B and W Filters

[Malcolm Fox]

I have looked through the filter threads and have not found answers basic enough for my needs! Can anyone provide me with their recommendations regarding favou rite B&W filter makes ...I have a 90mm Nikkor SW 67mm, as well as a gelatine fil ter holder....can you tell me the pros and cons of on-the-lens vs. the gel holde r...Thanks.

[Mike Kravit]

Malcom,

I believe most here would agree that the quality of filters from the big 3manufacturers is fairly consistent. B+W, Tiffen and Hoya all make filters of fine quality. B+W is perhaps the most expensive and many folks feel there is little difference in quality to justify the price.

Gels tend to scratch easily. many folks use polyester or resin filters like the Lee Filter System with a filter holder and adapter rings. These allow you to use the same flters on all of your lenses without buying duplicate filters.

A great suggestion is to read up on the different filter types, look at them and make an educated decision. Personally I use the Lee system for my LF camera and I like it very much.

Mike

[Wayne_6692]

I have to strongly disagree with the previous poster with regards to Tiffen filters - visit the following site to find out why.

http://www.2filter.com/faq/facts.html

[pat krentz]

I agree with Mike about the use of Lee filters, I use the polyester type myself, much cheaper than glass, no distortion, can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Strongly recommend them. Pat

[Dean Lastoria]

I've only used on the lens filters. I have chronically low coverage lenses and find the screw on filters vignette. So I adapt out to a bigger size. As for manufacturers, I usually use the bargain bin ones but I got B+W as a gift and man does that thread on nice. If you only use 3 or 4 filters I'd get the B+W. It is nice to feel. If you thread up with an adapter you only need one set. Mind you, you probably have a wide lens barrel so maybe the other is the way to go. Dean

[William Marderness]

B&W and Hoya filters are coated or multi-coated. B&W uses brass rings, which have good threads, but the filters are heavier than other brands. Tiffen does not coat their filters (except some UV's and skylights), and their filters are laminated, which could lead to separation. I use some Tiffen filters, though, because they make types that no one else does, such as #12, #58, #47. Tiffen filters should be no worse than using gels, which also are not coated.

[Scott Walton]

I use only the B+W filters and have never had any problem. I love they way they feel and have never had any jams or any threading problems either. The glass is superb and the whole line of filters and adapters are nice. As another post said, getting a cheap filter you risk delams and other problems. You have a great lens, why compromise with a cheap filter? Cheers

[Mike Kravit]

Personally I buy the best filters I can afford. But I must note that my Brother-in-law is a cinematographer "Director of Photography" who shoots large budget feature length films. He surprised me when he told me that the motion piture indu8stry uses Tiffen Filters and they spare no expense in the equipment of production budgets.

Go figure!

[Wayne_6692]

Mike - Go to the link I posted. The Tiffen filters for the Cinematography industry are NOT the filters that you see in the stores. We as lowly consumers are not worthy of Tiffen's best products.

[William Marderness]

I use Tiffen Series 9 filters. They are the kind cinematographers use. They use clear glass instead of green glass, which is used in Tiffen's screw-in filters.

[Malcolm Fox]

Just like to thank everyone for their advice and suggestions...Malcolm