X4 ND

Core Technologies Overview

2016

WHITE PAPER
 Core Technologies Overview 1
X4 ND

Contents

Page 2 Specifications

Page 3 Introduction

Page 4 Optical Material

Crown Glass
Mechanical Properties
Optical Properties
Dimensions
Refractive Index

Page 5 Coatings
Alternative Manufacturing Methods
Anti-Reflective Coatings
Nano Coatings
How do poor quality coatings affect image quality?

Page 7 Image Quality

Color Neutrality Explained
Performance Comparison
Lee Big Stopper vs. X4 ND
Control vs. X4 ND vs. Formatt-Hitech Firecrest vs. B+W ND
Control vs. Formatt-Hitech Firecrest vs. B+W vs. X4 ND
X4 ND vs. B+W vs. Lee

Page 13 Transmission Analysis

Spectrometer Analysis

Page 15 Design & Durability

5-Axis CNC Machining

Page 17 Conclusion

Page 18 Featured On
What Photographers Are Saying

Page 21 Third Party Review

Contents ©2015 by Breakthrough Photography U.S.A. All Rights Reserved. Excerpts from this material may be quoted in
published product reviews and articles. For further information, please contact Breakthrough Photography U.S.A. at

(707) 702-2116.
1
 Core Technologies Overview 2
X4 ND

Specifications

TYPE Neutral Density

GLASS MATERIAL SCHOTT® SUPERWHITE B270
MRC 16
NANO COATINGS Yes
FRAME MATERIAL Brass
FRAME DESIGN Traction
ULTRA-SLIM Yes
FRONT THREADS Yes
DENSITIES 3-stop, 6-stop and 10-stop
WEATHER-SEALED Yes
THREAD SIZES 49mm, 52mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm
LASER ENGRAVED TEXT Yes
SERIALIZED Yes
WEATHER-SEALED Yes
PRICE $139 to $189
WARRANTY 25 Years
RETAILERS B&H, Adorama, Amazon Prime and Direct
PERFORMANCE GALLERY Click here to view the X4 ND Performance Gallery

2
 Core Technologies Overview 3
X4 ND

Introduction

Traditional filter manufacturing methods of the distant past have per-

formed impressively for over 60 years, however as sensors get larger
and as lens designs achieve unprecedented pixel-level detail, filter tech-
nology must keep ahead of the curve. If the pace is not kept, sensor
and lens performance is immediately reduced to the level of the filter
quality. Cameras such as the Canon 5DS R and Sony A7R II are pro-
ducing files so large and detailed, traditional filter performance is
quickly becoming obsolete for the professional outdoor photographer.

Breakthrough Photography currently makes two professional ND filters

of which one, the X4 ND, delivers the sharpest and most color neutral
results available to professional outdoor photographers. Today this fil-
ter is unique in design and is unequalled in color neutrality.

This document explores the powerful powerful industry standards and

breakthrough innovations in the core technologies behind the X4 ND.
We walk you through the entire process, from our internal research and
design to prototyping and manufacturing to some innovative and risky
business decisions which, have in a very short time, positioned Break-
through Photography to stand alone as the manufacturer of the worlds
sharpest and most color neutral ND filter in a highly saturated market
with sophisticated competitors.
 Core Technologies Overview 4
X4 ND

Optical Material

Crown Glass
The X4 ND features SCHOTT Superwhite B270® optical glass, which
is an ultra clear crown glass. It is produced by melting high purity raw
materials and then made using the continuous draw process. The result
is excellent transmission in the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spec-
trums, and a high surface quality that accepts coatings exceptionally
well.

Crown glass is often used in lenses and other optical instruments. It

has a relativity low refractive index (≈1.52) and low dispersion (with
Abbe numbers around 60). Crown
glass is produced from alkali-lime
(RCH) silicates containing approxi-

Features
• High transmission
• Excellent surface quality
• Can be thermally strengthened

Physical Properties
Mechanical:
• Density (25°C) ρ 2.55 g/cm3 159.2 lb/ft3
• Young’s Modulus Ε 71.5 kN/mm2 10.4 Mpsi
• Poisson’s Ratio µ 0.219 0.219
• Knoop Hardness HK 0.1/20 542 542
• Bending strength σ 29.3 kN/mm 4.2 Mpsi

Optical:
• Index of Refraction @ 546nm 1.5252
588nm 1.5231

Dimensions:
• Thicknesses: 0.9mm – 10mm
 Core Technologies Overview 5
X4 ND

Coatings

Manufacturing Methods
Our alternative manufacturing methods deliver the most color neutral
ND filter, eclipsing long-standing and sophisticated filter manufacturers.
Despite what filter manufacturers may claim, there is no such thing as a
completely color neutral ND filter, and the X4 ND is not completely color
neutral. It is, however, the most color neutral ND filter, and it took us
nearly a year of research and engineering to produce prototypes that
the flattest possible transmission curve performance.

