Formatt Hitech Bloom Gold diffusion filters – features

Let’s start by saying that the Formatt Hitech Bloom Gold diffusion filters are screw-on-only. The filters are available in five sizes, including 49mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, and 82mm. Philip says, “These filters that Formatt-Hitech make are usually for Hollywood and mainly for matte box use. Like many others, I don’t usually use a matte box, so to have this kind of quality in a screw-on filter is incredible. This also makes them more affordable and accessible, which is really important to me.”

So, what kind of diffusion can you expect from the Bloom Gold filters? Formatt Hitech states, “The Bloom Gold filters transform images with their subtle halation and warming. The filters are designed to remove the digital edge to images from modern cameras and lenses while having a subtle warming effect.” Furthermore, Philip Bloom mentions that:

Cameras and lenses are so good these days but the images they make can be sterile and characterless. I’ve been using diffusion filters for many years and never found a solution I was quite happy with, so I decided to make my own with Formatt-Hitech.

The Bloom Gold diffusion filter takes away that harshness and makes your image much more natural and organic. A lot of people think diffusion filters are just for effects which is simply not true. Depending on the strength chosen, a “Bloom Gold” filter can have a very flattering effect on people’s faces and skin. It can also do wonders for highlights, softly blooming what would otherwise be harsh bright spots. It’s called Gold as the filter has a subtle warming tone, but it works beautifully under all lighting conditions and even at night

Philip Bloom

Strengths and construction

Each size of the Formatt Hitech Bloom Gold diffusion filter is available in three different strengths, including 1/8th, 1/4th, and 1/2. With filters, it’s hard to mention a go-to strength, as results depend on the lens you use, the scene/lighting, your taste, the artistic vision you want to create, etc.

According to Formatt Hitech, the filters are made from Schott B270i optical glass and are hand-finished in the UK. Last but not least, you can choose the color of the outside ring between black and gold.

Pricing and availability

All the Bloom Gold diffusion filters are available now. The 49mm filters are $87.50, and the 82mm versions retail for $140 each.

For more information, please visit Formatt Hitech’s website here.

What do you think about these diffusion filters? Do you prefer screw-on or matte box-sized filters? Have you already purchased a product created by a content creator or filmmaker? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!