Why create LensNode?

We started out noticing that shows like Mindhunter and Sex Education, among others, were manipulating lens characteristics in post-production. Spherical glass was being made to feel anamorphic in the case of Mindhunter, and clean and sharp optics in Sex Education were modified to appear vintage. We thought “Why isn’t there a tool like this that everyone can use?”

Then we went down a rabbit hole of developing each characteristic one by one, and started combining them to see what a plugin was capable of. Many months of iterating later, LensNode was born. LensNode is not an end-all-be-all replacement for a real lens, nor does it simulate lens character in a perfect 1:1 way, but it is another powerful creative tool in the filmmaker’s toolkit.

Accuracy

LensNode lens profiles are created using a very technical methodology. We recreate the effects of each lens as accurately as we can, but achieving a 1:1 recreation in post-production is inherently an approximation.

Even between serial numbers, cinema glass manufactured with the highest precision will vary from lens to lens. Vintage glass is even more varied. The only true way to reach a perfect lens emulation is with a fully 3D scene with real depth information, where the lens is then raytraced in a very complex and computationally expensive way. This is not accessible or practical for most users.

It’s also worth noting that LensNode does not simulate flaring. Flaring is quite complex to capture and even more complex to recreate in post, so for now, LensNode doesn’t do any kind of flaring.

Use Cases

Generally:

• If you only have access to clean, clinical lenses and want to add a bit of character in post, LensNode is a great solution.
• If you just want some control over the character of your footage, LensNode offers that too.
• If you want to use lens character as a creative tool and have options in post, LensNode is one way to do that.
• If you can’t afford expensive, funky lenses, LensNode isn’t a replacement but is a cheap alternative with added flexibility.
• If you want to create a unique look that isn’t available anywhere else, LensNode could help.

Practically:

• You have a shot to get but don’t want to put an expensive lens on a crash camera, LensNode keeps fancy glass safe.
• You have a shot to pick up but it’s too expensive to rent a whole set of lenses again, LensNode with a cheaper lens could be the solution.
• You have to get a shot using an action camera or drone with a very small sensor and no lens options, LensNode can funk up those shots too.