10 stop ND test shots.

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khurram1
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p.3 #1 · 10 stop ND test shots.

stanj wrote:
I've had mixed experiences with the Singh-Ray Vari-ND, at least the 82mm variety. They took it back based on my feedback and said they'd go and work on the design a bit more. The interference at 35mm and wider was just way too much, rendering the images useless. So while I like the idea in general, and while it may work with smaller filters, the 82mm isn't ready for prime time yet.
stan,
Did you have the wide angle mount Vari ND

I found that the wide mount 77mm Vari ND was fine back when i had the old 16-35L at 18 or 19mm or longer. However, the issue I had was that I'd have to hand hold my ND grad - which is pretty useless when you are dealing with long exposures.

Mar 03, 2008 at 01:47 AM

jayj
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p.3 #2 · 10 stop ND test shots.

Hi Tom!

loved your exposures...converting them to b & w really gave them a classy feel.

i was able to use a Hoya ND400 stacked with an ND8, in broad daylight, on my 30D and 10-22 uwa...and noticed a "hotspot" in the middle of the image...a sort of sensor bloom. there was also a general loss of contrast. have you experienced the same?

although it might also be that i should try and underexpose these long exposures a bit.

Edited on Mar 03, 2008 at 02:15 AM

Mar 03, 2008 at 02:15 AM

Tim ONeill
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p.3 #3 · 10 stop ND test shots.

Hi Tom
I second the thought of using gels. I bit of a pain in the arse though. I got an 87 C IR gel for a cokin holder from B&H for about >$30, and put it over my IR point and shoot, and saw no difference looking at the LCD. So I stupidly held it over my 430 EX flash to determine if I could get an IR flash, and one shot burned a big hole in it. Curses. BTW, when I put it over the lens of an IR converted camera, I saw the scene unchanged, but I couldn't see visible light through it looking at the sun. go figure, those low pass filters on our digicams really must eliminate a lot of light.

Mar 03, 2008 at 03:38 AM

Alex Stewart
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p.3 #4 · 10 stop ND test shots.

Another approach is to use a direct view camera like a TLR or rangefinder, or what I do, use a rangefinder viewfinder on my SLR. Not perfect but helpful. I also use strong ND filters - used the ND 400 this weekend. Actually when I use that one it's bright enough to sort of see through the finder, but another advantage is being able to see during the shot. I move the camera to induce blur so I like to be able to see.

Mar 03, 2008 at 03:56 AM

AdamRo
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p.3 #5 · 10 stop ND test shots.

Pretty sure that was what he was doing, could be wrong though.

Mar 03, 2008 at 04:15 AM

Tom K.
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p.3 #6 · 10 stop ND test shots.

This is my favorite one thus far with that 10-stop ND filter.

Mar 03, 2008 at 05:36 AM

Kaffemonster
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p.3 #7 · 10 stop ND test shots.

www.formatt.co.uk - They'll make you a slot-in 10 stop ND for just £23.50 ($46.21), I'm getting one next week. Higher densities should be possible as well

Great shot btw!

Apr 15, 2008 at 08:17 PM

Tom K.
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p.3 #8 · 10 stop ND test shots.

Kaffemonster wrote:
www.formatt.co.uk - They'll make you a slot-in 10 stop ND for just £23.50 ($46.21), I'm getting one next week. Higher densities should be possible as well

Great shot btw!

This could be the holy grail of ND filter solutions. Superb find! Do they ship to the USA?

Apr 16, 2008 at 12:24 AM

Kaffemonster
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p.3 #9 · 10 stop ND test shots.

Tom K. wrote:
Kaffemonster wrote:
www.formatt.co.uk - They'll make you a slot-in 10 stop ND for just £23.50 ($46.21), I'm getting one next week. Higher densities should be possible as well

Great shot btw!

This could be the holy grail of ND filter solutions. Superb find! Do they ship to the USA?

They just delivered my ND grads and a full ND here in Denmark. No color casts, unless I stack them, and even then it's easily corrected in PP. They make both 100x100mm and 85x85mm sizes (and custom - Give 'em a ring). I'm quite sure they'll ship to the US.

