LVX Badalamenti Cinema Optics has unveiled the SUÁREZ optical assortment, a brand new set of spherical, beauty-focused cinema lenses that extends past conventional optics into significant social influence. The gathering represents each a technical achievement and a private journey for the corporate’s founder.

For a bit over a 12 months, now we have been following the story of LVX, a small firm led by Director/DP Peppe Badalamenti Suárez. At first of 2024, we lined the introduction of the LVX AURORA V2 sequence, and afterward, the introduction of the AURORA LT cine prime lens set. Now the corporate is upping their sport by bringing a brand new set of lenses to the market, however extra importantly, including a human philanthropic side to the upcoming launch—one which, so far as I can bear in mind, has by no means been explored on such a scale. Is the social initiative that accompanies this marketing campaign an indication of a growing pattern? Time will inform, however additionally it is honest to say right here Ron Sim of Simmod, who only recently launched his APSARA line of lenses with a promise to offer again by establishing a brand new movie academy and supporting the younger filmmaking neighborhood in Cambodia. (See our pleasant podcast chat with Ron, right here.)

The story behind the glass

The SUÁREZ assortment carries deep private significance for LVX founder Peppe Badalamenti Suárez, who devoted the lens set to his mom. The identify itself derives from Hebrew etymology – “Shua Resh” that means “the chief who solutions the cries for assist” – a philosophy that extends into the mission’s philanthropic mission.

“Creating lenses has been a deeply private journey stuffed with trials, errors, and delightful moments, very like life itself,” explains Badalamenti, who launched LVX two years in the past after overcoming years of dependancy. The corporate identify, that means “mild” in Latin, displays each the technical concentrate on optics and a broader dedication to illuminating optimistic change.

Technical growth course of

The SUÁREZ lenses start with Canon Sumire optics as their basis, which the group then spent practically a 12 months analyzing alongside traditional and classic glass of their projector room. The event centered on creating what they time period a “beauty-focused, beauty lens” with particular optical traits:

• Lowered acutance and distinction whereas preserving decision
• Enhanced colour presence and heat on the diffusion level
• Reasonable focus roll-off for creamy separation
• Managed halation that enhances the bokeh traits
• Minimized distortion to keep up picture integrity

The lenses function full-frame protection/massive picture circle, suitable with 35mm full-frame/large-format cameras (46.7mm picture circle), 8K resolving energy functionality, near-zero lens respiration by way of inner focus, and 300° focus barrel rotation.

Philanthropic integration

Half of all income(!) from the SUÁREZ assortment will help Nova Vita, a corporation offering look after infants born in Santa Teresita girls’s jail in Guatemala Metropolis. These youngsters face extreme challenges, dwelling within the facility till age 4 earlier than separation from their moms, usually with restricted authorities help for fundamental wants or growth applications.

This social mission differentiates SUÁREZ from typical lens bulletins!

Product configurations and availability

LVX affords two variations of the SUÁREZ assortment: (EDIT: Please be aware that you’ll have to organize the Canon Sumire lenses and ship these to LVX. Worth is per conversion and rehousing, upon receiving the lens from the consumer)

LT Model (Conversion): Makes use of authentic Canon Sumire housing with customized paint and detailing

• When changing a set of 6 lenses: $4,600 per lens.
• When changing a person lens: $5,000

Rehoused Model: Absolutely machined from 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum whereas sustaining light-weight traits

• When changing a set of 6 lenses: $7,000 per lens
• When changing a person lens: $7,500

Extra coating removing service is offered for $1,000 per lens. Manufacturing requires a 50% deposit with a present supply time of 4 months. All models ship from Los Angeles with native pickup accessible.

Closing ideas

The SUÁREZ assortment enters a aggressive market. Within the final couple of months, we reported on the SIGMA Aizu prime line. Simmod APSARA and Lomography Joseph Petzval (simply to call a number of). Every of those firms took a special design method and operates at a special worth bracket, so whereas we may be evaluating apples to oranges, the aim is for instance how crowded this lens section has turn into. And on this regard, the SUÁREZ method emphasizes emotional storytelling and social duty alongside optical efficiency.

The pricing positions SUÁREZ under premium cinema lens units whereas incorporating customized modifications and humanitarian influence that distinguish it from customary transformed optics. The four-month supply timeline displays the boutique nature of the operation in comparison with mass-market lens producers. This announcement follows trade traits towards specialised, story-driven lens growth that CineD has tracked all through 2024 and 2025. Because the market continues increasing past conventional producers, smaller operations like LVX exhibit how private narrative and social mission can differentiate optical merchandise in an more and more crowded subject.

Launch occasion

LVX will conduct a lens launch occasion at CSLA, Los Angeles, on Thursday, August twenty first, from 4 PM to eight PM. You possibly can reserve your home by clicking right here.

How do you’re feeling concerning the new initiative of supporting social wants by promoting merchandise? Do you see your self buying these lenses to assist trigger? Please share your ideas with us within the remark part under.