square plastic filter holders...

[DrPablo]

I have the Lee 4x4 filter holder, and I have a few 4x4 filters that don't have any plastic casing around the edges.

To this point I've just been putting them in the filter holder without a problem.

But I'm concerned about them wrinkling, getting my fingerprints on them, and the wind blowing them around.

So I bought a bag of the 4x4 plastic filter holders that are supposed to just snap shut around the filter.

The problem is that the filters take up the whole thing and block the interface where the holders snap closed.

So am I supposed to force it? To make holes in the edges of the filter? Any other ideas?

 

[mjs]

You said that they're plastic. Can they be sanded or trimmed to fit into your Lee filter holder?

Hey, I can't help it -- I'm a guy! Maybe you need a bigger hammer...

mjs

 

[Dan Henderson]

Dr. P: I had the same problem. So I trimmed 2 sides of each filter so they fit inside the holders. It was a pain, as was getting the holders to snap together properly, but the filters are now much easier to handle, and are safer from scratches. Also, after noticing scratches from the filters rubbing against one another, I bought a new bunch of filters, and now keep each filter (in its holder) inside the protective envelope it was shipped in. They seem to be holding up much better now.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

These are for gelatin or polyester filters, right? Just make holes in the filters or cut notches in the edges so they work with the frames you have. Not a big issue. They don't last forever. Eventually you'll replace the ones you use often.

 

[DrPablo]

Yes, they're for gel filters.

I was afraid I'd have to cut them, but they'll last a lot longer that way than if I have to manhandle them.

Fortunately I think it would take quite a bit of visible damage before they affect image quality too much, but better to be safe. And with my IR filters I really need to make sure they're lightproof and nearly flush against the lens.

Thanks all.

 

[Dan Henderson]

Fortunately I think it would take quite a bit of visible damage before they affect image quality too much, but better to be safe. And with my IR filters I really need to make sure they're lightproof and nearly flush against the lens.

I am given to understand that any scratches or blemishes will degrade image quality to some degree, so I have become downright fanatical about the filters I put in front of my lenses.

 

[DrPablo]

I am given to understand that any scratches or blemishes will degrade image quality to some degree, so I have become downright fanatical about the filters I put in front of my lenses.

I worry less about trivial filter blemishes on my 4x5 than I do with my 35mm and DSLR, because the enlargement factor is so much less. It's almost impossible for me to keep these in absolutely perfect condition when I'm shooting in stiff winds on the New England coast, but that shouldn't stop me from using them. Besides it's only so often that I'll be willing to spend $30 (or $90) for a 4x4 inch piece of cellophane. So I figure I may as well use them, enjoy them, and hope they last long enough.

 

[DanMcGuire]

with my IR filters

What format do you shoot IR in

 

[DrPablo]

I shoot IR in 4x5. I have an 87 and an 89b 4x4 filter.