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Hi all, just opened a Lee Filter 0.6ND soft grad 100x150 filter which I won on eBay, I paid the going price and it was described as new. The dark half of the filter has variations in the dark half of the graduation, and almost random marks and streaks in its appearance, I am 100% sure they are not on the outer surface and within the filter structure itself? Could it be a fake? has anyone had any issues with them? I have 6 other Lee filters and all are 100% perfect. many thanks..Phil
see here for image of filter, taken on a solid white background, the problem is at the top towards the right http://www.phildurkin.co.uk/land-and-water.html
Hmmm never noticed that on Lee filters, It's a regular thing on older Hoyarex graduates. All my Lee graduates are perfect but then Lee are normally stored in dark cases, whereas Hoyarex are in see through cases. I wonder if left in the light for a long period the dye is affected? I'll find out.
It could be a fake Phil, depends where and who you got it off or it is a quality control issue by Lee. I haven't heard of problems like this though with genuine Lee filters.
JP
Hi Phil,
I steered clear of Lee for a long time, basically because I heard so many complaints about colour cast and suchlike (and the astronomical price).
Eventually, a couple of months ago, I succumbed to the temptation to buy a Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 lens which has no filter thread and decided also to invest in a Lee filter kit designed for this lens, despite the holder and a few filters costing half as much as the lens!
I have to say that there is nothing wrong with the filters I received. They are certainly not any better than £5 Chinese cheapies but not any worse either.
Looking at your image, I would say that there is definitely a manufacturing fault in the example you show. I would hope that, if anything can even begin to justify the prices that Lee charge, it should be impeccable customer service and that they will sort this out for you tout suite.
.
PS - I bought my Lee kit on eBay from a company called Speed Graphic in GU34 5AZ. I am pretty sure they are genuine.
I know that Hoya had problems with fakes being sold, but not heard anything about Lee filters, but may be "FILTERING" through now 
Well could not resist that one. Seriously, it could be a fake, especially from Ebay. I would get in touch with Lee filters and send them the image with the fault and any details that are on the filter case, ID numbers etc.
Stephen
From the shot of the filter... is there no writing in the top (gradded) corner?
If not, then FAKE!
Quote: I steered clear of Lee for a long time, basically because I heard so many complaints about colour cast and suchlike
Colour casts???? With Lee???
Lee are the only brand of filters I haven't heard of complaints of colour casting.
Quote: I steered clear of Lee for a long time, basically because I heard so many complaints about colour cast and suchlike
Every single Lee grad filter is tested before it's wrapped in tissue and boxed. They test for sharpness, distortion and colour accuracy, using a projection system (I've been to the factory and seen the process) - they shouldn't give incorrect colour casts. Any that fail are thrown in a bin.
Quote: If not, then FAKE!
I thought that at first but checked mine (all direct from Lee) the NDs have writing, the blue grad has nothing.
All my LEE filters are etched
For example, just picking at random from my case
LEE 81B to 0.3ND G H
( Just for info this was used back in the days of Velvia 50 for toning down a sky and enhancing crops like wheat / warming up a polarised shadow area in the non sky area. )
Quote: I would hope that, if anything can even begin to justify the prices that Lee charge, it should be impeccable customer service and that they will sort this out for you tout suite.
Their customer service is exactly that. I was very pleasantly surprised by how far they exceeding my expectations when I contacted them about an issue 3 years or so after purchase. I contacted them to see if the issue I had was normal out of curiosity rather than with the expectation of getting a replacement. They asked me to send the item to them to investigate. I sent it, they said it was not usual and sent me a replacement the next day.
Could well be a fake, I bought a "genuine" Lee ND grad once off Ebay and alongside my other Lee grads it was obviously different - colour cast, different writing etc. Made this point to the seller and got a very quick refund.
I assume you are UK-based and bought the filter mail order. If so under the Distance Selling Regulations if you are not happy with a product you have approximately 10 days to return it for full refund - including if you change your mind and there is nothing wrong with it.
SpeedGraphic have a first class reputation. If you are not 100% happy I suggest you return it for a refund.
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