Their ND's really are ND and sharpness is NOT affected. I did a quick test run at the lake:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dk_spook/sets/72157604555082981/

If anyone comes up with a better price/performance ratio for ND's, I'll buy you a cold one. Heck, I'll buy you a case and help you drink them.

Keep in mind that they make the filters to order (Formatt is the manufacturer, not some reseller keeping stock) so allow a couple of weeks for delivery. The deliver in padded envelopes, so shipping rates are VERY reasonable.

If you get one, be sure to post your results!

Apr 16, 2008 at 09:15 AM

Toby Edwards
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p.3 #10 · 10 stop ND test shots.

I can't see an nd1000 on the formatt site? Or am I missing something?

http://www.formatt.co.uk/stills-filters/filters/standard-n-d/stills-filters.aspx

Having a screw in type currently, I know just how fiddly it is to use. A slot in system would be great at that price.

Toby

Apr 16, 2008 at 09:45 AM

Kaffemonster
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p.3 #11 · 10 stop ND test shots.

Looky here: http://www.formatt.co.uk/stills-filters/filters/standard-n-d/nd-filter.aspx

Especially notice this line: Heavier densities can be manufactured to order.

I rang them up, and for the 85mm size, an ND1000 will set you back £23.50, including taxes, but + shipping.

Send them an email about which size and density you'd like and they'll make it for you.

I'm currently considering if a 20 stop ND would be any fun or just plain ridiculous...

Edited on Apr 16, 2008 at 09:58 AM

Apr 16, 2008 at 09:55 AM

Toby Edwards
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p.3 #12 · 10 stop ND test shots.

Kaffemonster wrote:
Looky here: http://www.formatt.co.uk/stills-filters/filters/standard-n-d/nd-filter.aspx

Especially notice this line: Heavier densities can be manufactured to order.

I rang them up, and for the 85mm size, an ND1000 will set you back £23.50, including taxes, but + shipping.

Send them an email about which size and density you'd like and they'll make it for you.

I'm currently considering if a 20 stop ND would be any fun or just plain ridiculous...

Thanks for that. A 20 stop might be fun. Though after playing with my 10 stop, I do sometimes find it a little too strong, I may look into a slightly weaker light stopper. I generally shoot around sunset, ND 1000 works great while the sun is in the sky, but for that great light after the sun has disappeared it can make the exposure times ridiculously long. Another thing to consider is the noise that a 20 stop might lead to.

Toby

Apr 16, 2008 at 10:29 AM

Tom K.
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p.3 #13 · 10 stop ND test shots.

My dream filter would be a 4x6 item that slides into a Lee holder just like the Lee GND's do now. Half would be clear and half would be 10-stop ND. I wonder if they can make that for me. I'll drop them an email.

Apr 16, 2008 at 04:01 PM

Kaffemonster
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p.3 #14 · 10 stop ND test shots.

Tom K. wrote:
My dream filter would be a 4x6 item that slides into a Lee holder just like the Lee GND's do now. Half would be clear and half would be 10-stop ND. I wonder if they can make that for me. I'll drop them an email.

They do make 4x6 filters, but a 10 stop ND grad sounds... interesting. Be sure to let us know what they reply!

I think I just figured out what you'll be doing - Compose and focus through the clear part, then slide it down so the 10 stop part covers the lens and meter?

Or do you have insanely bright skies? Or plan on shooting nuclear weapons "in action" without losing detail on the ground?

Edited on Apr 16, 2008 at 05:28 PM

Apr 16, 2008 at 05:24 PM

Tom K.
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p.3 #15 · 10 stop ND test shots.

Just as you say. I'll compose the shot with the clear part of the filter and slide down the 10-stop ND to shoot the photo. Not being able to see through a 10-stop ND makes it a bit difficult to frame the shot. I have a screw on 10 stop but I have to take it on and off all the time to take pictures. This 4x6 will be a Godsend if they can do it.

