ND filter for my canonet ql17

[ola.b]

I'm expecting my newly aquired ql17 to land on my doorstep tomorrow. I can't wait, I'm really excited.

Since I like to shoot wide open I know I'm going to need some ND filters to be able to shoot outside in the summer. Since I'm a bit of a rookie, I need some guidance on this matter.

I plan on getting a http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/98825-REG/General_Brand_48_49_48mm_49mm_Step_Up_Ring_Lens.html 48-49mm step up ring since 49mm filters are more common.

Then the problem starts, for me anyways.

Should i go for a 0.3 , 0.6 or 0.9 ND filter?

Searching on B&H tells me the Tiffen ND filters are the cheapest at roughly 14,50$. How is the quality on the Tiffens?
Will I notice any difference if I go for some higher priced Hoya's etc?

 

[quizzard87]

depends on the film speeds you're planning to use.
for e.g. a 400iso film you'd need a -3.0 ND filter to get an exposure of 1/500th @ f4 on a subject which is directly lit by the sun...with a 100iso film you'd get down to 1/500th @ f2.

i could give you a more precise answer if you tell me what films you use.

 

[ola.b]

Well, this being my first film camera (except a holga), I haven't decided on a certain film to use.

I've read the "beginner film" thread in darkroom/film forum, and I see people reccomending ilford hp5 and kodak t-max. Those are available in iso 400 and iso 100. I'd like to go with one of those because I'd like to develop my own films sometime down the road, and need a forgiving film to start out with.

 

[quizzard87]

well then i'd recommend using 100iso or 125iso films like kodak plus-x 125, ilford fp4+ 125 or kodak t-max 100.
i personally prefer the look of the older films like the plus-x or fp4 over the newer emulsions of the t-max films. but that's just personal taste. i suggest doing a search for either of these films on flickr to see what they look like.

for the filter i'd suggest buying this one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/146971-REG/Hoya_493330_49_mm_Neutral_Density.html
the price is reasonable and the multicoating (to prevent flare) makes sense to me if you plan on using it a lot in sunlight.