2-stop ND filter affecting my images?

Hi everyone,

I was recently scanning some film and noticed that some of my images taken in very bright sunlight were washing out. That is, the highlights were really bright... more than they should be.

I'm using a Pentax 645 and sometimes I need to use an ND filter to lower the light in order for me to shoot wide-open. The problem is that with color film I'm noticing some weird effects. Perhaps the filter is messing up my in-camera metering?

Has anyone else had this problem? Could it just be the harsh sunlight?

Could it be flare?

Placing a filter on the lens often puts a glass element in the sun or into other reflected light, where it's not protected in the shadow of the lens barrel like many front lens elements are. That can easily cause a veiling flare. Try cleaning the filter, and if you're not using a lens shade, try one.

Lee