I was wondering if there was a manufacturer that made a 39mm gradient ND filter system. I'm very curious about this. I bought a Bay 2 step up ring for my Rollei 3.5F. The filter size for it is a 39mm.
(That set is super cheap related to the original version made by Lee Filters.)
Such type of filter would be the best choise for a SLR, due to its inherent variabilty in positioning, and the ability to control its effect.
For a TLR however a fixed position of the "edge" would be more advisable. Furthermore the protruding part may irritate view in the finder.
Keep in mind that there are at least three different basic types of gradual filters, varying in the location of the density slope.
What surprised me was gradient filters were available over 100 years ago, I came across a Sanger-Sheperd advert from 1910 that included them. I also picked up a set of pre-WWII filters in a case with a graduate yellow.
I'd go for a modern Hitech or similar as suggested above that you can use on other cameras if needed.
I just looked at a late price list from Helipan: they seem only to have offered sliding filters lately.
But they should be able to custom-make a static filter (circular plate in 39mm ring).
So maybe just stand slider solid ND filter kit would work better.. I could also spot the adjusted graduated filter on viewing lens and carefully move it to taking lens. What do you think?
Yhea.. I'm kind of excited about the results that this would yield. I would most likly use it for landscapes. I have a friend that knows another friend that is a professional photographer that shoots Mountian bike images and his image where published in Bike Magazine a few times. He showed me a beautiful image of a graduated image in the foothills in while sunset. Of course this guy uses a digital camera. I was thinking.. OK, this would look awesome if I could somehow use this treatment on my Rollei for trip to Iowa. I need to decide pretty quickly if this will work so I can get on time.
What would be best I think would be the Lee 4" gelatin filter in their super-high-tech filter adapter (aka rubber band) that you could put over a Rollei lens shade. Then you'd be able to position the filter very precisely for not just angle but also height in the image.
I use a Cokin A-size filter holder threaded to an aftermarket bayonet adapter on my Rollei. Your solution should serve you very well. The adapter works well with a polarizer as well...