Formatt Hitech Custom Diffusion Filter Kit Released – Create Your Own Filtration

Accessory News

by Jose PradaNovember 29^th, 2023

Formatt Hitech, the British company specializing in high-end lens filters, have launched a new kit aimed at filmmakers and cinematographers who want to create unique filters and aesthetics by combining and mixing a diffusion’s main components. Let’s see what this Formatt Hitech Custom Diffusion Kit offers!

When looking for a specific aesthetic for a lens or project, we usually have to adapt to the characteristics of the diffusion filters that are on the market. Trial and error is usually the only solution, and we tend to choose the filters we have used previously and are familiar with. Sometimes we love all the features of a filter, but what if we could manage each element of the diffusion individually?

A diffusion laboratory

This idea is the soul of the new Formatt Hitech Custom Diffusion Kit. The company whose filters have been used in films like Batman and Dune has isolated the three principal diffusion components – resolution, halation, and contrast. The kit includes filters with different intensities so you can mix them and create unique combinations. It’s like having different ingredients to create the recipe just the way you like it.

The set contains fifteen 4×5.65″, 2mm stackable filters with different levels of resolution, halation, and contrast that can be combined in a standard matte box filter tray. However, they can also be used in matte boxes with clamping/pressure filter mechanisms, and they are compatible with the Firecrest 4×5.65″ Superslim 2mm tray. The kit is an ideal solution for testing and comparing different combinations and their impact on the image. You can combine up to three of these filters for the desired result. Let’s dive deep into each of these components.

Resolution 

Resolution is one of the main aspects affected by cheap diffusion filters. We usually want a certain degree of diffusion while maintaining sharpness throughout the image, and that’s precisely the challenge when building these filters. The Formatt Hitech Custom Resolution Filters use microlenses to diffuse light while keeping focus on the subject. Their design prevents unwanted fine details and moiré patterns. 

Halation

Many color-grading suites include the halation effect in their tools, but there’s something about getting it on camera that is hard to replicate in post. As we explained in a previous article, halation is an effect widely used in movies that produces a glow around the highlights – especially at light sources. The Formatt Hitech Filters use large mist particles to create this effect. Halation also affects contrast, the third component we can control with this kit.

Contrast

Contrast is one of the essential tools that delivers a specific mood to an image. Low-contrast images are perfect for more poetic narratives, love scenes, or period movies. On the other hand, high-contrast images have more dramatic force and work better in thrillers or action movies, for example. Formatt Hitech Contrast Filters use fine mist particles to disperse light, allowing us to control this component and balance it with the other two to get the desired image. 

Build your custom filter

But the icing on the cake is the option to send the combination you like to Formatt Hitech so they can create a bespoke 4mm thick, 4×5.65″ custom diffusion filter. Of course, you can use the 2mm filters directly from the collection as they are, if needed. 

The filters have a color code and a comprehensive label for easy access. The kit includes an HPRC hard case with foam to protect the filters.

Since they are a high-end set of precision filters, the product might be aimed at dealers and rental houses that want to offer their clients the possibility of testing, combining, and creating their final filters.

Pricing and availability 

The Formatt Hitech Custom Diffusion Kit is $3,039, including the fifteen filters and a hard case. The 2mm filters are also available individually for $225.

The bespoke 4×5.65″ filters cost $549 each and take approximately six weeks to ship. 

For more information, please visit the Formatt Hitech website.

What do you think of these filters? Do you think it is an idea that could apply to other filmmaking gear? Let us know in the comments!