One of the biggest challenges film photographers face is developing their images only to find extraneous elements in their photos that distract from the composition. Four-One industries, a Los Angeles-based startup that specializes in film camera accessories, has developed a new device that eliminates this problem: The Irrelevancy Filter.
The Irrelevancy Filter uses technology based on the multi-zone exposure systems found in modern digital cameras. Using a proprietary pattern-analysis algorithm, the Irrelevancy Filter analyzes the image to determine which zones contains the primary subject, then scans the other zones for objects in the foreground that do not match the rest of the composition. It then fires negative photons directly towards the film plane to eliminate these unwanted elements, relying on the average density of the surrounding image elements to fill in the space with patterns similar to the background.
The Irrelevancy Filter screws on to the standard filter mount found on most 35mm SLR lenses. A single board houses the electronics, photon inverter, and a tiny lithium-ion battery which can be charged via a micro-USB port or a built-in solar panel.
Four-One’s chief engineer, April Fulzdae, says that while the technology is still a work in progress, the company feels that it is now advanced enough to be released to the public. “Speed is still the limiting factor,” she said, “but for now the device works at shutter speeds up to 1/1000 of a second, which is fast enough for most mechanical film SLRs.” Ms. Fulzdae says they expect to release a version 2.0 with a smaller electronics package and 1/4000-sec capability in the next six months.
“So far the device has worked well with nearly all of the black and white and color films we’ve tested, removing all irrelevant elements with no adverse effect on the rest of the image,” says Ms. Fulzdae. “Our only challenge has been Lomochrome Purple. For reasons we can’t quite figure out, about half of our test photographers find that when they use it with the Irrelevancy Filter, all of their pictures come out blank.”
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Marius on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
Comment posted: 01/04/2020
Terry B on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
Comment posted: 01/04/2020
Four-one? C'mon, guys, this is just too easy.
Comment posted: 01/04/2020
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William Parker on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
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Recky on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
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Jacob Firsel on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
Comment posted: 01/04/2020
Keep safe, my friend.
Martin on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
Comment posted: 01/04/2020
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Andy F on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
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Kees Broekhuizen on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
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Andrew Craig on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
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Clive W on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
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Mark vd Wal on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
Comment posted: 01/04/2020
David Hill on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
Comment posted: 01/04/2020
Me -- I've traditionally handled the issue by switching on the Somebody Else's Problem field, and obstructions simply become irrelevant. Or irreverent, I'm not sure which.
Louis Sousa on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
Comment posted: 01/04/2020
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Jonathan Leavitt on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
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Ken Rowin on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
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Charles Higham on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
Comment posted: 01/04/2020
in a Park Lane hotel which was full of celebrities. Imagine my shock when the film was developed it was just an empty building.
Terry B on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
Comment posted: 01/04/2020
Declaration: I use a number of Franzis Projects software, but I've not tried this one, and nor have I any connection with the company.
Castelli Daniel on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
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James Evidon on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
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Kodachromeguy on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
Comment posted: 02/04/2020
James on New product: Irrelevancy Filter cleans up your images – by Aaron Gold
Comment posted: 22/01/2021