Filter suggestions for a matte box at DVinfo.net

William Hohauser · October 16th, 2006, 11:44 AM

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.

Marc Colemont · October 16th, 2006, 03:44 PM

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.

William Hohauser · October 17th, 2006, 11:35 AM

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.

Council Bradshaw · October 17th, 2006, 03:17 PM

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.

Daniel Patton · October 17th, 2006, 08:57 PM

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!

William Hohauser · October 17th, 2006, 09:13 PM

Off to spend more money! Thanks for the advice.

October 16th, 2006, 11:44 AM	#1
William Hohauser Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New York City Posts: 2,650	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. __________________ William Hohauser - New York City Producer/Edit/Camera/Animation Last edited by William Hohauser; October 16th, 2006 at 08:40 PM.

October 17th, 2006, 11:35 AM	#3
William Hohauser Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New York City Posts: 2,650	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. __________________ William Hohauser - New York City Producer/Edit/Camera/Animation

October 17th, 2006, 08:57 PM	#5
Daniel Patton Major Player Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Knoxville TN Posts: 589	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! __________________ Our eyes allow us to see the world - The lens allows others to see the world through our eyes. RED ONE #977

October 17th, 2006, 09:13 PM	#6
William Hohauser Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New York City Posts: 2,650	Off to spend more money! Thanks for the advice. __________________ William Hohauser - New York City Producer/Edit/Camera/Animation

October 16th, 2006, 03:44 PM	#2
Marc Colemont Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Belgium Posts: 695	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.

October 17th, 2006, 03:17 PM	#4
Council Bradshaw Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 44	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.