ND Filter recommendations for 75mm Noctilux?

[johnson184]

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I'll be getting a 75mm Noctilux, but I'd like to also shoot wide open during daytime. Any suggestions as to which to go with? 

 

Has anyone tried one of the variable ND filters from PolarPro/Peter McKinnon or B&W? Is there any drawbacks besides price? 

[3D-Kraft.com]

I am using a 3-stops B&W filter. For photos, that's sufficient to bring down the light, so that you can use the M9 at it's 1/4000s limit with the lens fully open.

I don't like variable ND filters for many reasons. I would only use them for videography.

[johnson184]

Looking into it more, it appears I should definitely go with a fixed ND filter instead of a variable for maximum image quality.

 

Looks like the best options available are the B&W 3 Stop, the Breakthrough X4 3 Stop, and Leica's own 4 Stop. Would love to hear more feedback from everyone. Kinda curious why Leica themselves only make a 4 Stop and not a 3 Stop.

[PhotoCruiser]

vor 10 Stunden schrieb 3D-Kraft.com:

I don't like variable ND filters for many reasons.

As i am looking for a ND filter i would like to know more detailed why you don't recommend them.

Chris

[3D-Kraft.com]

vor 1 Stunde schrieb PhotoCruiser:

As i am looking for a ND filter i would like to know more detailed why you don't recommend them.

I only dislike the variable ND filters, not ND in general.

You may see some color shift and uneven light distribution. See also here: https://blog.dominey.photography/2021/08/09/should-you-buy-solid-or-variable-neutral-density-filters/

[LeicaR10]

PhotoCruiser,   I agree with 3D-Kraft's post #5.  The variable NDs do not work well with wide angle lenses.   I most highly recommend you consider the Breakthrough Photography X4, 3 Stop or 6 Stop ND (for really bright sunlight, i.e. deserts).  These are color neutral filters and simply work.  I have used them for many years with most excellent results.  r/ Mark

Try:  https://breakthrough.photography/products/x4-neutral-density?variant=30850759697

Edited February 3 by LeicaR10

[PhotoCruiser]

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Sorry, i forgot to write variable ND filters, my bad.
I know ND filters and use them, but stumbled over the variabe ones and thought that it's a good idea, but obviously not.
So this is the problem, now i understand.

vor 37 Minuten schrieb 3D-Kraft.com:

You may see some color shift and uneven light distribution.

Chris

[farnz]

My (variable) 'ND filter' for my 75 Noctilux is the electronic shutter in my SL2-S that offers up to 1/32,000th shutter speed.

No, not an ND filter as such but a different and convenient work-around.

Pete.

[Drmat]

I use b+w 3 stop ND filter on M10M and M11M.  Mostly for portrait work at F1.25.  Filters are good quality and I have not found a need for anything stronger, even in hard sunlight.

[T25UFO]

Don't have the 75mm but use a X4 3 stop from Breakthrough Photography on my 50mm Noctilux.  Breakthrough has the most neutral balance of any ND filter I have used.  Thoroughly recommended.