Leica Q2 variable ND Filter

[Pelu2010]

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Hey, 

 

i bought a nd filter for the q2 but it makes a funky cross on the images. I guess Leica is working with some kind of Polarisation? 
 

does anybody have a tip on with variable nd works with the q2? 
 

i need it to make daylight long exposures. 
 

Thanxs 

 

peter 

 

 

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[Qwertynm]

Variable ND filters are (afaik) constructed using two polarizers. So if the Q2 gives a weird effect with a variable ND your best bet is to get "plain" NDs in variable strengths and use them accordingly.

[M11 for me]

As far as I know Leica has only 4 Light value ND filters (ND16x) of different sizes. 

To my experience this is barely enough to flatten water (or whatever). You would rather need 6 or 10 LVs (ND64 or ND1000). On the other had a few years ago I had troubles with my ND16 from Leica on the M10. The filters are mediocre I found at that time and I could reurn them.

A variable filter should work well. But as far as I am informed most "brands" are just bad products. A very good filter is expensive. Therefore fixed ones are easier to use and good ones are affordable. Normally you just need 1 filter (an ND64). I say that assuming that you really need it for longer exposures of water / waterfalls etc. 

[Anakronox]

I’d recommend that you pick up a non-variable set of NDs.  B+W are my go-to in circular filters and I can easily recommend them. 

[Farrell Gallery]

I’d get  3 stop, 6 stop, whatever you need,,,non-variable, look up Breakthrough. 

Edited December 28, 2022 by Farrell Gallery

[liggy]

I like the flexibility of variable ND filters.  Haven’t bought one for the Q2 yet.  Did you try backing off the setting from the max effect?  One of my filters makes the cross at full strength but it goes away at about 75%.

[darylgo]

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Variable ND filters are unpredictable.  Brands with good reputations have poor quality variables, everything from the mechanics to the IQ.  My best is a cheap Tiffen, a brand I normally wouldn't buy unless it's their professional lines.  Single strength ND gives significantly better IQ.  As a general rule, one filter will not effect image quality unless intended such as a diffusion filter, two filters will start to reduce resolution and that's what occurs with variable ND filters comprised of two polarizers.  Additionally, polarizers are plastic sandwiched between glass, two polarizers are 2 pieces of plastic and four pieces of glass.  As mentioned, the cross you are seeing is the filter set to a position that isn't intended or it's a poor sample.  

. 

Edited December 29, 2022 by darylgo

[Pelu2010]

16 hours ago, liggy said:

I like the flexibility of variable ND filters.  Haven’t bought one for the Q2 yet.  Did you try backing off the setting from the max effect?  One of my filters makes the cross at full strength but it goes away at about 75%.

That’s what I ended up doing. 
so now it’s two filters. 
 

one is nd 

 

The other is a black star effect filter 🤣