Flaw in Cokin Grad ND filter and a Grad ND question

[mark]

I was given a Cokin graduated ND filter by a guy getting rid of stuff. He said he never used it as he only shot portraits. I was playinh with it the other day and realized that there was a flaw. By flaw I mean as I pass it in front of my eye something makes the view wavy. I have no intention of using the filter and since I did not pay for it I am out nothing but I was wondering if this type of flaw is normal with Cokin filters? I was going to buy a couple of their ND grads but am now hesitant. I cannot afford to buy the lee filters or other high end stuff and figured the Cokins were in my price range.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Resin filters can become distorted if they are exposed to excessive heat. Another issue with Cokin ND grads is that they're a little on the warm side of neutral in general.

 

[jovo]

If you have the Cokin P filter holder Tiffen makes an ND grad that' fits it and is of much better quality, i.e. it's glass, and, my sample at least, is free of obvious distortions.

 

[roteague]

The Cokin graduated ND's are fine - I used them for years, before switching to Lee.

 

[mark]

Thanks folks.

John, I looked at the tiffen filters and they are out of my price range. Someday, maybe but not with a three yearold and 6 month old and only one income.

Cokin it is. You want to sell me yours, robert? At least I could say they helped someone's fantastic photos

 

[roteague]

Cokin it is. You want to sell me yours, robert? At least I could say they helped someone's fantastic photos

Sure, PM me with your address and I'll send them to you. You can just pay for the shipping. I don't use these filters anymore; perhaps you will get some use out of them.

 

[mark]

PM sent

Thanks

 

[glbeas]

Robert you are some kind of gentleman! Don't worry, I won't tell anybody!

 

[Lee Shively]

Robert's experience with Cokin filters is different than mine. All the Cokins I've tried had optical distortions.

 

[roteague]

Robert's experience with Cokin filters is different than mine. All the Cokins I've tried had optical distortions.

You get what you pay for I guess. I couldn't afford the Lee Filters, so I had to make do with the Cokin. I still have Red/Green/Yellow Cokin Filters for B&W work, and they all look pretty clean.