Apr 16, 2008 at 06:09 PM

Colin Hines
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p.3 #16 · 10 stop ND test shots.

Superb shots Tom.

I really must invest in an ND filter. Any particular 'level' for everyday shooting to get rid of those nasty summer highlights?

Colin

Apr 16, 2008 at 07:35 PM

Kaffemonster
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p.3 #17 · 10 stop ND test shots.

Hey Tom, I just talked to Formatt (ordering 3 x 10 stop ND's, heh) and told them about your 4x6 grad idea:

Dear Soren

I have spoken to the factory manager, and unfortunately we cannot make the higher density ND filters in a grad. It is something to do with the dye process and the length of time it takes to actually achieve the colour. She has stated that the highest we can do as standard is the ND1.2, and possibly a 1.5 (this may not be practicable, but she would try and make it). We are able to do different sizes.

Many Thanks

Natalie Savage

HD Optical Filters

t/a Formatt Filters

The 4x6 size is no problem, though, it's the grad part thats impossible. Give 'em a ring, they'll do anything physically possible to make filters to your specs

Edited on Apr 22, 2008 at 11:56 AM

Apr 22, 2008 at 11:56 AM

Kaffemonster
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p.3 #18 · 10 stop ND test shots.

Colin Hines wrote:
Superb shots Tom.

I really must invest in an ND filter. Any particular 'level' for everyday shooting to get rid of those nasty summer highlights?

Colin

If you need screw-in filters the place to go is www.hvstar.net - I've gotten a bunch of stuff from them, they're great! -and cheap as hell.

If you'd like square slot-in filters, www.formatt.co.uk are your boys (and gals). Top quality at unbeatable prices. They even do a ND kit for you - ND0.3, ND0.6 and ND0.9 for just about £29. A perfect way to get into NDs

Apr 22, 2008 at 12:01 PM

Hougaard Malan
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p.3 #19 · 10 stop ND test shots.

I made a post about this last week.... Normal Lee or Cokin filter holders leak light
I got my 40D 3 weeks ago

that fixes the problem. I also have the B+W

Apr 22, 2008 at 12:31 PM

Hougaard Malan
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p.3 #20 · 10 stop ND test shots.

Fixes the problem with live view

Apr 22, 2008 at 12:32 PM

Kaffemonster
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p.3 #21 · 10 stop ND test shots.

I just received a padded envelope from Formatt Filters, containing the following HiTech ND filters:

0.6
0.9
1.2
3.0 (The 10 stop bastard, as transparent as a brick)

Quick test shot here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dk_spook/sets/72157604895724599/
The ND3.0 shows crazy color cast, Barbara Cartland Vision as it was dubbed in another thread on these forums. I've e-mailed my findings to Formatt filters and now awaiting their reply...

May 05, 2008 at 11:28 AM

Alex Nail
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p.3 #22 · 10 stop ND test shots.

that colour cast is drastic, I imagine that would be difficult to eliminate well, even in RAW. My B+W 77mm 10 stop, from Robert White, has a very very slight colour cast which is barely noticeable and easily corrected. It did however cost £50.

The other shots looks very clean. I might just buy a set myself.

Alex

May 05, 2008 at 11:43 AM

Kaffemonster
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p.3 #23 · 10 stop ND test shots.

Alex Nail wrote:
that colour cast is drastic, I imagine that would be difficult to eliminate well, even in RAW. My B+W 77mm 10 stop, from Robert White, has a very very slight colour cast which is barely noticeable and easily corrected. It did however cost £50.

The other shots looks very clean. I might just buy a set myself.

Alex

The other shots are crazy clean and crisp, no sign of a filter. But the 10 stop really bums me out.

Btw: The 40D live view can't see jack thru the 10 stop. Just a black screen...

May 05, 2008 at 12:17 PM

JaneG
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p.3 #24 · 10 stop ND test shots.

HI

I had a polariser and 5 stops worth of ND and could easily see with live view on the 1ds

Jane

May 05, 2008 at 03:29 PM


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