Color Filters for B&W size

[djklmnop]

So in shooting LF or any format for that matter, how do you guys deal with multiple filter threads? Do you simply pick up say 77mm filters and use step-up rings? I figure it would be a huge investment to pick up a series of red filters to accomodate all the lens'. Any thoughts?

 

[Canuck]

Just did that. Had a couple of medium format lenses that were 67 and 77 in size. Since I use the O2 alot, I bought one for each. For the other ones (Blue, Yellow, Green and Polarizer) I just went and bought a few rings to go from 58 to 77 (and few other sizes in between). Works for me except when I can remember where I set down the converter rings

 

[Wally H]

In general, I purchase B+W (or equiv) high quality filters in the largest size and then purchase the adpaters according.

 

[jovo]

I was lucky enough to be able to use the 49mm filters that I originally bought for my OM1 for the 210mm Geronar that I bought with the Omegaview. The 150mm G-Claron I acquired subsequently uses 35.5 filters, but using a 35.5-37 and then a 37-49 step up ring allowed use of all the same filters.

The other common solution is to by a square filter holder which can be adapted once again to most lenses with step up rings and just buy one set of square filters (like Cokin P).

 

[bobfowler]

I have a huge assorment of filters I've bought over the years in so many sizes it's hard to keep track. These days, most of my LF lenses can be adapted to series 8 filter size so that's pretty much what I carry. What I don't have in series 8, I have in 67mm - a wonderful thing because 67mm filters screw right into a series 8 filter adapter.

For smaller formats, my filter collection is all over the map. I've got about 30 years worth of filter purchases, some in sizes I'll probably never use again...

 

[Brook]

I have a bunch of big process lenses, so I usually use 4" wrattan filters on the back of the lens with a bit of tape balled up on the out side of the barrel to hold it. Crude but it works.
Brook

 

[rbarker]

I use 77mm filters with step-up rings for most of the smaller LF lenses. I also have a couple of 105mm filters, and those were particularly painful. There are, however, several systems for use of 100mm gel, polyester and resin filters that use step up rings with a single filter holder. This is a more economical approach, but also has its own drawbacks (e.g. less convenient, lens shades aren't optimal, etc.).

Using large filters with step-up rings also presents potential lens-shade issues for the smaller lenses. But, its all a series of trade-offs where personal opinions and preferences reign supreme.

 

[Nick Zentena]

Yup step up rings. OTOH the smaller filters [49,52 and 58mm ] are pretty common and cheap on the used market. The problem isn't buying the filters it's carrying them. I don't really want to deal with carrying a bunch of different size filters and then keeping track if they're in the bag or left some place.

 

[matt miller]

I use one of those cheap Lee snap on filter kits. The filters are 4x4 (i think) and fit into a holder that attaches to the front of the lens with a fat rubber band. I don't use filters much at all & this was cheap. It's worked great the few times that I've used it. I believe the kit comes with red, orange, yellow & green filters. Probably not a good choice for someone who uses filters a lot, but is priced right & will fit any lens.

 

[Helen B]

Ralph makes a good point about the non-optimal lens shade that comes with Lee etc 4x4 (100 mm x 100 mm) filter holders. These are usually square and they are inadequate for longer focus lenses. The answer to both of these problems is to make a card with a rectangular aperture in it, like a matte, that sits in front of the hood. The design needs tailoring if lens movements are to be used, of course. One way of checking that the matte is not in frame at all is to run something round the inside of the aperture and see if it is visible - typically I use the tip of my finger. Further modifications could include an 'eyebrow' or flag.

On the same subject, you should also prevent stray light from entering the edges of the filters, any open slots in the filter holder and the back of the holder if it is open. I use black cinefoil (heavy aluminium foil with a matt black coating), but only because I have plenty of it at hand.

Oh, and don't forget that you can get multicoated glass filters for these filter holders as well as gelatin, polyester and resin. And, if it turns you on, you can easily use acetate, acrylic, acrylic and maple syrup, whatever you fancy...

As I've mentioned before, ATG adhesive transfer tape, better known as 'snot tape' is commonly used for fixing behind-the-lens filters.

Best,
Helen