A new lens for mirrorless cameras got a start at Kickstarter, and it’s an innovative concept that seems to be pretty interesting.

Modula Optics developed a really unique, pancake-like 33mm f/2 prime lens for mirrorless cameras (Fujifilm X, Sony E, and Canon M) called the CM33. The cool thing about the CM33 is a range of modular upgrade options. The most unique option is what is called “Mods” — special optical elements (filters, lenses, etc.) that can be inserted into the middle of the lens near the aperture stop, rather than screwed on the front ring. This lets you create some really interesting optical effects in a completely “as needed” way, rather than requiring a specialized lens to, for example, get a bokeh apodization effect or well-controlled soft focus effect.

If this cool idea captures your attention, head over to Kickstarter to back up the project. Have a look at the video below for an overview.

Press release:

Plano, Texas (PRWEB)December 08, 2015

Today Modula Optical introduces the CM33 33mm f/2 lens for mirrorless cameras on Kickstarter. The CM33 brings the best elements of classic manual focus lenses to a modern ultra-compact design that is optimized specifically for today’s mirrorless cameras from Fujifilm, Sony and Canon *. The CM33’s proprietary optical design offers superb image quality and macro capability in a pancake form factor, and the lens forms the basis of a modular optical platform for a range of add-on optical effects in the form of Mods, as well as usability customizations and adapters.

Focusing the CM33 is unapologetically manual-only. It offers the kind of precision and feel found in great SLR and rangefinder lenses of the past which is lacking with the electronically-controlled manual focus in many of today’s autofocus lenses. The CM33 pairs that manual control with its Focus Finder feature: an external switch that holds the aperture fully open to temporarily decrease the depth of field so photographers can pinpoint their desired focus point precisely – a sort of reversal of the typical depth-of-field preview button. Used hand-in-hand with the manual focus aids built into mirrorless cameras, the CM33’s focus, aperture, and Focus Finder controls provide quick and robust creative control over captured images.