BIG B&W Filters ... I Mean BIG

whlogan · Mar 26, 2010

Some of you have heard of my planned trip to Monument Valley next month. I am taking a Pentax, an SL66, a GS-1 and a Blad. The wide angles for most of these beasts use filters like 95mm or 100mm and the cost of filters for these lenses are almost like the lenses themselves! I am wondering if a set of Cokin P series filters might answer for this problem. Would it? Does Cokin have a #29 red filter in its stable of filters. I am puzzled by Cokin's website and not really informed by it at all. No prices, no measurements about barrel sizes of any real help. Can any one straighten me out here? I sort of think the P220 set looks like the right way to go for a Pentax 55mm wide angle (the guy who wants 100mm filters)... does that sound right to any one?

Appreciate any advice or help. I like dark red filters for Western skies...
Thanks
Logan

Rick A · Mar 26, 2010

Blatant plug for my stuff---- I have a Cokin 'P' set with red, yellow, green,orange, holder and a couple of adapt rings, all you need is the correct ring(s) for your lenses.

Rick

Jeff Kubach · Mar 26, 2010

I think quality could be a factor with Cokin since it is not true glass. (I do have some Cokin)

Jeff

Denverdad · Mar 27, 2010

Logan,

I think that a filter holder system (such as those by Cokin, Lee, and probably a couple others) is a good way to go, in general. The Cokin Z-pro holder has worked well for me and my Pentax 6x7 outfit having filter diameters up to 95mm.

It is a little confusing at first trying to understand how these systems fit together, what parts you need, and what sizes will work. For the Cokin holder system, I would suggest starting with this page of their website . It outlines the basic concept and near the bottom has links to each of four Cokin holder systems - A, P, Z-pro, and X-pro. These are all basically just different sizes of the same filter holder concept, differing mostly in the maximum lens thread size they will work with, and the size of the filters required. Those are clickable links by the way so you can click and get more information on each.

Looking at that information you can see that the P-series holder won't work on those larger lenses you have since it is designed for filter thread sizes only up to 82mm.

Finally, don't think you have to use only Cokin filters if you get a Cokin holder, or Lee filters if you get a Lee holder, etc.; there is a lot of mix-and-match potential with these systems. For example in my Cokin Z-pro holder I use Hitech ND grad filters, Lee B&W filters, and the Cokin circular polarizer (which is designed to fit in the first slot of the holder).

I hope that is helpful!

Jeff

wildbill · Mar 27, 2010

once you use the lee filter system (holder/bellows) you'll never look back knowing you've got the best there is.

AgX · Mar 27, 2010

Lee Filters meanwhile have two ranges of standard filters, made from dyed PET foil:

-) 100x100mm

-) 150x150mm

Q.G. · Mar 27, 2010

Jeff Kubach said:
I think quality could be a factor with Cokin since it is not true glass. (I do have some Cokin)

It's not not being glass that makes Cokin a less prefered choice.
Resin (of the artifical type) filters can be perfectly good. If they are made good.
I have come across too many bad Cokin filters (warped, with Schlieren, uneven colour) to even consider considering Cokin filters a choice worth consideration.
Lee filters (i use a bunch of those) are made of the same stuff. But infinitely better. Cromatek appear to be o.k. too.

AgX · Mar 27, 2010

Lee Filters use the designation "resin" only for their thick, stiff, graduated filters.

Q.G. · Mar 27, 2010

AgX said:
Lee Filters use the designation "resin" only for their thick, stiff, graduated filters.

Not "only" graduated filters, no.
You can get any filter they offer in flexible polyester foil also in rigid resin. But not the other way round.

I also have some polyester Lee filters, but though less so than gelatine filters, they are rather vulnerable.

keithwms · Mar 27, 2010

Consider rear element filters. At least on my rb and rz lenses, those are really quite small and inexpensive. For LF lenses, you can may be able to unscrew the front or rear element and place a filter there; you don't want to place it right at the aperture, but some distance away should be fine. I have done this with IR gels before.

Q.G. · Mar 27, 2010

I would only use (rather thin) gels behind the lens.
Light rays are rather angled behind the lens, and even a thin filter will act as a lens and do bad things.

keithwms · Mar 27, 2010

That's true, it isn't optimal, but in a [desperate] pinch....

Anyway, rear filters are quite useful and economical for MF, I use one on my RB fisheye. And if you are using uncoated filters or gels, putting them on the rear may spare you some issues.

eclarke · Mar 27, 2010

Lee holder system with Hitech filters...EC

Sim2 · Mar 27, 2010

Hi there,
I "bit the bullet" a few years ago on a Lee holder and bellows hood - expensive compared to a Cokin but I had used Cokin before and the Lee has held up to the abuse that I have thrown at it very well - including getting covered with sea salt spray and just rinsed off under a tap!

You could start with the gels and selectively "upgrade" your most popular filters to the solids. Don't forget they also do wide angle lens adapters too. Which ever ones you choose, get a hood as well - do not scrimp there. Have a look at their site.
Sim2.

Vanishing Point Ent. · Mar 27, 2010

Use the Wide Angle Filter Rings !

eclarke said:
Lee holder system with Hitech filters...EC

Lee & only Lee has a set of wide angle adapter rings.

These are machined rings, so they are kind of expensive however,
when used with a Lee 4 in. holder with a single slot, they are
practically guaranteed not to vignette.

The reason is that the adapter ring is designed to be recessed,
when mounted on the lens, not stick out forward.

A very efficient system. Don't buy the spring-loaded rubber band
style, currently prevalent.

This may end up being quite an investment, but once you own it,
you will find many uses for it. I just wish that they had a good
bellows lens shade.

Since the # of slots are adjustable, I suggest getting 2 Lee holders.
One as a single slot, for the Ultra-wides & the other with 2 slots,
for more normal use. You don't want to be fighting with this
out in the field.

Q.G. · Mar 27, 2010

Perhaps superfluous, perhaps usefull to point out that you can use the thin foil filters in the Lee holders as well as the rigid (and thicker) resin filters.
So you don't have to invest in a set of the more expensive resin filters as soon as you decide to invest in a Lee holder/hood.

CBG · Mar 28, 2010

The lee hood itself is great too.

mark · Mar 28, 2010

Lee filters. Cokin are too inconsistent as people have said. You might want to think about dust control. That area has the potential of being really freaking windy this time of year. Will be that way for the month at least. Could go into late May with the wind. With wind comes a lot of blowing sand. Think sand storms.

BIG B&W Filters ... I Mean BIG

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency