Posted by Ken Henke on February 24, 2014 at 7:55 PM
From my previous question regarding polarizers, I should have also asked if filter systems may be a better way of going. Just trying to be more efficient with all the differing types of filters I use which include a polarizer, graduated neutral density, and 6-10 stop neutral density. One obvious advantage is having flexibility to fit a multitude of lenses and other cameras and their associated lenses, if I switch manufacturers.
That said, what should I be considering if I go that route of a filter system? Again, doing the research, I find differing opinions. So, it would be advantageous to hear actual experiences.
Ken, I'm not sure I fully understand your question overall. The title here of the two manufactures and then the list of filters you presently have or are using to date.
Placing this aside I will give you an idea of how I've started, kept, and added to my own setup. Mine are all based upon 77mm size. This began as the standard filter size for most all of my Mamiya RB67 ProSD system lenses that shared that same filter thread size.
In the beginning I bought some very standard required round screw on filters. That would include a circular polarize, warming circular polarize, and an 81b warming filter.
Once I found the need for ND filters I decided to use the large 4" wide angle Lee filter holder. The holder is also based upon the 77mm thread. From there I could add a variety of ND and or Reverse ND units as required. I use the Singh Ray flat filters that fit the Lee holder in 2 & 3 stop soft and hard grads, and then a complete set of the Hi Tech reverse grad flat filters in .3 .6 .9 to fit the same Lee holder. As none of this is cheap it took more then just a few years to inch my way forward to have all the filters I use to date.
As I use this same Lee holder on smaller lenses I use step up rings on those lenses to meet the 77mm thread size. Those are a collection of various Large Format lenses.
Starting out with the fairly large 77mm size at first has made it work very well across the board going forward for me.
Posted by Ken Henke on February 24, 2014 at 10:40 PM
Thanks the info, Paul. Yea, for clarification, my question is about using the filter holder systems vs screw on filters and and any possible quality sacrifices. But it also is about convenience and the ability to build upon an initial purchase. One huge advantage you mentioned Paul, is the ability to add "other" manufacturers filters on a Lee holder.
Right now I only have screw on filters for just one lens. And as luck what have it, I have since purchased lenses with a larger diameters than the filters I currently have. Thus, I need to rethink my whole approach to purchasing filters for the other lenses.
Ken, you're at the crossroads many of us have faced with regard to the various thread sizes on the zillion lenses out there. As such I was lucky to stumble in the right direction probably more by default when I bought the RB67. I immediately thought it pretty crafty for the Mamiya group to develop a somewhat standard 77mm thread size. Not all their lenses are that size, but the majority are. This made it very easy for me to plan along that size overall.
If you're about to make a move toward the Lee holder be sure to think big going forward it sure worked for my two needs using MF & LF gear. Good luck with whatever you decide.
If you have wide angle lenses, you'll need a filter holder that will accept 100mm (4") rectangular filters in order to prevent vignetting. The Lee holder is excellent, but the holder and the adapter rings are expensive. ( I have one for 4x5 with a compendium shade, but rarely use it because it is heavy and bulky--but, I digress).
You might take a look at theCokin Z Pro holder ($75.00 at B&H). It will hold 3 Standard Z-PRO Filters (2mm). The Z-Pro adapter rings average about $40.00 each.
As far as rectangular filters are concerned, especially ND Grads, I'd go with Singh-Ray. They truly are neutral, and very high quality, but they (like the other 100mm filters) ain't cheap.
also bear in mind that ian cameron uses Hi-Tech (which may be a slightly more reasonably priced alternative for rectangular filters) and his colour work is outstanding ...
Posted by Eva McDermott on February 25, 2014 at 12:27 PM
I currently use 100mm Hitech filters (ND gradients and reverse gradients). Previously I used 84mm Singh Ray and truthfully I don't see much difference in quality. The Hitech filters are also more reasonably priced as Stuart mentioned.
I haven't used the HiTech filters, but I do agree with Stuart and Eva regarding saving some cash. In any event, I'd go with neutral ND Grads. You can always adjust color balance at exposure time, or in post processing.
--P
Posted by Bill Chambers on February 25, 2014 at 5:26 PM
What Preston said in his initial post - he hit the nail right on the head.
Hi Ken - I have 3 singh-ray filter's (2 stop hard, 2 stop soft, 3 stop reverse) in great condition I'm looking to sell - shoot me an email if you think you might be interested! They are great filters, I just haven't been using mine lately as my style has shifted a little.
Discussion
9 repliesThat said, what should I be considering if I go that route of a filter system? Again, doing the research, I find differing opinions. So, it would be advantageous to hear actual experiences.
Ken, I'm not sure I fully understand your question overall. The title here of the two manufactures and then the list of filters you presently have or are using to date.
Placing this aside I will give you an idea of how I've started, kept, and added to my own setup. Mine are all based upon 77mm size. This began as the standard filter size for most all of my Mamiya RB67 ProSD system lenses that shared that same filter thread size.
In the beginning I bought some very standard required round screw on filters. That would include a circular polarize, warming circular polarize, and an 81b warming filter.
Once I found the need for ND filters I decided to use the large 4" wide angle Lee filter holder. The holder is also based upon the 77mm thread. From there I could add a variety of ND and or Reverse ND units as required. I use the Singh Ray flat filters that fit the Lee holder in 2 & 3 stop soft and hard grads, and then a complete set of the Hi Tech reverse grad flat filters in .3 .6 .9 to fit the same Lee holder. As none of this is cheap it took more then just a few years to inch my way forward to have all the filters I use to date.
As I use this same Lee holder on smaller lenses I use step up rings on those lenses to meet the 77mm thread size. Those are a collection of various Large Format lenses.
Starting out with the fairly large 77mm size at first has made it work very well across the board going forward for me.
Right now I only have screw on filters for just one lens. And as luck what have it, I have since purchased lenses with a larger diameters than the filters I currently have. Thus, I need to rethink my whole approach to purchasing filters for the other lenses.
If you're about to make a move toward the Lee holder be sure to think big going forward it sure worked for my two needs using MF & LF gear. Good luck with whatever you decide.
If you have wide angle lenses, you'll need a filter holder that will accept 100mm (4") rectangular filters in order to prevent vignetting. The Lee holder is excellent, but the holder and the adapter rings are expensive. ( I have one for 4x5 with a compendium shade, but rarely use it because it is heavy and bulky--but, I digress).
You might take a look at theCokin Z Pro holder ($75.00 at B&H). It will hold 3 Standard Z-PRO Filters (2mm). The Z-Pro adapter rings average about $40.00 each.
As far as rectangular filters are concerned, especially ND Grads, I'd go with Singh-Ray. They truly are neutral, and very high quality, but they (like the other 100mm filters) ain't cheap.
--P
--P