| Author | Thread |
|
|
05/20/2006 11:40:54 PM · #1 |
In another thread, I mentioned that I picked up some cokin Graduated ND filters.
I chose the Cokin for Grad ND because it allows me to have a lot of control over the effects both for non-linear lighting as well as for smaller lenses.
I am still considering if perhaps it might not be a bad idea to pick up a filter holder for the simple stuff...
However, in the meantime, and when I want to take pictures of more challenging light layouts, I will probably be handholding these peices of glass.
So that brings up the question... How do you safely hold these bad boys? Surely the oils from my hands aren't going to be doing anything good even if I'm holding on the edge. Further, I'm just a bit nervous about stratching things. I doubt that scratching the corner is going to have any significant effect, but if I ever need to resell, I'd rather have filters that look as good as possible.
Does anyone have any tips on how they handle their Cokins so as to prevent damage from general wear and tear?
I was thinking about taking some magic tape and putting a strip along the edges as well as a small patch over the corner. The upside of this is also that the scotch tape will probably also provide a better grip...
How do you feel about storing two filters in one box with a sheet of plastic between them? |
|
|
|
05/21/2006 12:26:49 AM · #2 |
About handholding these filters.
I just don't like the idea.
Filters need to be pristeen (sp). Fingerprints are very easy to get onto the glass. Not to mention if the glass gets scratched.
Why not get a holder? just a few bucks more.
I love cokin. We have something very similar in the industry I represent, and I'll tell ya, the camera dept. takes those filter and handles them like new born babies.
If you insist on holding these fine, glass filters then get some cotton gloves, or use latex gloves. The thing with latex is that they will make you sweat, and cotton can cause scratching if not careful.
DO NOT PUT ADHESIVE TAPE ON YOUR FILTERS. The adhesive will cause you major headaches in the future.
Store them with plastic if the plastic is a hard plastic, not celofane (sp).
It's your filters, good luck.
Message edited by author 2006-05-21 00:28:28.
|
|
|
|
05/21/2006 12:46:06 AM · #3 |
I have the filter wallet that stores, um, I think 10 filters. The slots are similar to CD wallets, in that it has the protective backing to not scratch the filters. When I want to use one, I just slide it out of the wallet by the edges and put it in the filter holder.
You can hand-hold these, I did for awhile but it was just cumbersome. The filter holders are cheap (under $20) and well worth it.
The filter wallet also safely wipes off dust during insertion back into the slot.
I have the less expensive plastic filters, and I've not handled them lightly or with kid gloves. I clean them like I would eyeglasses, with a breath of moist air and a soft cloth. No scratches to date, although I'm sure someone will come along behind me and say that's probably not the best idea.
Have fun with them! The Cokin system is great. |
|
|
|
05/21/2006 01:08:06 AM · #4 |
that's an awesome idea...just hold the filter.
--
Instead of having to get a filter holder, an adapter ring for every size lens you have, just buy the biggest size filter and hold it infront of the lens. You just made my decision 10 times easier...thanks.
|
|
|
|
05/21/2006 04:56:52 AM · #5 |
Yeah, just hold the filter...
Ok, so Cokin filters are a bit different. ;>) |
|
|
|
05/21/2006 06:18:06 AM · #6 |
A couple of my friends who don't have Cokin rings have borrowed my filters and hand-held, but only for single shots, not multiple. It doesn't seem to have caused any issues for the filters. But simply thinking about ease of use and convenience, holders are so cheap, I wouldn't bother with handholding - it is more awkward, especially if your camera or lens are moderately heavy.
|
|
|
|
05/21/2006 12:48:08 PM · #7 |
Thanks. The filters I have aren't too expensive themselves. Maybe 20 dollars US each, so I don't know. I think I will put some magic tape on the corners. Probably more for grip and my peace of mind... I can't really see that magic tape adhesive is going to cause a lot of really serious issues with the corner of a filter. It might also help protect the corners from impact/minor drop issues. I don't have any square lenses, so I think I'll probably be OK with a bit of something on the corner.
I think I will get that filter holder too though as I hadn't really given much thought to using them outside of shooting landscape, but now that I think about it, it could have some use with people shots... I've even taken 3 or 4 shots that probably needed such a filter. On the other hand, I probably could have made do just fine with the polarizer...
Thanks for the feedback all.
My primary reason for using the filters handheld is for possible multiple angles as well as varying the height of the filter... I might not want to shoot with the filter at 50% height all the time..
As to holding them, I'll probably leave them separated in their original cases. Having more than one per case really makes me nervous. |
|
|
|
05/21/2006 12:54:39 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by eschelar:
...My primary reason for using the filters handheld is for possible multiple angles as well as varying the height of the filter... I might not want to shoot with the filter at 50% height all the time..
|
The filters slide up and down in the filter holder, and also the filter holder spins around in a circle. You don't have to shoot with the filter at 50% height all the time at all!
|
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 09/25/2025 03:19:57 AM EDT.
