BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Troubleshooting Other Photo Equipment

Photography Question 

Glenn Theal
 

Circular Polarizer and Blue Colour Cast


Hi,

I am having difficulty using my circular polarizer. When I use the filter, I am getting a stong blue colour cast throughout the entire photo.

I am becoming very upset as this is destroying many of my photos when I use it.

I use a Cokin circular polarizer. I presume that this manufacturer is of a decent quality.

Any and all help would be GREATLY appreciated in solving this problem.

Cheers,
Glenn


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September 11, 2001

 

Jeff S. Kennedy
  Unfortunately Cokin is notorious for producing filters that are not neutral in color. And to compound things I don't think they are consistently one color because I have heard of some people who claim their Cokin filters are neutral and those who complain they have a color cast. The polarizer I use is a Tiffen and it seems to be neutral. I might suggest that if you purchase another you might consider a warming polarizer as I often find a warming filter is very nice to use in conjunction with the polarizer. Having it all in one filter means you don't have to stack multiple filters on your lens.


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September 11, 2001

 

Mark A. Braxton
  Hey Glenn,
I have a Cokin filter set and so far haven't had any noticeable color problems. Not saying that the filter isn't your problem.

When you take your pictures is it on a sunny day? Sometimes, the daylight makes a difference in the color of photographs. Also, the way your filter is spun can make a difference. You might have it making your subjects too dark.

If all else fails I would buy a Tiffen filter. Using a lot of filters at once will only take away from the detail and clarity of your subject.


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September 16, 2001

 

Glenn Theal
  Hi, Thanks to all who've helped me try to solve this problem. I've managed to solve it on my own though. Interestingly, it was my film that I was using. For a while, I switched over to Black's (major Canadian PhotoLab Developer) brand. Supposedly, their film was produced by Fuji, so I made the switch. Well, it works great under most conditions most of the time. However, I've noticed variations in its quality from roll to roll and even within a roll. This is most notably concerned with colour casts and colour saturation. I've switched back to using Fuji Superia. It doesn't show any problems under any circumstances, nor does it show colour casts with my polarizer.

Cheers,
Glenn

P.S. The reason I switched was that Black's Film included developing costs so it was cheaper. Live and learn. :)


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September 22, 2001

 
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