Filtering Systems for Rangefinders

adammalski

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4 May 2004 - 11:25 PM

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Hi, I have an XPan II and would like to purchase a filtering system.

- Is there a substantial difference in quality between Lee and Cokin, as there is in price?

- How do you meter for 1,2,3 stop graduated ND filters on a Rangefinder such as the Xpan?

- This may be a silly thing to say but the diameter of my lens is 49mm so would a graduated filter produce different results than if it was on a lens with a larger diameter?

Any help would be appreciated
Cheers
Adam

adammalski

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5 May 2004 - 3:39 AM

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What is a gel filter? Is there much variation with quality between gel and glass?

Yes the XPan has TTL but because of the rangefinder design I'm unsure as too how to position the Graduated ND? I know lots of landscape photographers using XPans, Mamiya 7 and Fuji 617's use grad ND's. I'm after a bit of advice as to how I should position the filter.

tim franklin

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5 May 2004 - 6:36 AM

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With ND grads on any rangefinder you basically need to position the filter by guesswork. That is, look at your composition in the viewfinder and estimate how much of the picture area needs filtration, then position the filter by eye. To start with at least it might be best to use a soft edge grad filter rather hard.

I can't see why there should be vignetting problems with Lee or Hi-Tech, which are pretty large. Lee produce a range of "wide angle" adapters which bring the filter closer to the front element. But if this does concern you, then give Lee a phone call. I understand they are very helpful.