ND Filters on M8 - Anyone Using them?

[dcsang]

While my M8 is in the shop I've been giving some thought to ND Filters.
Even at ISO160, it's difficult to sometimes capture "motion" outdoors when stopped down to f16 or f22. That is, the shutter speed remains "too fast".

I've been giving consideration to ND filters in order to compensate for that and I was curious if anyone has been using them.

If so, how does one use the ND filter and the UV/IR Cut filter together? (that is, has anyone experienced any issues by using both screwed onto the various lenses?)

Any input or information is appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Ben Z]

I haven't used any ND filters (yet) however after much experimentation to be sure it wouldn't have any affect, I did put my B+W MRC UV filters back on top of the IR-cut filters to protect their somewhat delicate coatings from the need for frequent wiping (sole exception: the 15mm which vignetted with a second filter). So I'll extrapolate that if your ND filters are MRC you shouldn't have any bad results. In practice I've found the MRC filters basically invisible in terms of ghosts, flare, etc.

 

[jackal2513]

yep, use them extensively

B+W 103, 106 and 110
just ordered some Hoya PRO ND4 and ND8 as well, although not sure how good they'll be

dont use IR filters so cant help there but if you combine them you'll be fine surely.... its only a bit of light entering a camera and its only 35mm so cant see it making much difference

one thing to bear in mind though is the 110 nd (10 stops) puts a huge brown tinge onto the picture

 

[Richard Marks]

Yes
I use a B and W one for landscapes.
I am really looking forward to the lee filters kit that is coming out. if it is as good as their medium format gear it will be really good. I am not sure how popular it is in the US but it is serious quality kit. Thye are also peoducing a special grey grad set up. Long term it is cost effective as one filter fitls all lenses.

Regarding use of IR and ND together I have not had problems, but logically there must be a greater flare issue.

Richard

Richard

 

[tlabonte]

oooh... my first post!

I use an ND filter with my Noctilux to shoot at f/1 in the day time. I use an B+W ND 8X; 3 stops, yeesh! Doing comparison shots I can tell that it softens the image noticeably.

I was nervous about the combination of IR cut + ND filters. But stacking em up, I can't tell the difference between IR cut + ND and just +ND. So I have stopped taking of my IR filter when I shoot with ND. Once the big ND goes on,sharpness just takes a bit of a dive, no matter what. Worth it though, for the nocti!

 

[Kevin]

If you buy some you should buy the "good ones". B+W make the finest filters out there. They are also the easiest to clean. I have the following ND-filters in 52mm thread size:

#102 - 2 stops
#103 - 3 stops
#106 - 6 stops
#110 - 10 stops

If I needed to use these filters on a smaller diameter lens I could get an adapter for that. Keep this in mind before you buy.

Best Regards
Kevin

 

[DaveB]

I use the B&W 103 filter stacked on the UV/IR cut filter on the Noctilux. It allows me to get a lot more use out of the lens. Plus, it gives me something to blame if my focus appears off or fuzzy.