Making Noblex filters

blindphotographer · Jan 10, 2014

I have had success converting screw-in filters to Noblex 120 magnetic filters and wanted to pass it on. In my case I had some 52mm red and orange filters lying around. I simply used the thin self-adhesive refrigerator magnet material (which can be easily cut with scissors). I chose the flat side of the filter (the side that would be next to the camera lens if screwed in) on which to apply the magnet. I applied the magnets in two strips, leaving about 1 inch of glass in between. The real Noblex filters have a 13/16" open area and a magnet that runs all the way around.

They are as easy to insert and remove as the original Noblex filters and this process opens the possibility of using any screw-in type filter in any size that will cover the lens.

GDI · Aug 10, 2014

Blindphotgrapher, if you see this reply would you be willing to send or post a couple of pictures of your solution? I am looking for Noblex filters but they seem to be very rare these days.

thx

blindphotographer · Aug 13, 2014

I don't have a digital camera that will get in close enough to show one of these filters. Let me describe it a different way. On the magnetic side of the filter, you will have a strip down the center of the filter with no magnet. On either side of that will be opposing half-moon shaped magnets. Or, saying it another way: Cover one side of the filter with a magnet and remove a strip down the center.An added note since my first post - I bought more sticky magnet sheets for more filters, but the magnet material was too thin. It seems that it needs to be at least 1/8" thick to make contact with the steel around the lens.

I too will be making some ND filters, in my case for portraits. I have found with the lens set to near focus, WIDE OPEN and subjects about 12 feet away, the background goes beautifully soft.

GDI · Aug 16, 2014

Thanks, I think I understand and I'll give it a try. You said you were using 52mm filters - that seems pretty large, do you think any smaller filters would work?

thanks

blindphotographer · Aug 17, 2014

I had 52mm filters lying around unused, so I tried them first. I currently have only one "store-bought" Noblex filter (a graduated filter which darkens the sky and leaves the bottom half of the scene untouched). It measures a hair over 40mm in diameter. The 52mm filters will probably be less expensive because of mass production around that popular size.

bardamu · Jun 26, 2019

hello, old thread, but not many about this...
I am in the Alps with my Noblex 150 camera and a genuine gnd filter.
How do one practically manage to fit the filter? Yes I have read the manual, I have tweezers of sorts, not pin point, but the slot on the rotating drum is so narrow that I can barely let the filter drop inside and pray. I also see no way to remove the filter. Any special tool is needed? Or special technique? thank you

europanorama · Jul 2, 2019

everything is in the manual.

europanorama · Jul 2, 2019

we have made a sunshade-filter. uv-filter covered with black tape resulting in a slit-like sunshade. Very important!
for Widelux 1500 and Roundshot 65/70/220(lens tilted 2-3° to get more DOF) we cut out slit in lens-cap. for roundshot we added velvet.
we also made milkglass-filter for noblex for prefogging. special technique.

europanorama · Jul 2, 2019

on ebay there are superidiots who seperate noblex-cameras from filters! even slomo-modules are seperated. at least they leave viewfinders.

bardamu · Jul 2, 2019

europanorama said:
everything is in the manual.

thank you for the reminder. I have already been through the manual.

Wesselblad · Aug 21, 2019

I have access to series IV (6) filters that are the perfect diameter to modify for Noblex 6/150 camera use. I cut flexible refrigerator magnet material in curved strips and used double sided cellophane tape to attach. (Maybe super glue would work too) Then I also used the same refrigerator magnet material for 2 little pieces with 1/8” hole punch to be able to grab, hold, with 6” long tweezers. Mine could be prettier but for now it’s very functional. When I have time I’ll probably redo it with more skill.

Wesselblad · Aug 21, 2019

Wesselblad said:
View attachment 229341 View attachment 229342 I have access to series IV (6) filters that are the perfect diameter to modify for Noblex 6/150 camera use. I cut flexible refrigerator magnet material in curved strips and used double sided cellophane tape to attach. (Maybe super glue would work too) Then I also used the same refrigerator magnet material for 2 little pieces with 1/8” hole punch to be able to grab, hold, with 6” long tweezers. Mine could be prettier but for now it’s very functional. When I have time I’ll probably redo it with more skill.

I originally got my 6 inch long tweezers from a hospital where I was working as their photographer. I missed placed my tweezers and in the past few days located 6 inch long industrial tweezers at Grainger supply the brand is general. 6 inch long tweezers at Grainger hardware supply the brand is “General”

Wesselblad · Aug 23, 2019

Wesselblad said:
View attachment 229341 View attachment 229342 I have access to series IV (6) filters that are the perfect diameter to modify for Noblex 6/150 camera use. I cut flexible refrigerator magnet material in curved strips and used double sided cellophane tape to attach. (Maybe super glue would work too) Then I also used the same refrigerator magnet material for 2 little pieces with 1/8” hole punch to be able to grab, hold, with 6” long tweezers. Mine could be prettier but for now it’s very functional. When I have time I’ll probably redo it with more skill.

So the small hole on one side of the filter allows you to hold a filter with tweezers to place it over the lens.

Making Noblex filters

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