Filter suggestions for a matte box
 

Looking for a 4 x 4 filter set for the HD-100. No special effects, just some basic image enhancements.

Anybody have experience with the various filter grades from the main suppliers?

Schneider Optics has a seemingly nice starter set for HD. I have questions about Cavison filters. The difference in price from Tiffen or Schneider indicates a real drop in quality.

I use a MatteBox a lot of all to add more ND filters. In a bright sunny day you have to close the iris too much, even with the build in ND filters.
A ND-to-Clear is usefull for limiting the light on skies while shooting a house for example.
For the rest, I use Warm Pro-mist 1/2 a lot to create little 'bloom' around white areas of the image. Gives me a more warm film look. One can do it also digitally in post, but a real filter is still better to my taste.
Most of my 4x4 filters are from Tiffen.

Those are interesting suggestions.

The Schneider Optics starter kit contains a circular polarizer, a 3-stop ND filter and something called "Black Frost" which seems to be a beauty effect for skin tones. Does this sound like a good start?

I have a filter set for my old PD-170 which doesn't fit, but I know that the HD-100 has enough differences that the kinds of filters that work for the 170 might not have the right effect.

Those are great filters to have in your kit. You should also include a (warm) polarizer and a ND grad. These are very handy when shooting wide landscapes outdoors.

William,

We have three mattebox filters that we use religiously for mid day / outdoor shooting. The ND grad for control over skies, Circ. Polarizer for controlling glare and a clear anytime I'm sure the lens may take a hit (dirt, sparks, etc.).

It was rough prior to buying these shooting anything outdoors, they have been a worthy investment. Good luck with your purchase!

Off to spend more money! Thanks for the advice.