Anamorphic LensUpdated 20 days ago

Download the Blackmagic Camera app (free on the App Store) before mounting the lens. This app supports anamorphic desqueezing in real time, meaning you'll see the correctly stretched, cinematic image on screen while you shoot — not a distorted squeezed frame. Filmic Pro is an alternative if you already use it.

Fit your iPhone into the SANDMARC case (sold separately). Press firmly at each corner until it seats fully. The case features a precision-threaded mount aligned over the wide-angle camera. If you prefer no case, use the included clip mount instead.

Remove the front and rear protective caps before mounting. Store them in the included lens pouch when not in use — the pouch also doubles as a microfiber cleaning cloth.

The Anamorphic Lens mounts over the main wide-angle (1×) rear camera. Its exact position varies by iPhone model — use the Camera Location Guide (Section 3) to find yours.

Hold the Anamorphic Lens over the case mount opening. The lens has an oval front element — orient it so the wider side faces left and right (horizontally). Align the threading and twist clockwise with smooth, even pressure — about two full turns. Do not overtighten.

Open Blackmagic Camera, confirm anamorphic desqueezing is enabled at the correct ratio, and set zoom to 1×. You'll see the full cinematic widescreen image on screen in real time. Frame your shot, tap to focus, and record. Your footage is saved desqueezed and ready to edit.

The SANDMARC case provides a precision-threaded aluminum mount over the wide-angle camera. The most stable connection — essential for any serious filming with the anamorphic lens. Case is sold separately.

Clips directly over the rear camera without a case. Practical for quick setups and Android use, but less secure for sustained filming due to the lens weight. Ensure the clip is firmly clamped before recording.

The 40.6mm outer thread accepts 40.5mm step-up rings, making it compatible with SANDMARC Drama PL and Scape ND filters. Stack an ND filter to control exposure in bright conditions without adjusting ISO or shutter speed.

The native Camera app cannot desqueeze anamorphic footage. Always shoot in Blackmagic Camera (or Filmic Pro) with anamorphic desqueezing set to match your lens ratio — 1.33× or 1.55×. This ensures your footage plays back correctly without any post-processing step.

Anamorphic lenses are optimised for the main 1× wide-angle sensor. Any digital zoom crops the frame and disrupts the squeeze ratio, resulting in an incorrect desqueeze in your final image. Frame your shots by physically moving closer or farther from your subject.

The horizontal blue flares (1.55×) or gold flares (1.33×) are one of the most recognisable signatures of anamorphic shooting. Light sources — streetlights, headlights, windows, practicals — will generate streaking flares across the frame. Plan for them, move your subject or light source until the flare position looks intentional.

In Blackmagic Camera, shoot in BRAW or log format when possible. This preserves more dynamic range in highlights and shadows, giving you far more flexibility in colour grading — essential for achieving a polished cinematic look in post.

For cinematic video, the 180° shutter rule means your shutter speed should be roughly double your frame rate (e.g. 1/50s at 25fps). In daylight this causes overexposure — stack a SANDMARC Scape ND filter on the 40.5mm thread to control exposure without raising ISO or compromising depth of field.

The oval front element is large and picks up smudges and moisture easily. Any contamination on the glass can scatter the characteristic lens flares in unpredictable ways. Wipe with the included lens pouch before every shoot and avoid handling the front element directly.