PolarPro Peter McKinnon Series Helix 1/4 Black Mist MagLock Lens Filter System
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The PolarPro Peter McKinnon Series Helix 1/4 Black Mist (PM-MST) is a 1/4-strength Black Mist diffusion filter from PolarPro's Peter McKinnon Helix MagLock range. It uses a magnetic plus quarter-turn locking system for fast, secure filter swaps without threading.
This listing is the 1/4 Black Mist. The Peter McKinnon Helix range also includes the VND 2-5 Stop and VND 6-9 Stop filters, as well as the Portra Filter Helix.
Key specifications
- Filter: 1/4-strength Black Mist diffusion
- Model: PM-MST
- System: Helix MagLock — magnetic plus quarter-turn to lock
- Frames: brass filter frames and thread bases
- Vignetting: none down to 17mm with 1 filter
- Swap speed: 5x faster than threading filters on
- Base plate: Helix base plate required, sold separately
- In the box: filter and defenders
McKinnon Helix Black Mist | 1/4 Strength (PM-MST)
1/4 Black Mist is the most popular strength. It smooths skin tones and creates smooth highlight roll-off while preserving shadow depth.
- 1/4-strength Black Mist for smooth highlight roll-off and deep shadow preservation
- 5x faster than threading filters on
- Magnetic plus quarter-turn to fully lock the filter down
- Brass filter frames and thread bases
- No vignetting down to 17mm with 1 filter
- Preset stop range for zero cross polarisation
- Includes filter and defenders. Requires Helix base plate, sold separately.
Never Thread a Filter Again
Helix MagLock does away with cross-threaded filters and slow swaps. PolarPro's full suite of glass is being developed to support the system, with advanced optics delivering razor-sharp images and zero colour shift in all lighting conditions.
Instant Filter Swaps Across Your Entire Lens Arsenal
Helix MagLock makes it possible to switch filters faster than you can change lenses, integrating seamlessly into your workflow.
Brass Construction and Rubber Trim
Brass filter frames and thread bases with rubber trim on the filter frame for a secure, comfortable grip.
MagLock Technology
The magnetic design keeps filters and defender caps securely in place until you're ready to move them. A quarter-turn fully locks the filter down.
Explore the full range in PolarPro Helix Filters.
Specification
| Series | McKinnon |
|---|---|
| Article Number | PM-MST |
| Country of Manufacture | China |
More specs
| |
What's Included
- McKinnon Helix Black Mist | 1/4 Strength
- Includes Filter + Defenders - Requires Helix BasePlates sold separately
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About the PolarPro PM-MST
From our tech experts at CEN
The PolarPro Peter McKinnon Series Helix 1/4 Black Mist (PM-MST) is a diffusion filter that smooths skin tones, softens highlight roll-off and preserves shadow depth. It uses PolarPro's Helix MagLock system — a magnetic plus quarter-turn lock — for filter swaps claimed to be five times faster than threading. Brass filter frames and thread bases deliver a solid build, with no vignetting down to 17mm when using a single filter.
Who it suits
This filter suits video creators and portrait photographers who want a natural, cinematic look without heavy diffusion. It pairs well with ND or VND filters from the same Helix range. For a gold-tone diffusion alternative, see the PolarPro McKinnon 135 Series 1/4 Gold Mist.
Our tech experts advise
The Helix MagLock base plate is required and sold separately — confirm your lens thread size before ordering. The filter ships with defenders to protect the glass between uses. Browse the full PolarPro collection to find compatible base plates and companion filters.
Explore the full PolarPro range at CEN, with fast UK dispatch and expert advice from our Nottingham team. Shop all PolarPro
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which filter do I need - ND, polariser or variable ND?
A: A polariser cuts glare and deepens colour. Fixed ND filters reduce light by a set amount for controlled shutter speeds. Variable NDs adjust across a range, making them the flexible choice for video. The filter type and strength are listed in the Specification tab.
Q: Will this filter fit my lens or drone?
A: Filters are made per thread size or per drone model. Check the size in the product title and Specification tab against your lens thread or drone model, or contact CEN to confirm.
Q: Do filters degrade image quality?
A: Quality glass filters are designed to be optically neutral. Cheap filters can introduce colour casts and softness, which is why we stock cinema-grade brands with strong colour accuracy.
Q: What does a 1/4 Black Mist filter do?
A: It smooths skin tones and creates smooth highlight roll-off while preserving shadow depth. 1/4 is PolarPro’s most popular Black Mist strength.
Q: Do I need a Helix base plate?
A: Yes. The filter comes with defenders but needs a Helix base plate on your lens, which is sold separately.
Q: Will this filter vignette on wide lenses?
A: There is no vignetting down to 17mm with one filter fitted.
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