Cover: AI-generated editorial illustration by Senkōra. This conceptual portrait is not a photograph taken with the Métamorphose and does not demonstrate any numbered bokeh setting.
If you want a portrait background to become part of the story, Lomography’s new Joseph Petzval Métamorphose 35mm f/1.8 offers an unusual control: a ring that changes the character of the blur. For video, the attraction is changing that atmosphere during a take.
Announced September 30, the full-frame manual lens comes in Sony E, Nikon Z and Canon RF versions. DPReview reports a $649 US preorder price. The official US listing gives estimated December 2026 shipping. That is a delivery forecast, not immediate stock; confirm the selected mount and checkout total before ordering.
Three rings, three different decisions
| Control | What it changes | Creative consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | The distance at which the subject is focused | Place attention on a face or detail; moving subjects still require manual tracking. |
| Aperture | The iris, continuously from f/1.8 to f/22 | Adjust exposure and depth of field; opening the iris can emphasize separation. |
| Bokeh | Background rendering across seven marked levels | Change the visual character of the out-of-focus surroundings. |
The bokeh ring is continuous, rather than a seven-click selector. Lomography describes level 1 as progressively softer toward the edges with bubble-like textures, and level 7 as pronounced radial stretching around the center. Aperture, focus distance and the scene also influence the appearance: the level alone does not define a repeatable finished image.
Why focus-coupled bokeh matters for video
Lomography says its coupling mechanism prevents the focused distance from shifting when the bokeh ring turns. If it behaves as described, a filmmaker could intensify a background while keeping a stationary subject in focus, instead of compensating with the focus ring.
Senkōra has not independently measured that behavior. It does not establish zero focus breathing or automatic subject tracking. The manufacturer’s October 2 behind-the-scenes feature with cinematographer Jaakko Taavila provides production context, rather than an independent review.
What to check before building a rig
The launch specifications list six elements in five groups, 0.35 m minimum focus, a 180° focus throw and MOD 0.8 gearing. The US shop specifies a 67 mm filter thread, a 1/4-inch support and an 80 mm hood for compatible matte boxes.
Rear drop-in aperture plates add another way to shape highlights. Lomography explicitly says older Petzval plates do not fit this model. Choose accessories around your actual rig: gear pitch or filter diameter alone does not establish clearance, mounting or a complete kit.
Who should consider it?
This adjustable-bokeh lens makes sense for deliberate environmental portraits, music videos or staged scenes where an expressive background serves the image. Manual operation and distinctive edges are substantial trade-offs for fast, unpredictable subjects or work requiring consistent detail across the frame.
Keep your current lens if softer backgrounds are all you need. Try a wider aperture, more subject-to-background distance and carefully placed background lights first. Consider the Métamorphose when changing the character of that background is the creative obstacle.
See the Métamorphose reference guide for mount and purchasing checks. The selection below links to labeled Amazon searches for the lens and two optional video accessories. Confirm the exact model, size, mount and seller; search results do not confirm availability. For actual lens samples, consult Lomography’s credited launch galleries and its official level-comparison video linked from the US product page.
Optional tools for a controlled video setup
A 67mm Hoya Variable ND II can reduce incoming light when you want to retain a wide aperture and a chosen shutter speed outdoors. Its rear thread matches the lens specification, but hood clearance still needs checking. Keep within the marked density range to avoid an X pattern. The manufacturer’s series photo shows a 77mm filter; choose the 67mm A-67VDY-II reference.
SmallRig’s F40 3010D includes an M0.8-43T gear compatible in pitch with the Métamorphose’s gearing. It provides a separate hand control for manual focus pulls. Check cage attachment, rod placement and clearance before ordering; pitch compatibility is not a completed rig test. Keep your existing ND filter or follow focus if it meets those requirements.
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Photo: Lomography. Cropped to lens, excluding the promotional badge; resized on a neutral background.
Lomography
Lomography Joseph Petzval Métamorphose 35mm f/1.8
Best for: deliberate portraits and staged video with expressive backgrounds
Confirm the exact Métamorphose f/1.8 and Sony E, Nikon Z or Canon RF mount. Search results do not establish availability; manufacturer shipping is estimated for December 2026.
Photo: Hoya. Resized without altering product details. Manufacturer series image shows 77mm; purchase reference is 67mm.
Hoya
Hoya Variable ND II 67mm (A-67VDY-II)
Best for: keeping a wide aperture and chosen video shutter speed in bright light
Choose the 67mm rear thread, matching the lens filter thread. Check hood clearance; do not rotate beyond the marked range because an X pattern can appear. Official series photo shows the 77mm version, not the selected 67mm size.
Photo: SmallRig. Resized without altering product details. Example setup, camera and lens not included.
SmallRig
SmallRig Mini Follow Focus F40 3010D
Best for: repeatable manual focus pulls on a compatible camera rig
The included M0.8-43T gear matches the lens MOD 0.8 gearing. Verify cage attachment, 15mm rod position and clearance; this is not an assembled Métamorphose rig. Official image shows an example setup; camera and lens are not included.
Transparent evidence
Method and limitations
Specification-based news analysis using manufacturer material and DPReview’s launch reporting. No independent lens evaluation.
- The US store’s extracted page confirms estimated shipping but does not expose the price; $649 is corroborated by DPReview’s launch report.
- The cover is AI-generated conceptual artwork, not an optical performance sample.
- No exact Amazon US ASIN or accessory kit has been verified.
Five key takeaways
- Focus, aperture and bokeh character have separate continuous controls.
- The manufacturer describes softer bubble-like edges at level 1 and pronounced radial stretching at level 7.
- Focus-coupled operation is a manufacturer claim, not a Senkōra test result.
- Manual focusing and a strongly stylized look make this a specialized creative choice.
- December shipping is an estimate; Amazon links open searches, not verified exact offers.
Primary sources
- hoyafilterusa.com · Verified 2026-10-05
- smallrigreseller.com · Verified 2026-10-05
- lomography.com · Verified 2026-10-05
- shop.lomography.com · Verified 2026-10-05
- lomography.com · Verified 2026-10-05
- dpreview.com · Verified 2026-10-05