Filters

[Chris Warren]

What make of filters would anyone recommend? I like using a holder and square filters but in the UK the only readily available make is Cokin. These leave something to be desired - they are very soft and scratch easily and their neutral density filters aren't very neutral! I'm talking about grads, warm and polarising.

[John W.]

Lee Filters Central Way, Walworth Industrial Estate Andover, Hampshire SP10 5AN, England Tel +44 (0) 1264 366245 Fax +44 (0) 1264 355058

or www.leefilters.com

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[Wayne Crider]

You can order anything thru bhphotovideo.com/ in New York USA. > I use Hitech (cheaper) and Singh Ray (more expensive) with good results. Both have filters for the Cokin holder which I also use.

[paul owen]

Chris, I agree with your remarks re: cokin as afr as them scrathching goes, but they have sorted out the problem with their neutral density grads. The first type were called "grey grads" and these showed colour casts. The new type are apparently neutral density. I have used HiTech, they seem ok to me and are cheaper than Lee, but I still reckon that if you are into colour seriously then Lee CANNOT be beaten. The system requires a fairly hefty investment of cash, but it is quality stuff! I see that Lee now offers a ND set, at a big reduction over the cost of individual filters. The lens hoods are the best in the business. I don't shoot much colour at the moment BUT have been toying with the idea, so I checked out prices here in the UK, the cheapest prices were from Robert White (especially if you want the wide angle bellows hood). Hope this helps. Re

[Ellis Vener]

Well it is all deep east Texas from here. Hitech is made by Formatt UK. the Hi-tech and Lee filters are based on the same set of patents, originally owned by Kodak UK.

[Ellis Vener]

Both lee and Hi-tech filters are made in the London area. I am currently using the Lee filter system. Try Lee Filters for a list of UK dealers: http://www.leefilters.com or Hi-Tech. Your major stock houses in the UK (Robert White, etc.) should carry both brands. And you are absolutely right about the abyssmal character of Cokin P filters.

[paul owen]

Hold on a second Elis!! I think you'll find that HiTech filters are manufactured here in Wales!! Diolch yn fawr!! Paul

[John W.]

Paul, the problem is that from the US perspective Wales IS in "the London area."

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[john g]

My 2 cents {1.4 pence in England} Calumet filters are made by Lee and they have several locations in England. www.calumetphoto.com