Ready to upgrade from BMPCC6K Pro but need internal NDs

Hi everyone,

I am looking to upgrade my 6K Pro sometime this year after having a really good run with this amazing camera. While a full frame sensor is nice, the two must-have's are internal NDs and a PL-Mount or LPL-Mount. So I'm wondering if there is any reliable PL-L Mount adapter that incoporates NDs behind the lens for the Pyxis? I have seen budget Vari-ND solutions but if they are anything like the old Vari-NDs from the DSLR days, I would not trust those for color fidelity.

On the same note, has there been any chatter of a Pyxis MkII/Pro being announced this year (at NAB possibly?) or otherwise any plans from Blackmagic to fill the gap between the Pyxis and the 12K? With the amount of 6K Pros being sold used at the moment I am sure I am not the only person upgrading, so curious to hear how other people are dealing with the lack of internal NDs on the Pyxis.

Best,
Paul

lol

I have used the Mofage POCO PL to L Mount with VND filter to great success. They offer a clear as well, which you need, since the focus gets off without compensated glass between the lens and sensor.

I really REALLY loved my Pocket 6k Pro. But when the Internal NDs started seizing up, I think I was done with electronically controlled NDs, at least on the lower end camera bodies. IF you want both a step up in image quality and Internal ND that won't electronically fail, then the URSA Mini Pro 12k is a great option.

With an L mount on my Pyxis and 6kFF, I really do enjoy using many different types of lenses. I think I'll always want PL glass for my professional shoots and utilize smaller lenses for travel. I think breakthrough has a PL to L Mount ND filter as well, though it will probably be more expensive.

Amiras and alexa minis get pretty affordable nowadays

Just like the other bodies of this line, the 12K has mechanical, fixed strength NDs. They work very well, I have yet to see an issue with them on three bodies, even in the hands of students.

The ones in the Pocket Pro line, OTOH, seem to be more prone to failure, as we could see here in the forum.

Finally, Vari-NDs always have their issues, both for color, use of polarisers, and the dreaded "X" creeping in. I'd only consider them if nothing else is in reach.

Choose your poison…

Appreciate all the helpful replies. Yes I've considered a 12k or an Alexa Mini, but its a bit outside of my price range still. Also the size of the 12k is a bit larger than I would like.

Adam, thanks for pointing out the Mofage Mount. Its a pity that because of the variable ND design you have to physically switch between the clear and the Vari ND, that makes it a nonstarter in documentary shooting unfortunately. Are there any L-PL Adapters that have switchable fixed strengths NDs? And what happened to electronic NDs that a few of the Sony cameras use? Anyone incorporate that technology into a lens adapter? I believe RED sells something like it for the Komodo (at RED prices of course).

I wonder if Blackmagic is considering a cutdown of their 12k sensor to 35mm size, say around 8k or something and put that into the Pyxis body, which should allow for internal NDs. Obviously with less processing power so you would lose some of the high speed recording options (which is something that I could live with).

I believe you can get straight FSND filters for the Mofage. They were certainly talking about adding them as options.

Their website isn’t that clear. It makes a few references to them in kits but they don’t seem to list individual ones.

The 12k really isn’t that much bigger but of course it’s relative. (It’s smaller than any Arri)

JB

Hi JB thank you for the reply and pointing out the straight filter. I am looking for something that doesnt necessitate any filter swapping whatsoever for fast moving documentary situations. Came across the Revolva system from Kipper Tie, which seems perfect but is only offered for RF and E Mount for the time being. I have messaged them asking about an L-Mount version which would be a perfect fit for the Pyxis.

I guess its a niche market but I am surprised no one seems to have come up with a fully integrated (either electronic ND or revolving filter) for L-Mount considering there is quite a few cameras out there.

I’m afraid that for electronic NDs both Red/Nikon and Sony are holding some patents.

Happy to report back that KipperTie is considering an L-PL Version of the Revolva:

Thanks for getting in touch. You’re not the only user to mention Pyxis and so we are considering developing a Revolva for L mount and Pyxis. We don’t have any timeline in mind for that at the moment though.

So if any other people here are interesting this, maybe its worth reaching out to them as well. It really seems like the only viable adapter system that I have come across that offers a clear option.