Filters Anyone?

[jamusu]

I am interested in using color filters for the first time with my pentax k-1000. Would anyone happen to know where I can purchase a set of them for a good price?

Thanks.

 

[Nick Zentena]

You want filters for B&W? For colour film? For IR? Basically why do you want filters? You really don't need a set. I'd start out with one you really need and then expand. You want a suggestion? For B&W film either a #15 or a #16 to start. Avoid the temptation to get a 25. At least for now.

 

[Christopher Walrath]

Yeah. For color, try a circular polarizer. Black and white, a light yellow and a light red filter. Medium red for IR since IR film is blue sensitive. But definitely go with a quality brand name so DIRT A%% cheap is out the window. But reasonable deals are to be found. A really good camera shop (ie, NOT WalMart) that sells consignments might have some used filters that they got with a camera kit they're trying to sell and they would sell those cheaper than new. But stick to Hoya, Tiffen, B&W, Cokin, ProMaster.

 

[Pinholemaster]

"for a good price?"

All depends on what that means. Cheap? You get what you pay for.

Since a filter is altering your image, make sure the filter is not so 'cheap' that it ruins what your photographic vision is.

Me, I put the best filters on my lenses since the lenses are what shape the image. B+W, Hoya, Nikon, etc. The thinner the better.

Since you did not tell us what you've envisioned in using filters, we can go into more detail.

For B&W, a yellow, orange, green and red are the basics. For color film, you need a polarizer, color correcting and color compensating filters. Of course for Infrared, you can get away with an R-25, but I'd invest in near-Infrared or true Infrared filters.

Good luck in your quest.

 

[jamusu]

Sorry...

In my haste I forgot to mention it is for black and white. Right now I do not want them for a particular purpose. Experimentation along with trial and error is what I am interested in if it makes any sense.

Jamusu.

 

[Christopher Walrath]

Then go with Walt's suggestions. Red, Orange, Green and Yellow. The red will brigthen red values and drop greens and blues. The yellow will lift yellow and block blue. The green will raise green light and lower cyans (red and blues to some effect) and the orange will act much like the red. Go with the lowest factor filters to start with. And if your lenses have similar filter threads, go with circular filters and get adapter rings as needed.

 

[jamusu]

Will do Chris.

Thanx a blast!

 

[blanco_y_negro]

Jamusu,

I highly recommend Heliopan or B+W filters not only for their optical quality but also for the quality of metal and workmanship on them. Cheaper brands tend to stick, and this is annoying. Also the lens in cheaper filters tend to get loose over time. Yes, you can tighten them but that's irritating too. Spend a few extra bucks and get the best.

Cheers..

 

[JBrunner]

Yup, better is cheaper when it is all said and done.. I'm always cracking up when I see an expensive camera with cheap optical components. Puts the horse before the cart.

 

[jamusu]

Blanco y Negro where can I purchase these filters?

 

[Whiteymorange]

You might want to check here for ideas of what you could start with.

 

[jamusu]

Thanx Whiteymorange. That is alot of info!

 

[DWThomas]

Another possible consideration (which may not apply in your case) is to buy filters to fit your largest lens and buy step-up rings to adapt them to smaller diameter lenses, thereby only needing one set of filters. There are some trade-offs though, as larger filters cost more and really large ones might block viewfinders or something on some cameras.

I came to this revelation the hard way, as I had an assortment of 52 and 58 mm stuff for 35mm cameras, and now I'm buying 67mm filters for medium format but have no options.

DaveT

 

[RobC]

download the following and see the section on black and white filters.

n.b. the brand is called b+w but not all the filters are for black and white


http://www.schneiderkreuznach.com/pdf/filter/B+W_filter_handbook.pdf

 

[jamusu]

Will do.

Thanx!

 

[jamusu]

Hi.

I am ready to purchase some of the filters, but I am having trouble finding the B+W filters. I am also interested in purchasing a ND 3.0 filter. I went to the schneider website, but it was confusing. Maybe I just became impatient.

Where is a good place to purchase B+W filters?

Jamusu.

 

[Robert Budding]

The B+W MRC (coated) filters are superb. Less likely to flare (use a hood) and easy to keep clean. Optical quality is excellent. I buy mine from bhphoto.com.

 

[jamusu]

Thank you Robert.

James.