The RED RF to PL w/ Electronic ND Filter Adapter Pack integrates the same precise electronic ND control used in the V-RAPTOR XL into a robust PL mount solution for the RED KOMODO, KOMODO-X, RED V-RAPTOR 8K VV, and RED V-RAPTOR 8K S35.
The pack includes two filters; A clear glass filter for when no ND is needed and an Electronic ND Filter with a 2-7 stop range. Featuring precise control of 1/4, 1/3, or Full Stop increments which allows exact exposure control without compromising the intended aperture. The RED RF-PL Adapter w/ Electronic ND Filter Packs for KOMODO and V-RAPTOR include the associated support brackets to provide additional rigidity and a native-like mount experience.
NOTE: The filter tray (Clear or ND) must be inserted at all times while shooting. Using the adapter without a Clear or ND filter will result in lens focus issues and stray light entering the sensor cavity area.
This article outlines the processes for attaching the adapter and support brackets, removing and inserting the filters, adjusting the ND, filter designation, focus troubleshooting, shimming and cleaning of the filters.
Attaching Adapter and Support Brackets
To attach the RED RF to PL w/ Electronic ND Filter and Support brackets to your camera follow one of these two guides:
V-RAPTOR – RF to PL Adapter and Brackets Setup Guide
KOMODO – RF to PL Adapter and Brackets Setup Guide
NOTES:
- When attaching or removing the RED RF to PL w/ Electronic ND Filter on KOMODO-X with DSMC3 RED Touch 7.0” LCD attached, the filter must be removed as the filter will collide with the base of the RMI.
- The V-Raptor Wing Grips are not compatible with the RED RF to PL w/ Electronic ND Filter as they obstruct and prevent the removal of the filters.
Removing, Inserting and Swapping Filters
NOTE: The V-Raptor Wing Grips are not compatible with the RED RF to PL w/ Electronic ND Filter as they obstruct and prevent the removal of the filters.
To remove a filter from the RED RF to PL w/ Electronic ND Filter grab the ridged grooves on the top and bottom of the filter. Apply pressure and gently pull the filter out of the adapter.
To insert a filter ensure the side labelled ‘THIS SIDE TO CAMERA’ is facing the camera’s sensor and rear of the RED RF to PL w/ Electronic ND Filter.
Gently slide the filter into the adapter until you feel and hear an audible ‘click’.
Adjusting the ND
The ND amount can be adjusted in various ways depending on the camera and accessories you are using.
There are physical buttons on the ND filter marked with a ‘+’ and ‘-‘ for increasing or decreasing the ND density in increments of 1/4, 1/3 or full stops. This can be set in camera by going to Menu > System Settings > Status Settings > ND Increments.
The density can also be adjusted via the camera’s menus and screens on KOMODO, KOMODO-X and V-RAPTOR, DSMC3 RED TOUCH 7.0” LCD, RED Control, RED Control Pro, Web Interface or RCP2 commands.
DSMC3 RED TOUCH 7.0” LCD
When the adapter is attached a new ND icon will appear on the top row of the DSMC3 Monitor next to the ISO. This will show ‘ND NONE’, ‘ND CLEAR’ or your ND value.
To change the value when the ND filter is inserted tap on the ISO value, the ND controls will then appear on the bottom of the LCD. You will then be able to change the stop increments and the ND value.
V-RAPTOR
On V-RAPTOR when the adapter is attached a new setting function will appear on the ‘Lens & Histogram’ Control Panel. You can also assign buttons to the user page.
To change the ND display mode go to Menu > System Settings > Status Settings > ND Display Mode where Stops or Density can be selected.
KOMODO/ KOMODO-X
On KOMODO and KOMODO-X, when the adapter is attached a new setting function will appear on the main page indicating which filter is attached and allow you to adjust the ND values.
To adjust the increments go to Menu > System Settings > Status Settings > ND Increments where 1/4, 1/3 or 1 stop can be selected.
To change the ND display mode go to Menu > System Settings > Status Settings > ND Display Mode where Stops or Density can be selected.
Filter Designation and Focus Troubleshooting
Each Clear Glass and Electronic ND filter’s thicknesses are measured and paired together during production to prevent back focus shifts when switching between filters. Each thickness has been assigned a letter (A,B,C or D) and is engraved onto each filter as shown in the image below.
If a pair becomes mismatched, this could lead to back focus issues due to the different thicknesses of glass between batches. If you lose or damage one of the matching filters, contact RED Support to purchase a replacement.
NOTE: You will need to provide the letter indicated on the filter/mount to ensure a correct replacement is sent.
If you are still experiencing back focus issues, it’s possible the lens or mount may need to be shimmed. Instructions for shimming the mount are below:
V-RAPTOR – RF to PL Adapter Shim Process
KOMODO – RF to PL Adapter Shim Process
Cleaning
For best cleaning and maintenance practices follow the details in the dedicated cleaning article:
RF to PL Adapter w/ Electronic ND - Cleaning and Maintenance
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