Filters from China

dario · Apr 9, 2017

Hi folks
I need some filters for B&W use. I see such filters from China advertised very cheaply (less than $10). But they're made of some sort of plexiglass. Does anyone have any idea how they compare with real glass filters?
Thanks - Dario

railwayman3 · Apr 9, 2017

Perhaps have a look around on Ebay, etc., for some real glass filters from the established makers. I've always been happy with Hoya filters, bought quite a lot s/h with no problems.

bdial · Apr 9, 2017

As a guess, they probably don't compare well with a good glass filter.
Used filters of all sorts in good condition are generally easy to buy and inexpensive, depending on where you're located.

Mick Fagan · Apr 10, 2017

Well I bit the bullet earlier this year and picked up this lot of 67mm filters. I wanted them for my 4x5" lenses that use a 67mm filter ring. I was a bit worried about their quality, but thought for the price, (19.00 AUD delivered) I could wear it if they weren't flash.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ODS-Hi-D...647557&pid=100011&rk=1&rkt=11&sd=201808977481

I shot the orange and red filters in combination with my orange and red Nikon 72mm filters (using a step down ring). Both the orange sheets of film and red sheets of film from both the Nikon filter and the cheapy filter from China, were so close it was virtually impossible to tell.

I don't know about the filters you have looked at, but the Chinese filters I have bought are heavy, glass and seemingly bullet proof.

Yes there are some differences between my Nikon glass and the Chinese stuff, the Nikon glass was purchased around 37 years ago and you just don't want to know what they cost, they were incredibly expensive.

I also bought one of these first.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/371529606835?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Mick.

benjiboy · Apr 10, 2017

Mick Fagan said:
Well I bit the bullet earlier this year and picked up this lot of 67mm filters. I wanted them for my 4x5" lenses that use a 67mm filter ring. I was a bit worried about their quality, but thought for the price, (19.00 AUD delivered) I could wear it if they weren't flash.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ODS-Hi-Def-67mm-Color-Filter-Kit-Camera-DSLR-Video-Red-Blue-Orange-Yellow-Green/192152250788?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=1&asc=42398&meid=2819296a7932428e8d67be02f3647557&pid=100011&rk=1&rkt=11&sd=201808977481

I shot the orange and red filters in combination with my orange and red Nikon 72mm filters (using a step down ring). Both the orange sheets of film and red sheets of film from both the Nikon filter and the cheapy filter from China, were so close it was virtually impossible to tell.

I don't know about the filters you have looked at, but the Chinese filters I have bought are heavy, glass and seemingly bullet proof.

Yes there are some differences between my Nikon glass and the Chinese stuff, the Nikon glass was purchased around 37 years ago and you just don't want to know what they cost, they were incredibly expensive.

I also bought one of these first.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/371529606835?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Mick.

Well my friend they did build The Great Wall Of China when we were all living in mud huts .

RalphLambrecht · Apr 10, 2017

dario said:
Hi folks
I need some filters for B&W use. I see such filters from China advertised very cheaply (less than $10). But they're made of some sort of plexiglass. Does anyone have any idea how they compare with real glass filters?
Thanks - Dario

the best filters are made of multi-coated glass but they are expensive.Then again, they are a lifetime investment unless you happen to break them. Try to get them used to save cost. Tiffen are a good and inexpensive brand.B&W and Helioplan are the Mercedes of filters but sometimes a bit OTT.

AgX · Apr 10, 2017

Concerning coloured-glass filters, how many glassworks still make such glass? Three?

The sources for the photo-filter manufactures are thus limited. Differences for the rest could only be the polishing (if not bought polished from the glassworks), the coating and the filter-ring.

removed account4 · Apr 10, 2017

i have chinese made step up/stepdown rings and close up diopters, not the same type of filters you are looking at.
they are beautifully made and together cost maybe 10$ off of ebay from a chinese seller.
OP i would buy them they probably won't cost you very much $$ and you can learn for yourself
if they were worth the $$ or not. BTW i was told by someone online before i bought them
that they would be inferior in quality &c ..
have fun!

dario · Apr 12, 2017

Thanks folks for your replies, particularly the one from Mick Fagan, which included the links. I'll have a think about it before decuding what to do next. Regards to all.

Mick Fagan · Apr 12, 2017

Please let us know if you do purchase any, if you do purchase any, give us your thoughts.

Mick.

