Most photographers no longer use screw thread lens mounts, so why are we still using screw thread lens filters? If Manfrotto has anything to do with it we wont be screwing them on for much longer. The Italian tripod and photo accessory manufacturer has just acquired Xume, a US based company that make quick release filter adapters. Just like that, the new Manfrotto XUME adapters are born.

The adapters themselves are the same as the design that Xume has been using for a number of years. A very low profile adapter is screwed (ok, you will have to screw this on, but just once) on to the end of the lens. Another low profile adapter is screwed to the filter of your choice (ok, that’s two screws, but that’s it, promise). To attach a filter to a lens, simply hold them against each other and the magnetic adapter rings will hold it in place. It’s that simple. No more screwing them on and off, they just click in and out. By applying an adapter to your most commonly used filters, you can quickly and easily swap them over.

Manfrotto claim that magnets in the Xume adapters will do no harm to any camera or electronics. They also state that the low profile of the adapters shouldn’t affect image quality in anyway.

Manfrotto Xume: Pricing and Availability

 

Currently adapters are available for 49mm, 52mm, 58mm, 62mm; 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm screw threads. There is also a lens cap that is currently only available as a 77mm fit.

With Manfrotto’s clout in the photographic accessory world it probably wont be too long before we see a range of Xume filters. This would reduce to profile of Xume system by removing the adapter from the third party filter.

The Manfrotto Xume filter system is available now directly from Manfrotto and third-party retailers. The filter holders cost between £9.95 and £12.95 depending on size, with the lens adapters costing £24.95.

We’ll be testing the Manfrotto Xume adapters in the near future, so check back for more coverage.

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