Most of the neutral density filters on the market exhibit a strong blue or
magenta cast. The higher the ND factor the more pronounced the color
cast. To achieve the most color neutral ND performance we had to de-
velop an alternative manufacturing method to the conventional oven
process.

Traditionally ND filters are manufactured by baking glass at high tem-

peratures and then grinding it down to desired dimensions. In our expe-
rience manufacturing the X2 ND (which uses the traditional method),
very color neutral results can be achieved if state-of-the-art equipment
and raw materials of the highest purity are used, but the consistency of
the color profile is not as precise as coatings technology.

Anti-Reflective Coatings
Anti-reflective coatings (AR) also known as Multi-Resistant Coatings
(MRC) in the photography world, are optical coatings applied to the sur-
face of photography optics to reduce reflection. This improves the effi-
ciency since less light is lost. The reduction in reflections also improves
the contrast of the image by elimination of stray light.

Our state-of-the-art MRC coatings are applied to both surfaces of the

glass disk evenly to reduce reflection and to increase surface durability.
Our internally developed MRC coatings are structurally harder than the
glass itself and the reduced reflections improve the efficiency since less
light is lost. The real world result? Better contrast and color.
 Core Technologies Overview 6
X4 ND

Coatings continued...

Nano Coatings
Our internally developed nano coating technology, nanotec®, which
beads water and other elements rather than absorbing and smearing.
This is particularly useful for outdoor photographers who frequently
shoot in the elements. Cleaning the surface glass is also easier and
faster than non-nano coated glass surfaces.

How do poor quality coatings affect image quality?

Low light transmission and green flaring are common problems with un-
coated glass. As MRC coatings are added to each side of the optical
disk light transmission steadily increases with flaring steadily decreas-
ing.

In our lab tests light transmission apexes at about 16-layers of MRC,

and slowly decreasing in transmission at 18 and above. 8-layers of
MRC are applied evenly to both sides of each optical disk resulting in
MRC16.
 Core Technologies Overview 7
X4 ND

Image Quality

Color Neutrality Explained

If performing critically sharp is a determining factor between a good and
bad camera lens, then a ND filter performing as completely color neu-
tral as possible is what separates the good NDs from the bad. ‘Neutral’
Density, as the name implies, means color neutral. But very few ND fil-
ters produces color neutral results, and no ND filter is 100% color neu-
tral, contrary to what a filter manufacturers marketing-speak. Typically a
lower price correlates very strongly to a more apparent color cast, but
this is not always the case.

Any color cast is greatly amplified as the ND density increases. If a 3-

stop ND performs with a yellow color cast you can simply expect to see
a multiplied effect if going darker with the same type, or brand. This is
why a vast majority of 10-stop ND filters exhibit incredibly strong color
casts. The ND 3-stop and 6-stop filters from the same brands also have
the same color cast, it’s just much less pronounced at lower densities.

Performance Comparison
Better than just taking about performance between ND filters is actually
looking at real world results so you can make a determination yourself
which is right for you.

On the next few pages we’ll present in-camera comparison images be-
tween ND filters from leading filter manufacturers. Before we continue
let me remind you that we have a 110% guarantee on all our claims,
and we expect you to take us up on that if you don’t get the results we
claim our filters get, or if your results vary with the images on the follow-
ing pages. No shenanigans, just real world results.

All of that said we’re still the manufacturers of the products we’re talk-
ing about here, so click here to read a professional third-party review
of the neutral density filters we will compare on the following pages.
Once completed, return here to continue.
 Core Technologies Overview 8

Performance X4 ND

Lee Big Stopper vs. X4 ND

The Lee Big Stopper is one of the most popular ND filters available to outdoor photographers. As you can
see illustrated below, the Lee Big Stopper has a very strong blue cast, and to Lee’s credit they do include a
small notice inside the packaging of this filter notifying the photographer of the blue cast.

The X4 ND meanwhile produces a very neutral result when compared against the control.
 Core Technologies Overview 9

Performance X4 ND

Lee Big Stopper vs. X4 ND

On large megapixel files, such as the images pictured below (36MP, no low-pass), the differences between
results becomes very apparent. If we zoom in 100% to the lower left quadrant of both the Lee Big Stopper
(left) and X4 ND (right), you can see a loss in resolving power as well as just under 1-stop of light falloff.

Moving to the lower right quadrant we can see a further darkening of the left image, approaching 2-stops of
light falloff and a further reduction in resolving power.

