BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

4x6 GRD filter(s), holders, and polarizer.

The science is more than my brain can handle, but I liked what I saw with regards to the results of images.

My problem appears to be that I have a 77mm slim B+W polarizer. Because it has its own threads (according to a salesman at Calumet), it cannot be used in the Lee holder with my SinghRay 4x6 GRD holders, which I have yet to purchase.

Is anyone familiar with this?

Hand holding GRD filters is rather a pain, not to mention that it's tough to push the right buttons with two hands while holding the filters, looking through the preview, and pressing the shutter at the same time, even though I'm on a tripod and in manual mode.

So, I wondering if I used an old linear polarizer, could it be used with the GRD filters in the Lee holder while I'm in manual mode (focusing and metering) with my Canon 20D.

Experienced replies would be helpful.

Thanks.

Bunny

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September 14, 2009

However, Lee filters makes a 4x4 circular polarizer glass filter as part of a set. The other two filters include 1 -4x6" .6 (2 Stop) Graduated ND (Neutral Density) Soft Resin Filter and a 4x4" 81B Warming Resin Filter.

Has anyone experience with this 4x4 circular glass polarizer filter? Do you correct for the polarization first, then insert the 2 stop Graduated Neutral Density (two stop filter), and lastly, insert the 81B warming filter before squeezing the shutter?

I would love to read a discussion on using this combination of filters.

Thanks.

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October 02, 2009

I haven't used a polarizing filter in combo with grad NDs but I don't believe it matters in what order you adjust the polarizer.

As far as the 81B, if you're shooting RAW with your EOS 20D that filter is not really necessary. You can adjust the temperature in Photoshop, for example, which may be a better solution than bolting on yet more glass in front of the lens.

Cheers,

RK

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October 03, 2009

I have added the warming filters when I'm working the tonality in the layers. I'm amazed at the difference it makes! I can get rid of those blue shadows, which I dislike. And, it's so much easier than carrying more filters. I also have a good polarizer (B&W brand, slim [wide angle]), so I really didn't want to change. But, I know that the situation comes up where one wants a polarizer over the lens, and a GRD filter to be used at the same time. I suppose one could hand-hold the GRD filter(s), but it's easier to position it in the Lee or Cokin holder and using a tripod. I find that I need a third hand otherwise for setting up the camera/preview, and holding the filter in place. That third hand has often become the camera timer.

I have not bought the Lee filter set, which B&H Video carries because the only filter I really wanted to learn more about, the 4x4 or 4x6 polarizer which slides into the Lee holder.

Cheers,

Bunny

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October 03, 2009

I was out this morning photographing clouds so I tried out the scenario you mentioned above.

It is possible to mount the Lee filter holder while a polarizing filter is mounted on the lens. The Lee holder attached on the lens hood mount so there is no conflict with filters that screw onto the front of the lens.

Cheers,

RK

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October 04, 2009

Thank you for trying this. Three questions:

Did you use a Lee Holder, plus a Lee screw on circular polarizer filter, or the Lee drop-in 4x4 circular polarizer? And, I wonder if I could use my B&W brand slim polarizer with the Lee holder?

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October 04, 2009

Oops...I gave you some bad information earlier. I was using a custom filter holder this morning rather than the Lee system.

However ... and I just checked to make sure the info is correct! ... I also have the Lee "Foundation Kit" filter holder.

http://www.leefilters.com/camera/products/finder/ref:C4756775B6C7AE/

It screws on to the front of the 77mm lens and the polarizer then screws into the front of the holder. One filter can slide into the holder with the polarizer on.

I have a B&W circular polarizer so you shouldn't have any problem there.

Cheers,

RK

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October 04, 2009

It fits! I am so thrilled that you figured it out and shared your finding with me! I put the Lee adapter on first (for the 77mm size filter), then the slim B&W brand filter for my wide angle lens --this will likely have to be adjusted before clamping the "Lee Foundation kit" holder into place, and then carefully sliding the GRD filters into the Lee Foundation "kit".

I'll try it tomorrow to see if there are problems with the system. I imagine I'll have to be very careful when I'm turning the GRD filters, to not turn the polarizer from it's mark. But, it's definitely worth trying out. I did not want to have to purchase more stuff. The Lee web site is confusing to me and with people saying that I cannot do things, that can be done did not give me much confidence in purchasing more of their system. It was the Calumet (sales personal), who sells Lee holders and filters that were insisting that I had to buy only Lee polarizers, otherwise the Lee system wouldn't work. One man suggested that I should give away me B&W brand polarizer, which he never heard of B&W. ????? B&W is one of the finest filters ever made. That makes me wonder about Lee filters.

I like the Lee holder, but cherish my Singh-Ray GRDs and B&W polarizer. So if it works, I'm hoping for new possibilities with my work.

I am very indebted to you, RK. Thank you.

Bunny

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October 04, 2009