DigitalGlue MC-1 B4 to RF Lens Mount – Now RED Approved for V-RAPTOR and KOMODO

DigitalGlue’s MC-1 B4 to RF lens mount adapter has recently been approved by RED. It allows broadcasters to mount B4 lenses to the RED V-RAPTOR and KOMODO cameras and retails for $1,499.

For their DSMC3 lineup, namely the V-RAPTOR, and KOMODO cameras, RED decided to adopt a native Canon RF mount. Although this solution showcased some issues along the way, the short flange focal distance of the RF mount system ensures compatibility with a vast range of modern and vintage glass.

Back at NAB 2022, DigitalGlue unveiled a lens mount adapter, called MC-1. This accessory is specifically designed to attach broadcast-style B4 lenses to RED DSMC3 cameras and is now officially RED-approved. Let’s take a closer look.

DigitalGlue MC-1: B4 to RF adapter for RED V-RAPTOR and KOMODO

The DigitalGlue MC-1 B4 to RF adapter was developed jointly with Breakthrough Photography, the creators behind the Cinema DFM drop-in filter system for RED cameras. It looks like a great solution for broadcasters looking to upgrade their camera ecosystem without having to sacrifice their arsenal of existing B4 lenses.

The MC-1 lens mount bolts on directly to the front of the V-RAPTOR/KOMODO body, thus providing extra support to the lens, which is critical considering the weight of some B4 broadcast glass. Also, given the amount of play of the native RF mount when using certain adapters, this design should help minimize the wiggle of the lens.

B4 lenses are usually designed to work with 2/3” sensors, which are much smaller compared to the KOMODO S35 and V-RAPTOR Vista Vision sensors. However, the adapter has a built-in lens doubler that grants enough sensor coverage to record using the following resolution/frame rate combinations:

• RED KOMODO: FullHD up to 120fps or UHD 4K up to 60fps
• RED V-RAPTOR: FullHD up to 480fps or UHD 4K up to 240fps

Price and availability

The official retail price of the DigitalGlue MC-1 B4 to RF lens mount adapter for RED V-RAPTOR and KOMODO is set at $1,499. The accessory is available exclusively via DigitalGlue. For more information, please visit their website here.

Would you use a B4 lens with RED V-RAPTOR or KOMODO? What do you think of this solution from DigitalGlue? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!