Polariser

[Terrence]

not sure if this falls under the right section. i am still experimenting and on the learning curve, so pardon my questions 😀

just got myself a Kenko 49mm Polariser (i think it's linear, since there's no mention of Circular) which i am thinking to try it our on my Konica Auto S3.

my question is, how do i use it? When i am using polariser on a SLR where i can look at the frame and adjust the polarising 'ring' to the ideal position, how do i do that in a rangefinder camera?

 

[the_jim]

There are two ways that I use.

1. Mount a correctly sized PL filter to your lens. Frame your shot. Rotate the filter and watch the light meter. On my Zeiss Ikon, I try to find an F stop where the camera is having a difficult time choosing between speeds. I then rotate the filter until it selects the slower shutter speed. Once, you have the filter at the right spot, feel free to adjust your F stop to whatever you like. Careful not to change your angle or framing throughout this procedure. If all goes right you can get shots like this.

2. Get a big filter. Hold it up to your eye. Rotate until desired effect is achieved. Hold over lens. Shoot. You get shots like this.

photo by my girlfriend.

For this method, it helps if you are using a tripod.

I am not familiar with your camera, so I don't know if the first method will work. The second works on any camera, but be careful if yours doesn't meter through the lens. If not, you will have to trick the camera into over exposing by 2 stops (usually by adjusting the shutter speed manually, or moving the ISO dial).

I don't know if this makes sense.

 

[wyk_penguin]

Get a vented step up ring and a honkin' big filter (72-77mm) that way ou can see the effect throught the viewfinder corner.

 

[Ronald M]

Leica makes a swing out model. You open it,adjust, and close. Orientation stays correct as you viewed.

Circular only polarises if you look from the rear. Linear from both sides.

Either requires a two stop compensation reguardless of orientation.

Meter without, add two stops and put the pola on the camera.

If you can rotate it and exposure does not change you can meter thru the lens. If it does, use the minimum exposure and reorient to get the polarizing effect you want. Do not change exposure from what you metered thru the filter.

The final effect of either type on the final picture is exactly the same.

 

[Terrence]

now i know what to do with it tho it seems a bit tricky there, shall try it out this weekend! thanx for the tips jim, penguin & ronald! 🙂

 

[Ben Blacket]

I use a Heliopan Linear Polfilter, which has numbers 1-15 on the turning ring. I point the filter in the direction I'm photographing, look through it, turn the ring to the desired position, note the number at the 12 o'clock position, place the filter on the lens & turn the ring to the same position. I find it's more precise than using the meter method - the Xpan's meter isn't as sensitive to the subtle changes.