Polarizer question
May 7, 2018 21:33:21 #
I just got a polarizing filter (BH) for my Nikon. The last time I used one was 30 years ago and was struck by the intense effects on clouds, visible through the viewfinder. Today, to my surprise, I could see absolutely no effect, no matter the filter rotation. This was true for multiple locations and shooting direction. Is there a reason for this lack of visible effect?
May 7, 2018 22:19:42 #
My first guess is you remember effects on the clouds on a day with direct sun on you and on said clouds, but that you were recently shooting on a truly cloudy day and had only diffused, reflected light that would not show the effects seen in direct sun. Beyond that, if you were using any version of a 'live view' it's likely the display is compensating for the reduction of light. Several students of mine tried to shoot the effects of a partial eclipse recently and their phones or cameras compensated for the reduced light and showed what seemed to to be a full sun shot even during the 60% eclipse...... they had longer exposure times, but virtually identical exposure to the full sun "before" pictures.
May 7, 2018 22:27:06 #
DaveyDitzer
Loc: Western PA
MACT wrote:
I just got a polarizing filter (BH) for my Nikon. The last time I used one was 30 years ago and was struck by the intense effects on clouds, visible through the viewfinder. Today, to my surprise, I could see absolutely no effect, no matter the filter rotation. This was true for multiple locations and shooting direction. Is there a reason for this lack of visible effect?
I have experienced the same results comparing a polarizing filter on a transparency shot (Kodachrome 25) with what I get currently with digital. So far, I'm missing something too.
May 7, 2018 22:38:53 #
The filter works best to bring out clouds against a blue sky. It intensifies the blue of the sky so the clouds stand out. It can make a pale blue sky look bluer.
May 7, 2018 22:56:26 #
May 7, 2018 23:52:48 #
Basic principle: A Polarizing filter darkens a clear sky at 90 degrees to the sun.
May 8, 2018 02:46:48 #
wdross
Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado
MACT wrote:
I just got a polarizing filter (BH) for my Nikon. The last time I used one was 30 years ago and was struck by the intense effects on clouds, visible through the viewfinder. Today, to my surprise, I could see absolutely no effect, no matter the filter rotation. This was true for multiple locations and shooting direction. Is there a reason for this lack of visible effect?
Tex-s is right and it only requires a rather thin haze to wipe out the total polarizing effect. He is also right about live view. The change in stops are hard to see since the meter system is averaging the light and dark areas per an algorithm in all but manual mode. So as one darkens the sky, the metering system allows the highlights to go a little higher and keeps the darkening from being dramatic in live view. There are only two ways to deal with is that I am aware of. One method is to notice when the difference between the highlights and dark areas are at their greatest in live view. This tends to be the harder method. Method 2 is to switch to manual mode, set the polarizer with what you see there, and then switch back to whatever mode you were in. This method shows the effect the best.
May 8, 2018 03:04:00 #
Pablo8
Loc: Nottingham UK.
illininitt wrote:
You have to have the sun behind you!
WRONG!!! Go back to reading the Physics of Polarization. Why do you troll-out mis-information? Newbies will read your post, (if they believe what you have posted), will remain as dumb as you.
May 8, 2018 05:31:51 #
Maximum effect will be at 90 degrees from the sun. Pointing into the sun or with the sun behind you will have no effect.
May 8, 2018 05:32:20 #
May 8, 2018 06:19:09 #
Alex A wrote:
Maximum effect will be at 90 degrees from the sun. Pointing into the sun or with the sun behind you will have no effect.
Keep the sun on your shoulder where possible (90°) for best effect, and I've been told (and it seems to be true) that if the sun is around 45° to the horizon whilst on your shoulder it's effect will further enhanced.
May 8, 2018 06:21:36 #
As said above, the Polarizer works best at 90 degrees to the sun. Give this a try, on a partly cloudy day, align your shoulders toward the sun and then your camera will be at 90 degrees.
May 8, 2018 06:22:02 #
May 8, 2018 06:45:43 #
John N wrote:
Keep the sun on your shoulder where possible (90°) for best effect, and I've been told (and it seems to be true) that if the sun is around 45° to the horizon whilst on your shoulder it's effect will further enhanced.
May 8, 2018 06:52:42 #
Pablo8 wrote:
WRONG!!! Go back to reading the Physics of Polarization. Why do you troll-out mis-information? Newbies will read your post, (if they believe what you have posted), will remain as dumb as you.
Pablo ! ! Do you not realize that opinions and myths are more enjoyable than science which leaves no or little room for argument. So to stir the pot [containing smelling brown porridge] I will suggest that his problem stems from "Global Warming" when it is 90 degrees outside. [MACT, I am teasing for a reason]
Do make sure that the glass in the filter is not mistakenly manufactured putting another glass, eg. UV, in the ring, could happen! The 90degree angle info is correct for maximum effect... aaa yes... noon... sun over head, now that is a problem... check out your system with the sun near the horizon and with great clouds...
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