Due to the Lee Big Stopper having such a strong blue cast (acknowledged by Lee), the following color per-
formance comparisons will include results from other leading filter manufacturers which exhibit better color
neutral performance.
 Core Technologies Overview 10

Performance X4 ND

Control vs. X4 ND vs. Formatt-Hitech Firecrest vs. B+W ND

At first glance the color cast performance between the control and X4 ND look similar, whereas the color
cast performance of the Formatt-Hitech and B+W as compared to No Filter is more extreme.
 Core Technologies Overview 11

Performance X4 ND

Control vs. Formatt-Hitech Firecrest vs. B+W vs. X4 ND

We can see similarities with the previous performance analysis. The Firecrest has an incredibly strong green
cast, B+W produces a very strong yellow cast (albeit much less than the Lee Big Stopper) and the X4 ND
with a slight tint of magenta.
 Core Technologies Overview 12

Performance X4 ND

X4 ND vs. B+W vs. Lee

Now that you’re familiar with how the various market leaders perform as compared to a control, let’s take a
look at X4 ND performance as compared to the two market leaders: B+W and Lee.

As you can see in the 3-up comparison below, the difference between ND color performance is immediately
apparent even without a control to serve as a relative indicator of color neutrality.
 Core Technologies Overview 13
X4 ND

Transmission Analysis

Spectrometer Analysis
Spectrometers are optical instruments that can detect spectral lines
and measure their wavelength or intensity. Spectrometers can also be
used to test the efficiency of an optical filter in order to determine
whether a filter has properly blocked or transmitted specific wave-
lengths.

The spike at 450nm in the transmission correlates directly with the blue
cast found on the Lee Big Stopper.
 Core Technologies Overview 14
X4 ND

Transmission Analysis continued...

A perfectly flat transmission curve would yield a perfectly color neutral

result. While there is no such thing as a perfectly neutral ND filter (con-
trary to a filter manufacturers claim) the X4 ND is the most color neutral
and has the flattest transmission curve of any ND filter, guaranteed.

Neutral density filters manufactured using the traditional method also

have strong transmission in the infrared wavelength starting at 700nm,
whereas the X4 ND maintains a very well controlled and flat transmis-
sion all the way throughout the visible spectrum and into IR, resulting in
a very color neutral color profile.
 Core Technologies Overview 15
X4 ND

Design & Durability

During the period of time that it took us to achieve the best color profile
performance we also redesigned the filter frame from ground up. Con-
structed of high quality brass CNC machined with our signature traction
frame, the X4 ND is easier than ever to attach and remove securely,
even with gloves on in cold conditions.

We specifically designed the X4 ND be a workhorse ND filter to with-

stand extreme wind, salt water, dust and other abrasive conditions and
elements. And that’s not marketing-speak either, as we guarantee each
X4 ND to perform with optimal clarity and color neutrality for 25 years
even in the harshest of conditions.

5-Axis CNC Machining

To achieve the finished design we precisely machine each frame with
our 5-Axis Haas VF-6/40TR CNC machines. The end result is a durable
traction frame that allows for easy gripping, even with gloves on in frigid
outdoor conditions.
 Core Technologies Overview 16
X4 ND

Design & Durability continued...

The weight and durability of the X4 ND is immediately felt by the photog-

rapher when compared to a standard flat black brass or aluminum
frame, however we’ve kept it under 3.5mm on the frame thickness to
eliminate vignetting on full-frame wide-angle setups.

After machining we electroplate each frame with a high quality matte

black finish to reduce stray reflections bouncing into the lens barrel,
which can lower contrast and therefore color saturation.

After electroplating we laser engrave lettering and serial numbers into

the frame, which unlike paint doesn't wear off even with decades of con-
tinuous use.

Photographers often ask why the laser engraving is gold instead of sil-
ver like the other filters, and the answer is simple: the laser engraving
simply removes the top layer of electroplating revealing the brass under-
neath.

Once you use our signature X4 ND traction frame you’ll wonder why all
filters have had the same flat black design for the past 50+ years.
 Core Technologies Overview 17
X4 ND

Conclusion

The X4 ND sets a new benchmark for sharpness and color neutrality,

as well as filter frame design and durability. It has a very high optical
resolution, excellent color neutrality and a superior yet simple frame de-
sign. With only the Singh-Ray Mor-Slo as a serious competitor for color
neutrality and sharpness, the X4 ND stands as one of the best solu-
tions for the professional outdoor and landscape photographers.

Contents ©2015 by Breakthrough Photography U.S.A. All Rights Reserved. Excerpts from this material may be quoted in
published product reviews and articles. For further information, please contact Breakthrough Photography U.S.A. at

(707) 702-2116.
 Core Technologies Overview 18
X4 ND

Featured On

What Photographers Are Saying

“The X4 ND is the sharpest and most color neutral ND I’ve ever used.”




