Kerry L. Thalmann
18-Oct-2001, 14:52
I was just browsing the B&H web site to check the prices on a center filter, and came across a brand I've never heard of - Marumi. Here's a quote about these f ilters from the B&H web site:
"Marumi makes 2x ND center filters in 62, 67, 72, and 77mm. They are neutral gra y in the center, graduating to transparent at the edges. They are used primarily to remove vignetting which occurs with large format cameras when using wide ang le lenses. Center filters help give an evenly illuminated shot. This center filt er requires an exposure correction of 1 f-stop.
Multicoated to minimize reflection at the filter surfaces which reduces flare an d ghosting."
Compared to other brands, they are priced very reasonably (starting at $133.50 f or the 62mm). Obviously, they only offer 1 stop of compensation from center to edge, as compared to the 1 1/2 - 1 2/3 stops typical of other brands. This lowe r degree of compensation could be both a curse and a blessing depending on the a pplication. For some of the less radical wide angle focal lengths - especially when using no or modest movements, 1 stop of compensation may be sufficient. An d, it only costs you one stop as opposed to 1 1/2 or more.
So, does anybody have any ACTUAL EXPERIENCE with these Marumi multicoated center filters? I'm curious just how neutral they are compared to the much more expen sive, Heliopan, Rodenstock and Schneider center filters (note: again I am asking for ACTUAL EXPERIENCE here, not specs, sizes, etc. on the other brands - I alre ady have that info).
Kerry
"Marumi makes 2x ND center filters in 62, 67, 72, and 77mm. They are neutral gra y in the center, graduating to transparent at the edges. They are used primarily to remove vignetting which occurs with large format cameras when using wide ang le lenses. Center filters help give an evenly illuminated shot. This center filt er requires an exposure correction of 1 f-stop.
Multicoated to minimize reflection at the filter surfaces which reduces flare an d ghosting."
Compared to other brands, they are priced very reasonably (starting at $133.50 f or the 62mm). Obviously, they only offer 1 stop of compensation from center to edge, as compared to the 1 1/2 - 1 2/3 stops typical of other brands. This lowe r degree of compensation could be both a curse and a blessing depending on the a pplication. For some of the less radical wide angle focal lengths - especially when using no or modest movements, 1 stop of compensation may be sufficient. An d, it only costs you one stop as opposed to 1 1/2 or more.
So, does anybody have any ACTUAL EXPERIENCE with these Marumi multicoated center filters? I'm curious just how neutral they are compared to the much more expen sive, Heliopan, Rodenstock and Schneider center filters (note: again I am asking for ACTUAL EXPERIENCE here, not specs, sizes, etc. on the other brands - I alre ady have that info).
Kerry