BMbikerider · Apr 12, 2017

dario said:
Hi folks
I need some filters for B&W use. I see such filters from China advertised very cheaply (less than $10). But they're made of some sort of plexiglass. Does anyone have any idea how they compare with real glass filters?
Thanks - Dario

Filters as you describe are almost certainly made from Acrylic resin. I have used them for AT LEAST 20 years, almost certainly more. Whilst they are not Multi Coated such as B&W, Helioplan or even Hoya they are very very good. If you need a filter that you use occasionally then these are quite up to the job and won't break the bank. The Chinese have come on leaps and bounds over the past 10-20 years and what they produce is well worth considering.

I find that many photographers are 'snobbish' about things such as filters and have to pay for the best, sorry change that that the most expensive, when really they don't need them. I doubt if they would turn them down if the price was bumped up, 1000%. They look at the price and think 'Oh they must be good I'll buy them'.

Using 35mm I can get a 12 x16 print from any of my lenses using these acylic filters and to be honest I doubt if anyone could tell the difference even close up. Even my Infra red opaque filter is only a thin piece of gel and has a few ripples in places It does not give any distortion or odd effects (apart from Infra red) what so ever.

carlostaiwan · Apr 12, 2017

Since I started using the cheap Hoya HMC, I haven't used any other brand. They work better (in my case) than the more expensive B+W, I get way less green flares in my pictures and they are 1/4 the price.

Ian Grant · Apr 12, 2017

I think you're right BMbikerider, I've been using Cokin P series filters for well over 30 years, they haven't deteriorated and they are no different to the Hoya HMC filters I used to use in terms of final image quality, which is the same filter or no filter.

The Chines filters are well made, I bought a deep red square filter about 18 months ago actually as a red enlarger filter and wasn't bothered about the quality, but it's excellent despite the low price. I wouldn't hesitate to buy more.

Ian

RalphLambrecht · Apr 12, 2017

Ian Grant said:
I think you're right BMbikerider, I've been using Cokin P series filters for well over 30 years, they haven't deteriorated and they are no different to the Hoya HMC filters I used to use in terms of final image quality, which is the same filter or no filter.

The Chines filters are well made, I bought a deep red square filter about 18 months ago actually as a red enlarger filter and wasn't bothered about the quality, but it's excellent despite the low price. I wouldn't hesitate to buy more.

Ian

my attitude towards Chinese products has also changed.They deliver an amazing quality for the price and have much improved over the last few years.

M Carter · Apr 12, 2017

On the higher end, Marumi filters are really quite good - if you need a really good ND or polarizer and don't want to monkey around, they're excellent filters and less costly than US or Euro name brands. I expect they'll be a respected manufacturer before long. But if you need a specific screw-on size, look at used offerings first, the market is pretty flooded.

I shoot digital video for a living, and I use a 4x4 matte box, so filters can be exorbitant (but also a lifetime investment). I've tested extensively, and mid-level chinese resin filters have no sharpness or distortion hit when compared to Tiffen glass filters - and I've pixel-peeped the heck out of this. Where cheaper filters fall down is in things like heavier grades of ND, where color casts can be an issue. No biggie with digital or B&W shooting, but for color film it could be a real concern. (I've tested by sampling RGB values with raw photos, and with cheap filters, they really can swing into the blue and green realm). If you need consistent color, spend a bit more, and remember to test anything you purchase.

Helios 1984 · Apr 18, 2017

M Carter said:
On the higher end, Marumi filters are really quite good - if you need a really good ND or polarizer and don't want to monkey around, they're excellent filters and less costly than US or Euro name brands. I expect they'll be a respected manufacturer before long. But if you need a specific screw-on size, look at used offerings first, the market is pretty flooded.

I shoot digital video for a living, and I use a 4x4 matte box, so filters can be exorbitant (but also a lifetime investment). I've tested extensively, and mid-level chinese resin filters have no sharpness or distortion hit when compared to Tiffen glass filters - and I've pixel-peeped the heck out of this. Where cheaper filters fall down is in things like heavier grades of ND, where color casts can be an issue. No biggie with digital or B&W shooting, but for color film it could be a real concern. (I've tested by sampling RGB values with raw photos, and with cheap filters, they really can swing into the blue and green realm). If you need consistent color, spend a bit more, and remember to test anything you purchase.

I'm looking into the Marumi, they have color filters listed on the japanese version of the site . Probably no longer in production as they are not listed in their catalogue.

Sirius Glass · Apr 18, 2017

If plexiglass filters were anywhere as good as glass coated filters, everyone would be buying them. Check out eBay.

Filters from China

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