Which filter system?

[kdanks]

I want to get a set of ND graduated filters for use with my Bronica 645. I don't know what to get, and I'm confused - A size, P size, 100mm...

What do people use, and what factors should I be thinking about?

Many thanks

Kevin

 

[naturephoto1]

I want to get a set of ND graduated filters for use with my Bronica 645. I don't know what to get, and I'm confused - A size, P size, 100mm...

What do people use, and what factors should I be thinking about?

Many thanks

Kevin

Hi Kevin,

You would probably want either the Cokin P or Lee Filter size. But this will be depend largely on the filter size of the lenses that you have or will expect to have. The Cokin P system accepts filter thread adapters up to 82mm in size. The Lee system accepts filter thread adapters considerably larger.

Good makers of Grad ND filters include of course Lee and Singh-Ray both in resin and there are also makers of glass filters such as B&W, Formatt, Heliopan, and Tiffen. I would stay away from the Cokin Grad ND filters that are not known for being very neutral in color.

Rich

 

[Baxter Bradford]

Hi Kevin

This topic has been raised a number of times before and lots of people have made very helpful contributions. I suggest searching the archive which ought to give you a good indication of the pros and cons of each brand.

Lee are great if you can or want to afford them.

 

[Nick Zentena]

Is this the ETR type or the RF? The G hood for the ETRS can be cheap used. It takes 3" filters. From memory I dont' recall what focal lengths it handles.

 

[roteague]

I agree with Rich and Baxter. Asking "Which filter system?" is like asking which car - VW or Porsche. It depends upon your budget, and your needs. I used to use Cokin P, but like Rich says, the ND Grads are not very neutral. Now I use the Lee System - it is much higher quality and more versitile, but also much more expensive.

 

[rbarker]

In addition to reading prior filter threads, I'd strongly suggest considering formats to which you might migrate in the future. Otherwise, you'll end up having multiple filter systems, along with the duplicated expense.

 

[naturephoto1]

Ralph,

A very good point.

Rich

 

[kdanks]

Thanks for all the replies gents. I haven't yet found the previous threads that Baxter mentions, although I have seen some very useful discussions - for example I had no idea that you could get hard and soft graduates. I realise that my subject line wasn't particularly helpful - I think I'm still some way from choosing between one brand and another, it's more a question of not knowing what I don't know... and therefore needing to understand what I need to ask myself. I'll keep reading the archives.

Kevin

 

[naturephoto1]

Kevin,

You can check this short thread:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Also, run an advanced search for Graduated ND filters on APUG. You should find quite a number of discussions. Some regarding Cokin P. Many are in the Large Format forums.

Rich