Anamorphic lenses were introduced for filmmaking in the 1950's to create an immersive, panoramic experience intended to compete with the widespread adoption of television. In addition to a wide aspect ratio, the anamorphic aesthetic is characterized by horizontal flares, distortion that creates a unique sense of depth or dimensionality, and oval "bokeh" or blur for out-of-focus areas. For these artistic reasons, anamorphic filmmaking has been enjoying a decades-long renaissance. However, due to the complexity and expense of the optics involved, anamorphic lenses are not readily available to most independent filmmakers. We believe there are stories best told with an anamorphic aesthetic, so we have developed an affordable 1.33x Anamorphic Adapter specifically for the iPhone 5/5S.
There are many free or paid software packages available to de-squeeze video or still images created with an anamorphic lens – for example Final Cut Pro or Handbrake for video, and Adobe Photoshop or GIMP for still images. For the best workflow, we are working with FiLMiC Pro to incorporate a 1.33x anamorphic de-squeeze in their first quarter 2014 release for full in-app compatibility with the Anamorphic Adapter. To help you through the de-squeezing process, we will post simple instructions on our website and link to them here on our Kickstarter project page.
The Moondog Labs Anamorphic Adapter beautifully exhibits the wide aspect ratio and the classic horizontal purple flares and distortion that are characteristic of vintage anamorphic lenses. Unfortunately, the short focal length lenses used in mobile phone cameras lack the shallow depth of field needed to create significant bokeh in most situations, including the oval bokeh traditionally associated with anamorphic lenses.
Technical Specifications
1.33x afocal anamorphic adapter
Expands camera horizontal field of view (FOV) by 33%; vertical FOV is unchanged
Increases video aspect ratio from 16:9 to 2.4:1 (with software de-squeeze)
Increases still image aspect ratio from 4:3 to 16:9 (with software de-squeeze)
Compatible with iPhone 5/5S
Precision all-glass optical design
Single layer anti-reflection coatings
Precision CNC-machined aluminum housing
Secure clamping attachment mechanism, compatible with screen protectors
Mass: 49.4 grams (1.74 oz)
Overall dimensions: 32 x 26 x 38.5 mm (21.32 max. extension from iPhone)
Patent pending design
Designed & assembled in the United States
Compatible with Glif™ tripod mount