Cheap filter kit to start with

IngMacca · May 3, 2017

Hi!
Can anyone suggest me a starter kit with black and white color filter.
I have difficulties finding it in most online store... i can only find single filters (for example only red,
only yellow) but they're very expensive!
As a first attempt I don't want to spend much, so i'd prefer a cheap full kit filter set.

Any suggestion? Ideas?

Thanks a lot

Marco

AgX · May 3, 2017

Buy used single filters.

jimjm · May 3, 2017

If you look on eBay you should be able to find single filters at very good prices. Brand new filters from retailers are expensive, but you can often find used filters in excellent condition for a fraction of the cost. DO NOT skimp on quality - buy brand names like Hoya, Tiffen or B&W and get coated filters. If you buy cheap no-name filters, you will regret it.

For most B/W shooting you'll want a Yellow #8, Red #25, and possibly Orange or Green filters.

AgX · May 3, 2017

Cokin sells "kits", but they do not contain blue.

MartinCrabtree · May 3, 2017

I've bought quite a few good filters cheap on the APUG classifieds. Just keep your eyes open they'll show up.

BrianShaw · May 3, 2017

What size? B&w contrast filters only?

What's your price point?

IngMacca · May 3, 2017

62m.
Yes BW contrast only.
I'd like to spend no more than 50 $

Ko.Fe. · May 3, 2017

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ex-Pro-62-M...160645?hash=item1ec43a18c5:g:~ygAAOSwhQhY2mnE

btaylor · May 3, 2017

I got a Lee B&W 4"x4" polyester set for about $65 from Freestyle, though I don't see it on their site now. It's especially handy for big lenses and uses a rubber band to hold it onto the lens so it fits most anything. The filters are extremely delicate however.

BrianShaw · May 3, 2017

IngMacca said:
62m. (SIC)
Yes BW contrast only.
I'd like to spend no more than 50 $

You should be able to do that, but maybe individually rather than a set. A quick look at eBay-US shows a $3 BIN with free worldwide shipping for an orange filter. There are red and yellow filters in the $8 - 10 range but I didn't check about international shipping. You really don't need much more than that, and if all you had was that orange filter you'd be fine for quite a while I'd guess.

Sirius Glass · May 3, 2017

Buy used single filters. Start with a haze or UV filter for each lens. Make sure that they are the same type [different types and brands are different colors and that will through off your color between lens.
For black & white: yellow, orange, and maybe red [really blackens the sky]
For color and black & white: polarizer

GRHazelton · May 9, 2017

I've had good success from filterfind.net. Tim knows his stuff; he found me a series adapter for my Zeiss Ikon Contessa which has an EXTERNALLY threaded lens! Why, Oh Why? For BW film I'd agree with prior posts, Yellow (be advised there are at least two different "yellow" filters!), red, orange, green, and polarizing although orienting a polarizing filter is difficult unless with a SLR. Go for a circular polarizer, it will work on any camera. For all of these be aware of the exposure increase needed for other than a skylight or UV filter. Of course TTL metering takes care of the "filter factors."

Don't forget proper lens shades! They can make anywhere from a subtle to amazing difference in your pictures.

Sirius Glass · May 9, 2017

I too have used filterfind.net with good success.

Cheap filter kit to start with

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