Simmod LPL Mounts Introduce a New Way to Adapt Vintage Lenses

Lens Adapter

by Dave KratzJuly 31^st, 2023

Simmod is redefining the standard for adapting vintage lenses to modern digital cinema cameras. Using a SIMple replacement mount kit from Simmod Lens, users can adapt their Canon FD/nFD, Leica R, Nikon F (Al/AIS), Olympus OM, Mamiya Sekor C 645, or Contax/Yashica lens to LPL mount. Users themselves can perform this conversion, and when paired with Simmod’s new affordable ARRI LPL to E/RF/Z/L mount adapters, expand their use to a wide range of camera bodies. Let’s dive in and take a look!

The LPL mount has quickly become the standard mount for large-format cinema cameras. The ARRI ALEXA LF, Mini LF, Alexa 65, and Alexa 35 use the LPL mount, RED DSCM2/3, and Sony Venice/Venice 2 cameras can be fitted with LPL mounts.

ARRI developed the LPL mount to address the limitations of the PL mount when working with digital sensors. The changes include a wider diameter and shorter flange focal distance. This update aids optical designers in reducing image distortion and spherical and chromatic aberrations.

The wider diameter of the LPL mount also accommodates larger image sensors like those found on the ALEXA 65 by eliminating the mount’s interference with the sensor coverage.

Simmod LPL conversion

Modifying or rehousing vintage lenses is something that filmmakers have been doing for a very long time. Converting any lens to a new mount can be daunting, usually requiring a trained professional and specialized equipment.

You might know the story of Stanley Kubrick’s Zeiss Planar 50mm F0.7 from the movie Barry Lyndon. Lens expert Ed DiGuilio had to modify the lens Zeiss had created for NASA and the camera itself to make it work.

Recently, companies like Ukraine-based IronGlass have been modifying and rehousing HELIOS lenses for cinema cameras. Check out our recent article IronGlass Adds HELIOS 40-2 85mm T1.6 to Rehoused MKII Line to learn more about these unique lenses.

“Through the years we’ve had countless enquiries asking if we can convert certain vintage lenses to PL. The answer was always NO because it’s impossible to do via a simple conversion. To meet the PL 52mm flange distance a costly full re-house is usually required. The introduction of ARRI’s LPL mount changes all that, with the shorter 44mm flange distance opening up an entire world of possibilities for modding vintage lenses.”

Ron Sim CSC, Simmod Lens Founder

The beauty of Simmod’s SIMple conversion is that the user can perform it independently. Attaching the new LPL conversion mount to the vintage lens only requires the removal of a few native screws.

“We’ve spent the last 10 months developing a SIMple LPL conversion kit for the most popular vintage lens ranges. Most vintage lenses we already converted to EF, which also has a 44mm flange, so now almost any lens we offer EF mounts for can also convert to LPL with all the benefits that bring.”

Ron Sim CSC, Simmod Lens Founder

Simmod LPL conversion kits are currently available for the following lens mounts.

CANON FD / NFD
CONTAX ZEISS YASHICA
LEICA R
MAMIYA 645
NIKON F (coming soon)
OLYMPUS ZUIKO OM

Simmod LPL camera adapters

The SIMple conversion allows the vintage lenses to work with LPL mount cameras like the ARRI ALEXA LF, Mini LF, Alexa 65, and Alexa 35. However, Simmod LPL camera adapters provide a cost-effective solution for mounting these modified lenses to almost any modern camera.

Standardizing to LPL means the same lens can be mounted onto an ARRI Alexa 65, Sony FX6, Canon R5, and others. This makes the Simmod SIMple LPL mount system a truly practical solution that protects your significant camera and lens investment.

The adapters are made of solid brass and stainless steel and are available for LPL to Sony E, LPL to RF, LPL to L-mount, and LPL to PL. They are anodized in a non-reflective, non-ghosting black finish and include shims if further adjustments are required.

Price and availability

Simmod LPL mount conversion kits are available directly on Simmod’s website. They sell for $189 – $269, depending on the mount.

Simmod’s LPL camera adapters list for $399 each for all available body mount types.

Converting vintage glass to LPL mounts will open these terrific lenses up for use with a broader range of cameras and productions. This availability will undoubtedly be a win-win for rental houses and shooters looking to use ‘their perfect set’ of vintage lenses with every camera.

Do you shoot with vintage lenses? What do you think about Simmod’s new SIMple conversion kits? Let us know in the comments below.