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Variable ND filter for Noctilux


ymc226

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I want to shoot wide open in daylight but limited by top shutter speed of 1/4000 and don't want to change filters multiple times. A variable ND filter would seem to fit the bill. Which brands have good effects without significant loss of detail and color shift.

 

On the B&H website Formatt, Singh Ray (smallest size is 77 while Noctilux is 60), and Heliopan are brands that are available. I would prefer one that would have threads in front to accept a screw in hood as I put the camera lens face down in my bag.

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Neither Singh Ray nor Fader make variable density NDs in a 60mm size, unfortunately.

 

Even in single density filters, Hoya doesn't make a 60mm. That leaves Heliopan and B+W, and it depends on what you're after.

 

If you want to shoot wide open no matter what, a six stop is what you want. If you can live with running out of ISO/shutter speed under the brightest conditions and want to be able to basically leave the ND on all day - a three stop might be enough.

 

There are several paragraphs about filters in this Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH review.

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Thanks for all of your suggestions everyone. I've heard good reports about the Heliopan ND variable filter. As it comes in 62mm, my plan was to use a step up filter. It reduces by 1 to 6.6 stops so I can leave it on all the time for my planned use on the beach or during daytime elsewhere.

 

I'd like a filter with the ability to screw in a hood in front for protection as I just keep the camera lens down while in my bag and which the Heliopan version they sell at B&H doesn't have.

 

On another forum, they pointed out that Heliopan does make a version in 77 available in Germany that has the front screw-in capability.

 

Can anyone who knows German help me out with this webpage:

Variograufilter mit Frontgewinde

 

Does the 62mm have screw in capability on the front?

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Does the 62mm have screw in capability on the front?

 

The 62mm, 67mm & 72mm Heliopan Vario ND filters do not have screw threads on the front, in fact neither do the 52mm & 58mm filters have threads.

You could use the 67mm Vario ND with a 60mm to 67mm step up ring for the Noctilux.

 

There was another thread on ND filters last week: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/customer-forum/227548-noctilux-nd-filter.html#post2006818 which may interest you.

 

I have a couple of Heliopan vario ND filters, I'm really pleased with them, very well made.

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You can't go wrong with either B+W or Heliopan. Pretty much all I've bought (save for one Hoya) in the last 10+ years.

 

Though I'd question using such a large filter on the Nocti. You'll need an adapter ring, a screw-in hood, a new lens cap...

 

Personally, I'd get a 3/6-stop filter (or both) and be done with it.

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Front threads on a filter that rotates are not that useful. Rotate the filter, rotate whatever is attached to the front of it. I have the Heliopan Vario ND 77mm with no front threads. I read the other forum posts you referenced about buying one with front threads from Germany, but I can't see how front threads would do anything but complicate the setup.

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True, if it's a round hood that would work. When I bought my vario nd it was for a set of R lenses on which I wanted to use a matte box so I could cover all my wide angle lenses as well. Different scenario than if it's just going to be used on a lens with round hood.

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Yeah, it's got to be round... Any venting would be affected however. I actually like that setup myself on the SLRs - though I use rubber hoods, screwed into a polarizer. You can just turn the whole enchilada to dial it in when shooting. :)

 

Who makes good rubber hoods please?

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Who makes good rubber hoods please?

 

They're all more or less the same. Some are a bit thicker rubber though. They generally come in a 3-in-1 configuration, depending on how much you pull it out. Some are specifically for wides (they just flare out more). The lens cap size is the same as the other side's filter size which is convenient. Cheap, too.

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