Frequently asked questions

What Is the Multi-Camera Filter Mount (MCFM)?

The Multi-Camera Filter Mount is an adapter for attaching filters over multiple smartphone cameras simultaneously.  This is especially useful when switching between cameras, as it eliminates the need to remove and replace a filter in front of a different camera with each new shot.  It also provides a convenient way to use a filter with the ultrawide camera, which can sometimes be challenging.  It features a bayonet mount which is compatible with Moment and RhinoShield brand cases and lens mounts.  

Why did we redesign our MCFM?

Our original MCFM was launched in early 2020 and was designed to work with all iPhone models from the 7 through 11 series.  When Apple introduced its iPhone 12 series at the end of 2020, we redesigned our MCFM to accommodate the newer cameras and LiDAR sensor, based on Apple’s case guidelines.  (See LiDAR section below for additional information.)

Designing a filter mount to work with multiple (currently 20) phone models is a balancing act between allowing for the most clearance for various camera arrangements and preventing stray light from entering the system.  We found the overall best solution to accommodate the varied phone camera designs was to introduce two new MCFM versions, each with different and/or larger openings versus the original MCFM. 

With the iPhone 13 series, a change in the configuration of the camera necessitated another redesign to ensure optimal image quality. That's why we introduced our Multi-Camera Filter Mount V3.

Do MCFMs work with the LiDAR sensor on the iPhone 12 & 13 Pro and 12 & 13 Pro Max?

The original MCFM partially or fully blocks the LiDAR sensor on the 12 & 13 Pro and 12 & 13 Pro Max.  The new MCFMs do not block the LiDAR sensor.  However…

There are two potential problems when using a filter with the LiDAR sensor.  1. When the LiDAR sensor is active, it emits strong laser light.  There can be a significant back-reflection off of a filter placed just a few millimeters away, which can interfere with the 3D sensing.  2.  The laser has to make a double-pass trip through the filter (out to the object, then back into the sensor).  For this reason, it is doubly diminished by the absorption of the filter, resulting in a weak signal.  For these reasons, especially in low light conditions, we have seen some cases where the LiDAR system does not perform well with a filter attached.

What are the stickers for that came with my MCFM?

Every MCFM ships with light baffles (black vinyl stickers).  Due to the wide variety of phone and case models, in some scenarios there can be a small amount of light entering the camera from the area behind the filter or between the MCFM and phone.  For these situations, we include baffles for additional light shielding.  If you experience any objectionable light leakage, see the instructions that came with your MCFM for how to apply baffles. 

Which version of MCFM do I purchase for my phone?

V2A is best for the following iPhone models:

12 Pro Max, 12 Pro

11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11

XS Max, XS, XR, X

V2B is best for the following iPhone models:

12, 12 Mini

8+, 8

SE (2020)

7+, 7

V3 is best for the following iPhone models:

13 Pro

13 Pro Max

13, 13 mini

12 Pro

12 Pro Max

11 Pro

11 Pro Max

For additional information, visit the 'Details' tab on the MCFM V3 product page.

Q:  I already have a Multi-Camera Filter Mount V2. Do I need to upgrade to a MCFM V3?

A:  It depends on how you use it.  We found that with a thick filter or multiple filters, the V2A has a bit of corner clipping/vignetting on the iPhone 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max Ultra-Wide camera.  (It was designed before the 13 series came out.)  The V3 fixes that issue.  If you don’t shoot on an iPhone 13 series Ultra-Wide camera with thick or multiple filters, you don’t need a v3. 

Q:  Does the MCFM V3 on older (pre-iPhone 13) phones?

A:  Yes, please check out our the Details tab on the MCFM V3 product page.

For all the details on using a Moondog Labs anamorphic lenses and other gear on your iPhone 13 model phone, click here.

For all the details on using a Moondog Labs anamorphic lenses and other gear on your iPhone 12 phone, click here.

For all the details on using a Moondog Labs anamorphic lenses and other gear on your iPhone SE (2020), click here.

For all the details on using a Moondog Labs anamorphic lenses on your iPhone 11, click here.

This video helps describe the family of Moondog Labs anamorphic lenses and which one is best for you. 

Watch these installation and removal videos on YouTube.

We design our clamp-on lenses to mount precisely to the iPhone itself.  Given the variety of screen protectors and cases available, our clamp-on lenses should not be used with either a case or a screen protector. 

Our lenses with 12.5mm and 37mm thread mounts, however, can be used with screen protectors.  Note that these lenses require a case, clip, or rig with the appropriate lens mount as summarized in the product description.

This video will guide you through the setup. 

For additional information on aligning your lens, this video will help. 

Our 12.5mm threaded lens can be used with iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, iPhone Xr, iPhone X, iPhone 7+/8+, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2XL.

The Moondog Labs 1.33X Anamorphic Lens -  Bayonet Mount is designed to be compatible with a range of devices and case brands with a bayonet-style mount (such as SIRUI, RhinoShield, and Moment).  See the extensive list of available bayonet mount cases on our Bayonet Case Availability Chart.  

