I give up. After multiple bad experiences with Konica RF I am considering using ND filters with Leica/minolta 1000 shutter.

Radost · Dec 28, 2024

I do not like filters. Even with black and white. Maybe it is a mental illness but I have always mentally wanted to have the pure lens glass. One less factor to worry about.
But after some electronic camera failures and issues “especially 2 Konica RF” I am considering 2 stop B&W ND filter.
I like shooting with 1 camera in the summer from beach to afternoon. I dont see myself needing more than 1000 speed.
I want to change my photo life style
Any of the users here using ND filters for normal photography “not long exposure”?
Any recommendation? I am thinking about B&W Nano

1957ExaktaVarexIIa · Dec 28, 2024

I found a couple of second-hand B&W ND filters from this series a while ago and have been getting on well with them.

However, I've never had any inhibitions about taking my black and white or coloured photos with filters. On the contrary .

Paul Howell · Dec 28, 2024

When a working PJ there were times I used Diafine, 70s vintage Trix was rated at 2400, if I had to shoot at midday with a Nikon F I used a 2X ND, even with the F2 and top shutter speed of 1/2000th I generally used a ND filter. I never any noticeable loss of resolution, just a dim viewfinder.

Radost · Dec 28, 2024

Paul Howell said:
When a working PJ there were times I used Diafine, 70s vintage Trix was rated at 2400, if I had to shoot at midday with a Nikon F I used a 2X ND, even with the F2 and top shutter speed of 1/2000th I generally used a ND filter. I never any noticeable loss of resolution, just a dim viewfinder.

I am using mainly Rangefiners so no dim screens

BradS · Dec 28, 2024

I've never, in 45+ years of film photography use an ND filter. Never felt the need using Tri-X or HP5+ at 400 or FP4+ at 125.
I don't understand why they've become so popular now. Is it the photograph-absolutely-everything-wide-open fetish? I just don't get it.

Radost · Dec 28, 2024

BradS said:
I've never, in 45+ years of film photography use an ND filter. Never felt the need using Tri-X or HP5+ at 400 or FP4+ at 125.
I don't understand why they've become so popular now. Is it the photograph-absolutely-everything-wide-open fetish? I just don't get it.

I can not shoot film rated at 1600 on the beach. I do not want to carry 2 cameras.

BradS · Dec 28, 2024

Radost said:
I can not shoot film rated at 1600 on the beach. I do not want to carry 2 cameras.

....but, the obvious thing is to use a more appropriate film...like Ilford FP4+ or Kentmere 100 ???

Radost · Dec 28, 2024

BradS said:
....but, the obvious thing is to use a more appropriate film...like Ilford FP4+ or Kentmere 100 ???

and what do I do in the afternoon and evening? Get another camera. Roll the film and put another? It’s all about flexibility.
I dont want to have a bag of cameras. I want the camera to be a part of my life not my life

Paul Howell · Dec 28, 2024

With a rangefinder, a good quality ND +2, I don't think you will have any issues with loss of resolution or distortion, so why not?

Radost · Dec 28, 2024

Paul Howell said:
With a rangefinder, a good quality ND +2, I don't think you will have any issues with loss of resolution or distortion, so why not?

The only question is can i get a e43 for my 50 sumilux gen2 with a step down adapter for my 28mm elmerit without vigneting…

Paul Howell · Dec 28, 2024

I don't recall, what is the filter size for the 28mm, ND are not too expensive, just get a filter for each.

Radost · Dec 28, 2024

E39. I dont want more than one filter. Makes everything too complicated. Have them in my pockets.

reddesert · Dec 28, 2024

If you can find a 2X - 4X ND filter that suits your needs, that seems fine, but if I were shooting either B&W neg or color neg film and the meter told me there was more light than 1/1000 at f/16, I would just overexpose it. Negative film has a lot of latitude for overexposure. I wouldn't do this with slide film. But is there any really fast slide film left?

Patrick Robert James · Dec 28, 2024

Curious what the problems you have with the Hexar are. Never had any issues with mine except I've worn a lot of the paint off it at this point. It's been a champ (knock on wood).

I use NDs for long exposures for medium and large format mostly, but I do keep a 3 stop around for a 7Artisans 50mm f/1.1 on my Hexar RF. Even with the 1/4000 on the Hexar I still need an ND for that lens occasionally.

The most important thing for any filter is the coating. B+W, Heliopan, Hoya, Kenko all make good filters.

Radost · Dec 29, 2024

Patrick Robert James said:
Curious what the problems you have with the Hexar are. Never had any issues with mine except I've worn a lot of the paint off it at this point. It's been a champ (knock on wood).

I use NDs for long exposures for medium and large format mostly, but I do keep a 3 stop around for a 7Artisans 50mm f/1.1 on my Hexar RF. Even with the 1/4000 on the Hexar I still need an ND for that lens occasionally.

The most important thing for any filter is the coating. B+W, Heliopan, Hoya, Kenko all make good filters.

Terrifying error 20. Rangefinder getting knocked out

darinwc · Jan 4, 2025

I have a 6-stop ND filter I use for my 85mm f1.5 lens. This allows me to use ISO 100 film and shoot the lens nearly wide open.

But for ISO 1600 film, in a wide range of conditions, I think what you are looking for is a variable-neutral-density filter. They are quite popular right now.

K&F Concept offer profesional quality filters in a variety of density. There is even a ND8-2000 , which is actually a 3-11 stop filter. A 3-stop would turn your ISO 1600 into ISO 200. Add more ND would allow you to open up your lens more or add more time for long exposures.

Another note, It may help you to calculate exposures with ND included if you use a exposure calculator app on your smartphone.

-Hope that helps!

I give up. After multiple bad experiences with Konica RF I am considering using ND filters with Leica/minolta 1000 shutter.

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