Learn The Technology Behind 'The Tuner' by Module 8

Natalie (Allen) Carrasco @natalieallenco

March 29, 2024

Imagine an optical device that can transform your standard lenses and mirrorless digital cameras into portals that emulate the legendary vintage glass look of the renowned Super Baltars and Canon® K-35s.

Well, stop imagining because that's precisely what the Tuner does.

Thanks to Module 8's worldwide patent-pending technology, they've achieved groundbreaking results in cinematography. They've managed to emulate those iconic classic lenses, and even more remarkable, they've put the power in your hands to adjust the intensity of their look manually.

This isn't just next-level — it's a whole new game.

What is The Worldwide Patent Pending "Vari-Tune" Technology?

Iain Neill, the founder of Module 8, has spent the past five years developing The Tuner and the worldwide patent-pending technology behind it — Vari-Tune.

More than just a lens, Vari-Tune is a technology that enables us to ZOOM the look of a lens from a mild effect to something much more impactful, all while maintaining our focus. It's a platform they can build upon to create any look creators desire.

If you're interested in reading more about the founders of Module 8, read more on our article here.

How Does The Tuner Technology Work?

The magic of the Tuner rests in its similarity to a ZOOM lens. These precision optical systems use multiple elements that move differentially within a cam to adjust certain aspects, usually the focal length while maintaining the image's focus.

Unlike detuning, the Tuner employs a precise optical system to adjust the level of image degradation, simulating any desired look.

The Vari-Tune technology can be thought of as a precision aberration generator. It allows the designers to develop specific or combined aberrations into the lens for distinct visuals. They can incorporate third and higher-order spherical aberration and subtle chromatic aberration to achieve the sought-after bloom and glow effect in modern-day projects.

Module 8 also introduced coma, astigmatism, and other aberrations to soften the frame edges and create unique depth-of-field effects. For instance, our L3 Retroscope lens incorporates off-axis astigmatism found in vintage anamorphic lenses. This can be used creatively, adding an anamorphic feel to your 2.4:1 flat footage, even with spherical lenses.

They've created a remarkably compact device compatible with ANY mirrorless camera using a sophisticated CAM mechanism and custom electronics board. There are additional plans to expand this technology into other exciting products, too, so keep on the lookout.

The Tuner works with Mirrorless Cameras using Sony E Mount and Canon RF Mount. All 3 Module 8 Tuners are now available with a Lens Side PL mount, compatible with many modern PL lenses, for serious cinematography — professional DP's use PL LensesLens Brands, Zeiss, Leitz, Tokina, Sigma, DZO. This means they are compatible with Sony Venice AND Red Raptor/Komodo systems. See our full compatibility table for more specifics.

While the Tuner is compatible with most Sony E-mount cameras, this tuner version does not work with the locking mount on the Sony Venice camera.

"Rather than settling for a fixed-look vintage lens, you now have the freedom to choose your preferred aesthetic and manually adjust it from minimum to maximum settings."

Real Glass, No Post-Production or A.I Tricks

Back to the basics, where analog is revered, manual optics are larger than artificial intelligence.

Some folks might say that a simple filter or some post-production wizardry could imitate that much-coveted vintage look. But Module 8's superior quality leaves AI and the cookie-cutter templates of tools like DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Premiere in the dust.

Module 8 aims to bridge the gap between high-priced, luxury equipment and more budget-friendly yet high-quality gear for everyday folks like you and me. It's a direct challenge to the status quo in a market marred by elitism, making genuine vintage glass within reach for those passionate about quality but hesitant to part with $50K.

Even though it caters to a niche audience, I can't help but feel a buzz of excitement about how this could turn the world of cinema on its head. Although this product was aimed at filmmakers in mind, it excited the vintage-lover in my photographer's brain more than ever.