Our 37 mm threaded lens can be used with a range of third party case/rig/clip options that fit a wide range of mobile devices. To ensure optimum image quality, we have a compatibility summary of device/case options that have been tested with our lens to date. If you have questions about a specific combination, please contact us.

Gift certificates are available in a range of denominations in our online store.

Check out our posts on video desqueeze and still image desqueeze for tips to process your shots on either your mobile device or your computer.  Currently, the following iOS apps support video desqueeze:

Filmakr (viewfinder and real time camera desqueeze)

FiLMiC Pro (viewfinder and real time videography desqueeze)

FiLMiC Fristlight (viewfinder and real time photography desqueeze)

Guerrilla Filmmaker (viewfinder and real time camera desqueeze)

Mavis (viewfinder desqueeze)

MoviePro (viewfinder and real time camera desqueeze)

VizzyWig (viewfinder and real time camera desqueeze)

Here are a few of the apps available for iOS image desqueeze:

Crop-Size Image Tool (batch image desqueeze)

Desqueeze (simple, anamorph-specific desqueeze)

Image Resizer+ (batch image desqueeze)

We've designed our Universal Counterweight to work with various gimbals, and have extensively tested it with multiple phone and gimbal combinations. 

Our Universal Counterweight Compatibility page lists some of the specific combinations we've tested and exactly which weight we used on various combinations. 

If your phone/gimbal/lens combination isn't shown on the compatibility page, that doesn't mean that your gear won't work with the Universal Counterweight. That simply means we haven't tested it. If this is the case, we suggest finding a phone on the list that is a similar weight to yours and a gimbal that is of a similar design to yours.

For additional assistance with your gimbal, watch this video. 

If you've lost or damaged a part of your Moondog Labs gear, we have these replacement items available for purchase: 

Replacement Lens Mounts: 

Professional-grade 12.5mm Lens Mount - iPhone X/Xs/Xs Max   |   Professional-grade 12.5mm Lens Mount - iPhone Xr   

RhinoShield Bayonet Lens Mount - iPhone 7+/8+   | RhinoShield Bayonet Lens Mount for iPhone 7/8/Xr | RhinoShield Bayonet Lens Mount for RhinoShield Case - iPhone X/Xs/Xs Max

Replacement Caps & Covers

Replacement cover/cap for Anamorphic Lens - 12.5mm Thread   |   Replacement cover/cap for Anamorphic Lens - 37mm Thread   |   

Replacement case for Clamp-on Anamorphic Lenses   |   Replacement cover/cap for Anamorphic Lens - Bayonet

If you have questions about a discontinued item reach out to hello@moondoglabs.com

Moondog Labs accepts the return of products purchased from our store within 30 days of receipt.  Products must be in unused condition and in the original packaging. Please ship fully insured to our offices at:
     Moondog Labs - Returns
     30 Liftbridge Lane East, Suite 210
     Fairport, NY 14450 

Be sure to include your name and order number, and upon receipt and confirmation that the product is in unused condition, the product purchase price will be refunded using the payment method used for the original order.  

Partial refunds may be given for items that are not in original packaging, unused condition, are damaged, or are missing parts.

All orders will ship within one business day unless they are clearly noted as BACKORDERED in the item name.  Orders placed Monday through Friday before 2PM ET will ship the same day.

We ship internationally from Rochester, NY, USA using U.S. Postal Service International Priority Mail (6-10 days + customs clearance, $35-49) and Priority Mail Express International (3-5 days + customs clearance, $40-65). We also offer DHL Express for expedited delivery.

We offer First Class International shipping for all orders to Canada, and for orders <$60 to other countries.  First Class International shipments offer no guarantee of tracking or insurance, so this option should be selected with care.

Note that international customers will be responsible for any local import duties, taxes, and fees upon delivery; online estimators such as www.simplyduty.com may be useful in estimating these costs.

Note that in some countries, a "Delivered" status may indicate that your package has been delivered to Customs or a local pick-up location.  You can enter your tracking number here to find more details about your package status.

European customers, please note that recent changes to EU VAT collection policies may cause very significant fees upon delivery. While we work on a solution to offer pre-paid VAT in our store, you can find our products with pre-paid VAT available at Amazon and B&H Photo Video.

We are happy to receive media inquiries, and also sponsor select projects and events that drive excellence in filmmaking and photography, expand access to technology, and improve visibility for great creative work. 

Please submit media or sponsorship requests by filling out our online form.  If we are able to support your request, we will respond within 2 - 3 weeks.

When submitting a request, please provide links to your social media channels, websites, IMDb sites or other relevant projects that help showcase your event or project.  

For product review requests, we are looking for social media followings in the 20k region to provide discounted or complimentary gear. 

Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8AM - 5PM ET. Call us at +1 (585) 445-7350 or email using the contact page form.

We believe in privacy online and will not share your contact details with anyone, will only contact you using store information in reference to your order, and will only send general email notifications to those who subscribe to our announcement list.  Read the unabridged version here.

See our COVID-19 Prevention plan.