Neutral Density filters recommendations?

[DHu]

Hi all,

I am looking for some ND filters to be used with my Bessa R2/Nokton 50/1.5. Can someone tell me how effective these filters are?

I shoot mostly wide open with the Nokton but have to use slow shutter speed at time in very low light condition (using 400 film).

I am thinking of experimenting 800 film indoors but want to have a some flexibility of using the same camera/film outdoor as well. Is it achieveable with a single filter?

 

[richard_l]

The effective film speed with an ND filter can be computed by dividing the nominal film speed by the filter factor. For example, with 800 film and a 2x filter, the effective film speed is 800/2 = 400. With a 3x filter the effective speed would be 800/3 = 267 or 250 (to the nearest 1/3 stop).

 

[DHu]

Thanks

Thanks

I was hoping someone would offer opinions on what brand to get...but thanks anyway, Richard.

 

[RayPA]

I was hoping someone would offer opinions on what brand to get...but thanks anyway, Richard.

Try B+W. I saw your post earlier in the week, but didn't understand your question. I never figured you were looking for a manufacturer suggestion. 🙂 ND Filters are great for allowing you to open up the lens. I use one that gets me 2 stops, but sometimes I'd like to be able to get more. Filter acquisition seems sto be an ongoing, never-ending thing. Can you ever have too many?

 

[richard_l]

I use B+W ND filters. They are manufactured by Schneider Optics using Schott optical glass. The rings are brass. I have a 4x (2 stops) and an 8x (3 stops).

 

[back alley]

hard to go wrong with b+w or even hoya.

 

[DHu]

Will this work for me?

Will this work for me?

Will this work for me? Say I typically shoot with 400 film and the widest I can open is f/5.6 at 1/2000 sec outdoors. With this filter, does that mean I can now open it up to f/1.5 and shoot at 1/500 sec for the same scene? Thanks again

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...076&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

 

[dcsang]

Another vote for B+W - mind you, I have mine for my EOS system - and it's the "uber" ND version... 10 stops 😀

Cheers
Dave

 

[richard_l]

Will this work for me? Say I typically shoot with 400 film and the widest I can open is f/5.6 at 1/2000 sec outdoors. With this filter, does that mean I can now open it up to f/1.5 and shoot at 1/500 sec for the same scene? Thanks again

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...076&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Yes, since there are 6 stops from f/5.6@1/2000 to f/1.4@1/500.

 

[JohnM]

I use Hoya HMC neutral density filters and am happy with 'em. Have an ND2, an ND4 and an ND400 that I use for infrared work with a Sony 828. They're a little pricey, especially the ND400, but worth it if you need em.

I'm sure B&W makes a good filter as well.

 

[XAos]

I've gotten adjusted to the idea that lenses cost a lot of money, but it'd cost a fortune to keep the handful of lenses I have in filters. UV, Red, Polarizing, ND and that's just some very basic stuff. Do you guys buy for your largest "normal (as in commonly used, not necessarily 50mm) lens and adapt, or just pony up as you can?

 

[JohnM]

I rarely buy top of the line filters - I tend to buy lesser models and I always keep an eye out for used filters at B&H. You can also find reliable filter sellers on Ebay.

There are ways to do it on the cheap and you likely will never notice the difference in performance.

 

[back alley]

i buy used mostly.

joe

 

[DHu]

Now another issue

Now another issue

Will this work for me? Say I typically shoot with 400 film and the widest I can open is f/5.6 at 1/2000 sec outdoors. With this filter, does that mean I can now open it up to f/1.5 and shoot at 1/500 sec for the same scene? Thanks again

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...076&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Can anyone recommend a 50mm/52mm step-up or 50mm/49mm step-down ring? The filters only come in either 49mm or 52mm and my Nokton is 50mm.

 

[DHu]

Hey🙂

Really? Mine has a 52mm filter on it.

ManGo

My bad, I was looking at the focal length. It is 52mm, I measured it, duh!

 

[Honu-Hugger]

My first choice is B+W or Heliopan -- same glass and high quality rings, then Nikon or Hoya's top line if B+W or Heliopan does not have what I need.

P. S. B+W and Heliopan also make very nice step up/down rings.