The ND Lens Gear is a unique solution to a common problem in the world of professional filming. Traditional lens gears require tools for adjustment and often leave behind worn-out belts or annoying strap remainders. The ND Lens Gear, however, is a tool-free solution that adjusts itself to lenses of different diameters. Its design allows it to center itself gently and firmly around the lens, providing a seamless fit.
This innovative product is not only clever in its design but also in its construction. CNC milled in Alloy and coated for extra durability, the ND Lens Gear is built to last. It is the first durable 360-degree free LensGear, offering a precise and stable workflow without the need for locks or connections in the ring. This is a significant departure from traditional rubber or plastic gears, which can compromise precision and stability.
Studio Nils Fischer's team, including Nils Fischer, Andreas Albrecht, and Ken Schröder, developed the ND Lens Gear over a four-year period in Berlin. Their extensive research and field testing, in collaboration with a filmtechnic rental, resulted in a product that is not only innovative but also practical. It caters to almost all lenses, thanks to its three sizes, and is designed to be lightweight, addressing the critical need for portability in filmmaking.
Despite the challenges of creating a quality metal ring in a small construction space and the economic risks associated with moving away from cheap plastic LensGears, the team at Studio Nils Fischer succeeded in delivering a product that is both elegant and functional. Their efforts were recognized in 2019 when the ND Lens Gear was awarded Silver in A' Product Engineering and Technical Design Award, a testament to their outstanding expertise and innovation.
The ND Lens Gear is more than just a follow focus ad-on; it is a testament to the power of innovative design and technology in transforming industries. By addressing the needs of professional filmmakers and cinematographers, Studio Nils Fischer has created a product that is not only unique but also essential in today's fast-paced, precision-driven world of cinematography.
Project Designers: Nils Fischer
Image Credits: Nils Fischer
Project Team Members: Nils Fischer
Andreas Albrecht
Ken Schröder
Project Name: ND Lens Gear
Project Client: Nils Fischer