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.
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.
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?
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.
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
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
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
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...
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 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...
