Polarizer question
May 8, 2018 06:54:27 #
Guyserman
Loc: Benton, AR
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?
Is it a circular polarizer? They give different results from the ones you rotate.
May 8, 2018 06:59:46 #
Guyserman wrote:
Is it a circular polarizer? They give different results from the ones you rotate.
I believe Circular Polarisers give the same result as Linear Polarisers. Linear Polarisers upset the something on DSLR'S (possibly the Auto Focus) so they require a Circular Polariser.
And both have to be rotated to get the maximum effect.
May 8, 2018 07:18:44 #
Mike Adams
Loc: Connecticut
Thanks for all the replies, unfortunately most don't apply. I was shooting on Manual, it was late afternoon, the sky was clear blue with ~30% puffy cumulus clouds and, as I mentioned, I shot in every direction. It appears the suggestion that the camera display is being adjusted may be the answer. I can see the effect of reducing glare off water, but not of contrasting cloud/sky. So far the only solution I have is to check each shot immediately, then turn the ring, take another shot and check again, until I get the shot I want. Not very convenient, far less so than 30 years ago, but I will have to learn to live with it.
May 8, 2018 07:46:17 #
Mike, as a test, take the polarizer off the camera and rotate it while looking through it. You should see the effect on blue sky very pronounced.
May 8, 2018 07:59:54 #
RichieC
Loc: Adirondacks
90° to Sun... Repeates what has already been said, but I'll add why a polarizer is practically useless on pano's and wide angle lenses... you end up with a band falling somewhere in the photo that is polarized, but the effect is gradually zero at one or both sides as you move from the 90° position... makes for a very awkward effect and most likely a useless image.
I have one- i barely ever use it. When I can, i do like the effect!
I have one- i barely ever use it. When I can, i do like the effect!
May 8, 2018 08:02:13 #
E.L.. Shapiro wrote:
Basic principle: A Polarizing filter darkens a clear sky at 90 degrees to the sun.
May 8, 2018 08:14:32 #
Mike Adams
Loc: Connecticut
kmocabee wrote:
Mike, as a test, take the polarizer off the camera and rotate it while looking through it. You should see the effect on blue sky very pronounced.
Ha! Good point, it works just fine. That suggests that the camera is busily 'optimizing' the view I see and reducing the visible effect.
May 8, 2018 08:39:14 #
Pablo8
Loc: Nottingham UK.
kmocabee wrote:
Mike, as a test, take the polarizer off the camera and rotate it while looking through it. You should see the effect on blue sky very pronounced.
Make sure you are looking through the filter, the same way that the lens is looking through it. If held in the reverse direction, you will not likely see any Polar' effect.
May 8, 2018 08:43:29 #
Pablo8
Loc: Nottingham UK.
illininitt wrote:
Pablo: They were going to ban me till they found out I was a Vet (06/68-06/70).
Well, I don't understand that post, in relation to the thread. regarding Polarization in Photography.
May 8, 2018 09:20:26 #
Pablo8 wrote:
Well, I don't understand that post, in relation to the thread. regarding Polarization in Photography.
No big deal...he likes to trot out the vet story.
Wonder if he knows that there are many vets here on the forum not looking for sympathy or a pat on the back or trying to impress.May 8, 2018 10:05:55 #
So for maximum effect 90 degrees from the sun tells me that, at high noon the effect should be maximum anywhere near the horizon.
Yes, no, maybe ?
Yes, no, maybe ?
May 8, 2018 10:07:47 #
lsupremo
Loc: Palm Desert, CA
I’m wondering if your memories of 30 years ago were in B&W? The effect is stronger because it had mostly to do with contrast. Also wondering if maybe 30 year old memories were also a factor.
May 8, 2018 10:11:33 #
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?
Did you meanB&W polarizer? If so a thing that I haven't read mentioned is the different performance between brands and models, at least that I've experienced. I have some old Nikon brand ones who's effects are more pronounced than B&W & a few assorted others. The one B&W pro I have is the most subtle of all of them. Notwithstanding the sun angle business, from my experience this could be a piece of the puzzle. I tend to carry a couple so I can choose which to use in a given situation. Good luck sorting it out.
May 8, 2018 10:12:50 #
"Basic principle: A Polarizing filter darkens a clear sky at 90 degrees to the sun."
This is a correct statement. I just wanted to mention that using evaluative, matrix or multipattern metering IS NOT what the manufacturer of your camera recommends. These filters are dark and those meters easily get confused unless you keep on shooting and adding exposure compensation. Meter with center weighted or spot meter and then you will have an accurate exposure.
I use old polarizer filters and NEVER had an issue.
This is a correct statement. I just wanted to mention that using evaluative, matrix or multipattern metering IS NOT what the manufacturer of your camera recommends. These filters are dark and those meters easily get confused unless you keep on shooting and adding exposure compensation. Meter with center weighted or spot meter and then you will have an accurate exposure.
I use old polarizer filters and NEVER had an issue.
May 8, 2018 10:16:12 #
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