metering with a contrast filter?

Crono · Apr 2, 2009

Hi
I am wondering if i can do TTL metering with a contrast filter on my lens :confused:

for example, an orange filter takes away 2 stops of light from me
do i have to meter 1st, then put the filter on and +2EV?

or if i can just put the filter on and do my metering as usual?

and an extra question
if i only want to buy one contrast filter for black and white
is the orange one the best to go for?

thanks

Mick Fagan · Apr 2, 2009

You will get many replies regarding which is the best filter for B&W.

As for metering TTL, you can safely meter with virtually all B&W filters, except red.

With red I use the manufacturers specification, which in my case is three stops for most situations. My TTL meter only allows about 2 and a bit extra with the red filter on and will underexpose the film if I use TTL.

Basically with red which can be called R8 or R60 or 25A depending on the manufacturer, you should figure out what works best with your particular film, as you should for all other filters. Each film will act slightly differently.

I myself use a deep orange for around 90% of all my normal B&W work and TTL when using a 35mm camera. I use the filter factor when using cameras without TTL.

Mick.

markbarendt · Apr 2, 2009

With TTL, I meter as normal most of the time. Mike is right in that you need to know what your equipment does.

As for which filter? I have a variety and I find that I don't have one favorite.

If you are in a camera club you might ask if somebody has a set that they are not using.

Christopher Walrath · Apr 2, 2009

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I use a yellow the most with landscape photography. With portraiture the orange finds its way out of the filter pouch more often. Some would suggest a CP as their carry-on. What are you more likely to be shooting with your one filter?

naeroscatu · Apr 2, 2009

1. Yes, you can do TTL metering with most filters on your lens. Correction is done automatically as sensor receives less light through the filer.
2. Not discussing brands and glass quality, there is no particular best filter in terms of what they do. I use deep orange and circ polarizer most of the time but that works for the look I'm after in my pictures. People may have different preferences.

Christopher Walrath · Apr 2, 2009

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Also with the extra reflective surface between you and the subject you want to try and reduce the amount of light entering through trhe viewfinder. The effect on the light meter from this would probably be negligible at best but it something else to bear in mind.

Sirius Glass · Apr 2, 2009

naeroscatu said:
1. Yes, you can do TTL metering with most filters on your lens. Correction is done automatically as sensor receives less light through the filer.
2. ...

What he said.

Steve

Crono · Apr 2, 2009

i mostly take landscape and have a cp already

considering buying a orange for general purpose so that i dont have to turn the cp all the time

and i am also wondering if there is really a big different between multi coated or not
i will probably go for hoya standard or hmc ... but i cant decide which to go...

Mick Fagan · Apr 3, 2009

Crono, if you use a lens hood and keep direct sunlight off the filter glass, then your requirements will be minimal.

Whilst multi-coating is better at most things and more desirable from many points of view, single coating is quite acceptable and was the standard for many years.

Cost can be an issue and if you are like most of us, skint most of the time, use a lens hood virtually always.

Mick.

Crono · Apr 3, 2009

yes
i do have a hood for my Ai'd lens and i am skint...
sigh...

i think i will go for the standard one then

thanks very much for all of yours input

2F/2F · Apr 3, 2009

If I had to have only one b/w filter, it would be a Wratten #11/Hoya XO yellow-green filter. It has the effect of a mild yellow filter, and also lightens greens.

You should be able to get decent results by metering through the filter, though I prefer to use an EI adjustment and an external meter, as any time I am using a filter I am on a tripod with an external meter anyhow.

metering with a contrast filter?

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