4x4 versus 82mm filters

Jason McCormy · November 24th, 2008, 10:42 AM

For interviews, which do you prefer, a 4x4 filter or 82mm filter? I have come into a good collection of both and once I get a matte box, will have the option of using either. Any ideas?

Stuart Nimmo · November 25th, 2008, 02:56 AM

Well, as long as they're high quality optical glass the only difference is what you need to stack and ease of use.

A strong filter holder is essential, particularly with the thicker 4x4 or 4x6 glass filters. one idea is to use Coken z- Pro holders and adapter rings, you can pack these slots out to accept Tiffen glass. This ring system has the added benefit of adding strength to the rather flimsy stock Fujinon front filter ring. Then you can add a Lee lens hood, which fits the Coken system and the whole thing becomes a decent, low cost filter holder, expandable hood system.

Jason McCormy · December 1st, 2008, 01:08 PM

So, other than the ability to quickly change filters, there really is no point to buying the more expensive 4x4's?

Werner Wesp · December 2nd, 2008, 09:47 AM

Well, there is of course this:
* easier rotating of 4x4 filters in a mattebox (quite handy for a polariser and grad filters)
* the ability to use 2 or 3 filters and being able to rotate them individually
* a mattebox that holds your filters can also easily and effectively deal with flare and reflections
* the ability to decide how far you want to slide in your 4x4 filters (to allign a grad filter with a horizon e.g.)

I'm one of those guys that tend to use e.g. a polariser + a grad ND + solid ND for some shots, and I couldn't allign them all without a mattebox - needless to say it might be impossible to stack 3 82mm filters without seeing the edges in full wide... So even apart from the other benefits of using a mattebox and square or rectangular filters - there is a real benefit in using the filterholders of a mattebox.

November 24th, 2008, 10:42 AM	#1
Jason McCormy Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Agoura California Posts: 232	4x4 versus 82mm filters For interviews, which do you prefer, a 4x4 filter or 82mm filter? I have come into a good collection of both and once I get a matte box, will have the option of using either. Any ideas?

December 2nd, 2008, 09:47 AM	#4
Werner Wesp Major Player Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Belgium Posts: 493	Well, there is of course this: * easier rotating of 4x4 filters in a mattebox (quite handy for a polariser and grad filters) * the ability to use 2 or 3 filters and being able to rotate them individually * a mattebox that holds your filters can also easily and effectively deal with flare and reflections * the ability to decide how far you want to slide in your 4x4 filters (to allign a grad filter with a horizon e.g.) I'm one of those guys that tend to use e.g. a polariser + a grad ND + solid ND for some shots, and I couldn't allign them all without a mattebox - needless to say it might be impossible to stack 3 82mm filters without seeing the edges in full wide... So even apart from the other benefits of using a mattebox and square or rectangular filters - there is a real benefit in using the filterholders of a mattebox. __________________ High-Definition Video Consultant - CEO of Delimex NV - http://www.delimex.be gear of choice : http://www.wespgear.com

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November 25th, 2008, 02:56 AM	#2
Stuart Nimmo Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Paris France Posts: 49	Well, as long as they're high quality optical glass the only difference is what you need to stack and ease of use. A strong filter holder is essential, particularly with the thicker 4x4 or 4x6 glass filters. one idea is to use Coken z- Pro holders and adapter rings, you can pack these slots out to accept Tiffen glass. This ring system has the added benefit of adding strength to the rather flimsy stock Fujinon front filter ring. Then you can add a Lee lens hood, which fits the Coken system and the whole thing becomes a decent, low cost filter holder, expandable hood system.

December 1st, 2008, 01:08 PM	#3
Jason McCormy Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Agoura California Posts: 232	So, other than the ability to quickly change filters, there really is no point to buying the more expensive 4x4's?