ND Filter with milky results
Nov 13, 2019 20:42:40 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
The holder just pushes onto the end of the lens? Can't be made more snug, closer so no gap?
Well, the filter holder slides onto the lens ring and then the filter slides into the holder. Unless I'm missing something.
Nov 13, 2019 20:48:05 #
Photobum wrote:
Well, the filter holder slides onto the lens ring and then the filter slides into the holder. Unless I'm missing something.
What is on the edges of the filter? Any coating or cover?
Nov 13, 2019 20:57:35 #
Longshadow wrote:
What is on the edges of the filter? Any coating or cover?
Nope. There's about a 1/32nd inch gap, which I think is the problem.
Nov 14, 2019 06:57:16 #
Photobum wrote:
Nope. There's about a 1/32nd inch gap, which I think is the problem.
Probably correct on the gap possibly affecting it, but I was meaning the side (thin) of the filter itself.
Nov 14, 2019 07:10:18 #
In my experience with ND filters they are extremely susceptible to flare like you see here. Avoid shooting in backlit situations like this. Keep the main light source behind or to the side and you’ll get much better results. I also believe the quality of the filter is extremely important.
Nov 14, 2019 07:27:18 #
Photobum wrote:
Attached is the result from a backyard photo taken with an ND 8 filter which would require an additional shutter speed of 3 stops. And even though I tried various shutter speeds with and without the viewfinder covered, they all have a milky or foggy appearance. Now these are a quite inexpensive set, but I at least thought I'd get better results than this. Oh, the filters are 3 inch square, rather than the screw in kind. Any suggestions would be most helpful. Ken
I just had similar problem. I just took two consecutive images- taking filter holder off and then replacing in between. One good, one hazy. No change in light conditions. I have had light leaks before-am using 16 stop filter.
1. Best practice is to cover viewfinder to prevent light from entering.
2. Filters should have gaskets around the edges.
3. Put 'camera raincoat' over camera and lens
4. Use gaffer tape
I am not happy with my Lee filter holder. It attaches very loosely to the adapter ring. Am concerned it will fall off. It is hard to prevent light from leaking around 100 mm filter edges. I have become aware of a filter holder that has end caps that look like they would do a good job of preventing leaks. Have read reviews and am concerned that the attachment will also be sub-optimal. But I think it will be better than the Lee holder. Here is a link. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1291990-REG/formatt_hitech_fc100holk_100mm_firecrest_filter_holder.html
Nov 14, 2019 08:39:10 #
Photobum wrote:
No. On mine, there is a noticable gap between the first filter slot and lens barrel. I don't know if all square sets are like this, but this seems to be an issue .
Nov 14, 2019 08:47:18 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Photobum wrote:
Attached is the result from a backyard photo taken with an ND 8 filter which would require an additional shutter speed of 3 stops. And even though I tried various shutter speeds with and without the viewfinder covered, they all have a milky or foggy appearance. Now these are a quite inexpensive set, but I at least thought I'd get better results than this. Oh, the filters are 3 inch square, rather than the screw in kind. Any suggestions would be most helpful. Ken
If you were aimed toward the sun in any way, light from it is going around you filter somehow and effecting the exposure.
Try the experiment again with the sun BEHIND you and see if that makes a difference. If it does, check out your filter holder, do you have the filter on the inner most spot or did you mount it on the outside most slot?
Nov 14, 2019 09:58:12 #
Architect1776 wrote:
It looks like flare.
Did you use a hood?
That is why I love my Variable ND by Hoya. Tack sharp and fists the lens with the hood on.
You might try it.
But these look like a hood was needed.
Did you use a hood?
That is why I love my Variable ND by Hoya. Tack sharp and fists the lens with the hood on.
You might try it.
But these look like a hood was needed.
I agree. Judge by the shadows you were shooting at an angle close to the sun
Nov 14, 2019 12:12:39 #
Looks like you were shooting into the sun that was high on the left and effected he exposure as it leaked behind the filter and the bracket that attached to the lens.
Nov 14, 2019 12:39:59 #
ecurb
Loc: Metro Chicago Area
Photobum wrote:
No. On mine, there is a noticable gap between the first filter slot and lens barrel. I don't know if all square sets are like this, but this seems to be an issue .
Black camera tape can close those gaps. There is black masking paper tape in art supply or hardware stores or black fabric camera tape from motion picture suppliers. I used to use it to patch bellows on view cameras.
Nov 14, 2019 12:42:44 #
ecurb wrote:
Black camera tape can close those gaps. There is black masking paper tape in art supply or hardware stores or black fabric camera tape from motion picture suppliers. I used to use it to patch bellows on view cameras.
Yep. That's my next step. Thank you.
Nov 14, 2019 13:59:16 #
Ok...I've come to the conclusion that these ND filters are simply junk. Thankfully, I didn't pay all that much for them. All of them produce a milky effect no matter where I aim in relation to the sun, close the gap between the filter and filter holder with black tape, or anything else. So, in the near future, I'm going to buy a quality screw in filter set of ND 2, 4, 8, 16, and the big stopper. Thanks for all the tips. Ken
Nov 14, 2019 15:20:33 #
Photobum wrote:
Attached is the result from a backyard photo taken with an ND 8 filter which would require an additional shutter speed of 3 stops. And even though I tried various shutter speeds with and without the viewfinder covered, they all have a milky or foggy appearance. Now these are a quite inexpensive set, but I at least thought I'd get better results than this. Oh, the filters are 3 inch square, rather than the screw in kind. Any suggestions would be most helpful. Ken
Be sure the filter is scrupulously cleaned with lens cleaning fluid and lens cleaning tissue.
Use a lens hood if you possibly can.
The example looks like it is full of flare. Flare is caused when a light source hits a lens or filter surface directly. Bright cloudy sky can qualify as a light source when the clouds are thin and the sun is behind them.
Flare may also be caused by using a filter that is not multi-coated with flare reducing chemicals. Better filters generally are coated several times with different layers that reduce flare of different wavelengths of light.
Many of the 3" square filters are plastic, and not multi-coated. They are intended for use with a bellows-like lens shade and integral filter holder. They work best with longer lenses, so you can extend the bellows farther to shade the filter more, without vignetting.
Using uncoated filters with wide angle lenses on backlit subjects is asking for flare, vignetting, or both.
Nov 14, 2019 20:06:46 #
You may want to look into Xume magnetic rings for fast and easy changing of filters and lens cap.
Photobum wrote:
Ok...I've come to the conclusion that these ND filters are simply junk. Thankfully, I didn't pay all that much for them. All of them produce a milky effect no matter where I aim in relation to the sun, close the gap between the filter and filter holder with black tape, or anything else. So, in the near future, I'm going to buy a quality screw in filter set of ND 2, 4, 8, 16, and the big stopper. Thanks for all the tips. Ken
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