hand holding polarizer

[scottkathe]

Thanks to a member here who took pity on me I have a nice used Mamiya 7 with the 80mm lens. I'm coming from 4x5 and SLR photography so the rangefinder is a new experience for me. Well almost, my first camera was a little Oly XA that I still have, now that I think about it I also have my dad's Retina IIc that I had restored...

I'd like to use a polarizer with the Mamiya. I have a linear polarizer that I use for 4x5 that fits in the Cokin P series filter holder. I almost always shoot from a tripod so I was wondering if I could just look at my composition through the polarizer from behind the Mamiya 7, use the appropriate exposure compensation and just drop the polarizer in front on the lens and take the shot?

Scott

 

[wontonny]

http://www.japanexposures.com/shop/index.php?cPath=36&osCsid=62741e01c1163152109c2e0bf3f1bed1

You could check out Kenko's vernier polarizing system. It involves an accessory mini polarizer finder that has numbers on it that match with the numbers on the filter. You look through the finder, adjust accordingly and change the filter number to the finder number.

I used to do what you did, but I got a lot of exposures with either my finger in front of the lens, or part of the ring in the frame. This system is MUCH more convenient. It's too bad they stopped making filters smaller than 49mm. I would continue to get these for all my future RF lenses.

 

[katgut@earthlink.net]

Scott,
You can try Mamiya's special polarizer sold for the 6/7. It's not much more than any other good polarizers, about $100-125, and swings up and down. Seems very well made. It is a little fidgety to operate, but it does work.
On the other hand, I've found a 67mm polarizer also works to just hold over the lens. I just note the orientation.
Scott

 

[scottkathe]

The Kenko seems great but I don't know where to get one in the states. I've thought about the Mamiya polarizer but I'd also like the polarizer to serve double/triple duty along with my DSLR and 4x5 kit. Thanks for the tips so far.

Scott

 

[bsdunek]

No reason why you can't hand hold the polarizer. Many have a triangle on the outer ring which should point toward the sun for maximum effect. I use that on my GSN and get good results without even looking through the polarizer. If I'm picky, or don't want maximum results, I just look through it to find what I want and put it on the camera in the same position. Just try a couple of shots and you'll find it easy.

 

[Zonan]

If you're looking for the Kenko, I think you can order from Dirk at www.japanexposures.com. I bought a hard-to-find part for my Bronica from him, and he offers great service.