BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Other Image Problems

Photography Question 

Ira D. Thomas
 

Black Corners with Nikon Polarizer


I recently bought a package of three Nikon filters (for a Nikon Coolpix 995). When I use the polarizer, I get black corners. Any way to avoid this?
Also there were two other filters included, an ND4 and an ND8. How does using these filters differ from using Exposure Compensation settings?
Thanks.


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August 18, 2003

 

Wayne Attridge
  The black corners are most likely evident at a wide angle setting. It is actually the rim of the filter blocking the line of sight of the image to the sensor. If you look carefully at a bright image, you may be able to see the effect on the lcd screen. Try a little longer focal length. The ND filters are used to avoid overexposure on bright images and more particularly, they allow you to shoot with a wider aperture and hence a shorter depth of field when you may not otherwise be able to.


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August 18, 2003

 

Ira D. Thomas
  Wayne, that is invaluable information. Thanks for the quick response. Ira


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August 19, 2003

 

J. Walker
  I have more than one lens. Can a 77mm wide angle filter be used on a 77mm telephone lens also? I am hoping that I don't need to buy a whole set of filters for each type of lens.

What would you (or anyone) recommend for someone who has a Nikon wide angle, AND Nikon telephoto?
Thanks!


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April 09, 2004

 

ThirdRockPhoto
  The effect of black corners is called "vignetting" and is caused by a filter which blocks light due to its small size in relation to the wide angle of light accepted by the lens. You can find a filter that has a better design thus allowing the light to pass unblocked or use a wider filter with a step up adapter. For instance, if the front of the lens is 52mm, use a 52mm-58mm step up adapter and a 58mm filter. The suggestion to not use your lens at its widest angle means you would be limitting the capability of the lens because you have a poorly designed filter. Try the larger filter instead.


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July 10, 2004

 
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