Lens Shades will they work?

[Red Robin]

Is there a general measurement rule to use to pick a lens shade? That is other than trashing a roll of film only to find the shade causes vignetting? Some of my older shades fit but are still unusable.

 

[Sid836]

For me it depends on the quality of the lens that I use. If it flares easily, then I use one. If it is hard to make it flare, I don't use a hood at all.

 

[02Pilot]

The method I use is this:

-Mount lens hood.

-Cover film gate with Scotch tape or ground glass.

-Open shutter on B.

-Look at the corners of the tape/ground glass surface to see if there is any darkening.

This has worked quite reliably in my experience.

 

[willie_901]

I can see how a generic lens hood may or may not reduce flare. In particular the subtle effects of flare may not be attenuated by a generic hood.

I also agree lens hoods are effective at protecting the lens element. I would much rather use a lens hood than a protective filter (unless it is very dusty or there is a constant mist).

But a hood specifically designed for a lens should make a difference. After all, you will never see a camera without a lens hood on a motion picture set. Often those hood set ups are quite elaborate. It remains to be seen if every OEM lens-hood makes a difference when it comes to attenuating subtle flare. Modern lens coatings could have a much bigger effect.

In some settings I have used flags near the lens to reduce flare from off-camera flashes. Of course for mobile hand-held work flags are impractical. I have seen homemade flags that essentially surround the lens. With these you can have the sun (or bright light source) just out of the frame.

http://petapixel.com/2012/04/20/use-a-shoot-through-shade-to-eliminate-rim-light-and-sun-flare/

 

[noisycheese]

Is there a general measurement rule to use to pick a lens shade? That is other than trashing a roll of film only to find the shade causes vignetting? Some of my older shades fit but are still unusable.

you don't need to risk a whole roll of film - do a few test shots at the widest three aperture settings for your lens. Put your lens shade on, focus on infinity and shoot the sky. Use the rest of the roll without the lens hood. When you develop your film, you will be able to see if there's vignetting in your test shots.

 

[noisycheese]

Is there a general measurement rule to use to pick a lens shade? That is other than trashing a roll of film only to find the shade causes vignetting? Some of my older shades fit but are still unusable.

you don't need to risk a whole roll of film - do a few test shots at the widest three or foru aperture settings fr your lens. Put your lens shade on, focus on infinity and shoot the sky. When you develop your film, you will be able to see if there's vignetting.

The method I use is this:

-Mount lens hood.

-Cover film gate with Scotch tape or ground glass.

-Open shutter on B.

-Look at the corners of the tape/ground glass surface to see if there is any darkening.

This has worked quite reliably in my experience.
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There's an idea, too. The possibility of getting scotch tape adhesive goo around the film gate makes me wary, though.