Center filter alternative for Xpan/TX lens

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huville

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4:13 PM
Joined
Jan 22, 2005
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The center ND filter seems like a necessity for most users of this camera. I have a possibly very inexpensive alternative that I haven't tried, but will try this week. Thought some of you may want to try it yourselves and we can all comment on the results. Here goes. Get some inexpensive filter gels from companies like Rosco (they provide gels for the movie industry). I have their sample kit which is about 100 1x2 inch different colored gels. Take the filter marked "Light Grey with 50% transmission". Cut a very small rectangle, with a width just large enough to cover the center area of the lens, and a length long enough to be taped to the top and bottem of the lens hood. If you cut with a small zig-zag cutting device, you might be able to blur the edges a bit. This isn't perfect, but you get the idea. It covers the center area, but of course you get some ND filtration above and below the center area too. It still prevents light fall off at certain apertures and scenes. The cost of course is a fraction of 1 percent of the mfg's filter (like free). Opitcs aren't pure, but it is the results that matter. Try any light grey filter you can find and experiment. ND is really just grey! If it works for you, please comment. Maybe you have a unique idea to mount this cheap alternative to the lens hood. Remember, achieving ND isn't rocket science. Your meter will tell you if you've got the ND you want.
 
The centerfilter is really needed with the 30mm, where it is part of the kit. With the 45mm it can become necessary if you shoot a lot of slidefilm with small apertures. The cheapest alternative if you have vignetting problems just occasionally is to correct them in photoshop.
About your choice of filter material: why should I degrade the very high optical performance of the lenses with cheapo filters?
If you can afford such a camera go the rest of the way and keep the quality level high.
Just my biased opinion.
 
Cheap wasn't my only goal. I have the center filter from Hassy anyway. I thought it would a nice aternative when one is in the field and you don't have the moment to slap the lens on. This method is more aimed at the person working or traveling and needs speed and minimal equipment. I like to work light and improvise the get the results I want. I avoid carring too much gear. The Xpan II and one lens is all I want and need. I 've actually used the Rosco gel sample pack to get interesting special effects with my SLR (film & digital). It also lets your imagination go wild and have fun. I just hold the desired filter in front of the lens (not RF cameras) and shoot. Easy and most of all quick. Cheap is a nice byproduct.
 
Hi, Huville, and welcome to RFF! I urge you to try your idea yourself, and post some sample results. :) I suspect the abrupt transition between the two density steps, softened only by the edge being out of focus, will be evident in the picture. The center filter has a smooth stepless transition from center to edge. But, as you suggest, it could be fun to give it a try!
 
As cheap filter alternative I correct my images with a digital ND gradial filter in photoshop.
For tutorials on this subject have a look at the luminous landscape site or the 123di e book
 
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