The ND filter strength for the 50mm Noctiluxes

[Herr Barnack]

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I have two ND filters for my f/1.0 Noctilux - the B+W ND 0.9 (-3EV) and the B+W ND 1.8 (-6EV).  I have the same pair of ND filters in 49mm size for my Q2.

The 0.9 filter allows me to use the Noctilux at f/1.0 in sunlight; it does leave a very dark vignetting in the corners of the frame, which can be compensated for in Lightroom.  I have not used the 1.8 filter yet - at least not that I can recall.  At -6EV, I have to wonder if the corner vignetting can be compensated for in Lightroom and not end up looking unnatural, since the Noctilux has -3EV exposure vignetting in the corners at f/1.0 to begin with. 

I guess I need to get out of the house and give my ND 1.8 filters a field test today.  😎

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[evikne]

It's easy to be confused by the fact that an ND number is not the same as f-stop reduction. For example, ND4 means a reduction of 2 stops. Anyone who feels confused, could take a look at this table:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutral-density_filter#ND_filter_ratings

[Gobert]

It is indeed quite annoying. B+W does it the best way, it uses two notations on the filter.

Edited May 31, 2020 by Gobert

[Guest]

On 5/14/2020 at 11:47 AM, farnz said:

I use a Heliopan VarioND ND filter when I need to use one.  

It's useful because it's variable up to about 12 stops max but some (cheaper?) variable ND's can produce a colour cast or produce a faint 'X' across the picture where the two polarising filters blend.  I haven't found this with the Heliopan.  The difficulty can be finding a 60mm VarioND but 62 mm ones are quite common and can be used with a step-up ring if you don't mind faffing about.

Pete.

I ordered one from fotomayr who are a German seller on EBay. They had the 60 mm in stock.Brand new stock unopened etc.

[Guest]

On 5/31/2020 at 5:03 PM, BrianP said:

I ordered one from fotomayr who are a German seller on EBay. They had the 60 mm in stock.Brand new stock unopened etc.

My order arrived 7 days after ordering which is good considering some of the problems we are going through. Brand new,unopened and very well packed. www.fotomayr.de. Very good online dealer.

[Gobert]

Now I have three ones.

• The Leica -/- 4 stops XS version
• The B&W -/- 3 stops XS version
• The B&W -/- 2 stops  XS version.

Although, the Leica is the best for sunny weather, I prefer the B&W as it gives the least vignetting. I would wish Leica would have a XS version as well, or B&W a 4 stops version in XS mount. 
 

Crazy thing is that I’ve found a 2nd Leica -/- 4 stops In my storage room. I’m richer than I thought I was.

 

Edited June 12, 2020 by Gobert