Looking for Variable Neutral Density filters? at DVinfo.net

Wayne Morellini · April 5th, 2006, 06:48 AM

I am looking for Variable Neutral density filters. These are things where you can select the density your want, even on the fly.

I am interested in what variety is out there, anybody know?

Thanks

Wayne.

Andrew Khalil · April 5th, 2006, 12:30 PM

I've never used them, but I've heard that the ones sold here are really good:
http://www.singh-ray.com/varind.html

Doug Boze · April 5th, 2006, 01:37 PM

You can make one yourself from a pair of polarizing filters. When they are in congruence, they'll have twice their filter factor, and a 90-degree twist will block all light. Downside is not knowing the exact reduction at any point between, but you could guestimate it and use a metallic Sharpie to mark the points of min and max and in-between.

Wayne Morellini · April 5th, 2006, 03:15 PM

Thanks for the replies guys. Yes, I remember it when I had a look at the one above (it even says that it will work with anything but polarisers). I am still interested in seeing what other solutions are available, as even the best polarisers I've seen kill a lot of light. I would like to find something that is almost clear, so it can be left on the camera in all conditions, as I walk around.

I've had a few ideas in times past on how to make one, but they are complex, or sloppy, a good manufactured product would be nice.

Andrew Khalil · April 5th, 2006, 03:36 PM

If you're looking for something that doesn't kill light, neutral density filters aren't what you need. If you simply want to protect the lens, get a UV filter but remember there are situations you'll need to remove it or it will affect your image which is why I personally don't like them.

Wayne Morellini · April 6th, 2006, 06:04 AM

I still want a ND like reduction, but something you can turn down to nearly 0 ND, so I can walk into a low light situation without having to ever remove it. Once you get below 50% light loss, polarisers cost heaps too. I think the one above is two 50% polarisers because of the two stop loss minimum. I think I might have a solution for a polariser that can have light loss of much less than 50% hopefully down to less than 10%, but unfortunately I haven't got the ability or equipment to design it. It was a solution to another problem I was thinking of today.

Anyway, so are polarisers the only solution out there?

Thanks

Wayne.

April 5th, 2006, 06:48 AM	#1
Wayne Morellini Inner Circle Join Date: May 2003 Location: Australia Posts: 2,762	Looking for Variable Neutral Density filters? I am looking for Variable Neutral density filters. These are things where you can select the density your want, even on the fly. I am interested in what variety is out there, anybody know? Thanks Wayne.

April 5th, 2006, 01:37 PM	#3
Doug Boze Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 218	You can make one yourself from a pair of polarizing filters. When they are in congruence, they'll have twice their filter factor, and a 90-degree twist will block all light. Downside is not knowing the exact reduction at any point between, but you could guestimate it and use a metallic Sharpie to mark the points of min and max and in-between. __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Benjamin Franklin, 1759

April 5th, 2006, 12:30 PM	#2
Andrew Khalil Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 424	I've never used them, but I've heard that the ones sold here are really good: http://www.singh-ray.com/varind.html

April 5th, 2006, 03:15 PM	#4
Wayne Morellini Inner Circle Join Date: May 2003 Location: Australia Posts: 2,762	Thanks for the replies guys. Yes, I remember it when I had a look at the one above (it even says that it will work with anything but polarisers). I am still interested in seeing what other solutions are available, as even the best polarisers I've seen kill a lot of light. I would like to find something that is almost clear, so it can be left on the camera in all conditions, as I walk around. I've had a few ideas in times past on how to make one, but they are complex, or sloppy, a good manufactured product would be nice.

April 5th, 2006, 03:36 PM	#5
Andrew Khalil Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 424	If you're looking for something that doesn't kill light, neutral density filters aren't what you need. If you simply want to protect the lens, get a UV filter but remember there are situations you'll need to remove it or it will affect your image which is why I personally don't like them.

April 6th, 2006, 06:04 AM	#6
Wayne Morellini Inner Circle Join Date: May 2003 Location: Australia Posts: 2,762	I still want a ND like reduction, but something you can turn down to nearly 0 ND, so I can walk into a low light situation without having to ever remove it. Once you get below 50% light loss, polarisers cost heaps too. I think the one above is two 50% polarisers because of the two stop loss minimum. I think I might have a solution for a polariser that can have light loss of much less than 50% hopefully down to less than 10%, but unfortunately I haven't got the ability or equipment to design it. It was a solution to another problem I was thinking of today. Anyway, so are polarisers the only solution out there? Thanks Wayne.