Art Wolfe

ArtWolfe.com

“Breakthrough sent me an evaluation filter along with some very strong claims
including: “The X4 ND is the world’s sharpest and most color neutral ND filter.” Well,
that is exactly what I’m looking for, so I was persuaded to spend the time testing the
X4 head-to-head against my previous favorite, the Singh-Ray Mor-Slo.

Turns out they were right.”




Bryan Carnathan
Read Review

18
 Core Technologies Overview 19
X4 ND

“It is a truly rare happening when I run across a product and can’t seem to find
anything negative to add in the review. In the course of bringing you an unbiased and
honest commentary I usually find some minute problem which I feel is worth sharing.

I can earnestly and confidently say that I have found the X4 ND filter from Break-
through Photography to be nothing short of exceptional.”



Adam Welch
Read Review

“There is absolutely nothing bad to say about the quality of this filter; it is really
exceptional. The SCHOTT® B270 glass is wonderful, and the brass metal
construction gives a great, high quality feel to the unit.

I have never used a higher quality or better built filter.”




Andy Thurston
Read Review

“Certain details were noticed right away, which speak to the effort put into the product
… The ‘traction frame’ really is a superb idea.”




Lloyd Chambers

Read Review
19
 Core Technologies Overview 20
X4 ND

“Breakthrough is doing something incredible with filter ring design. For years, we’ve
wanted companies to make an easier solution to getting filters off of lenses and some
have solutions, but nothing as practical or low profile as the X4 ND.”




Chris Gampat

Read Review

“The X4 ND is undoubtedly the best screw-on ND that we’ve seen. Color neutrality is
better than most (if not all), the nanotec® coating is exceptional, and the frame is
beautifully made, thin enough to avoid vignetting on wide angle lenses and yet retains a
front thread.”




Adam Garstone

Read Review

“At the beginning this small company declared their aim: to design and manufacture the
world’s sharpest and most color neutral ND filters. They promised that “if one of our state-
of-the-art traction filters isn’t the most color neutral ND you’ve ever used we’ll give you a
110% refund – no hard feelings.”



It seems, knowing what we know now, no one will ask for a refund.”




Jose Antunes

Read Review
20
 Core Technologies Overview 21
X4 ND

Neutral Density Comparision

An independent and professional 10-stop Neutral Density review by The-Digital-Picture.com compared 6 of the leading ND filters,
including the X4 ND. Below are the results from the 5 best performing ND filters. The Tiffen was omitted due to unreasonable per-
formance. Click here to read the in-depth review.

B+W HELIOPAN HOYA SINGH-RAY X4 ND

MSRP $413.28
 MSRP $409.95
 MSRP N/A
 MSRP $390
 MSRP $179

B&H $269.95
 B&H $238.99
 B&H $151.89
 B&H $390
 B&H $179

Amazon $225
 Amazon $441.62
 Amazon $120.89
 Amazon N/A
 Amazon $179

This filter exhibits a Heliopan does not I have to admit that I This is a very expen- While I have a hard
strong red color shift, specify that their SH- was rooting for the sive filter, costing time discerning any
but corrected, the re- PMC multicoating is Hoya ProND1000 in nearly twice as much sharpness difference
sults are very nice used on this filter. This this competition, how- as the second most between the Singh-
with good contrast and filter exhibits a strong ever the Hoya leaves expensive option in Ray and the X4 and
sharpness. red color shift, but this contest early with this review, the Helio- the two are similar in
when corrected, the a real sharpness/ pan. color-neutralness, the
This is a high quality results are very nice ghosting problem. X4 has far less vignet-
filter with a moderate with good contrast and However, this filter ting and has a signifi-
READ REVIEW
price, making it a good sharpness. Since this was, until the Break- cantly lower price tag.
value. filter and the B+W per- through X4 arrived,
form very similarly and easily the best of the Other X4 advantages
READ REVIEW the B+W has a nicely group. You will not include a CNC ma-
lower price tag, I'll rec- spend great amounts chined brass "traction"
ommend that you of time adjusting your ring (for a better grip
move to the next rec- images for color shift including with gloves,
ommendation unless and your images will avoiding stuck filters)
the 4.0mm vs. 4.5mm be sharp. This is the and front threads that
ring thickness is impor- filter I had in my kit play well with standard
tant to you (and it may until the X4 came. lens caps and allow
be). filter stacking.
READ REVIEW
READ REVIEW READ REVIEW
“GREAT CHOICE“
“ULTIMATE CHOICE“