ND and Protective Filter Recommendations Please
 

Well I will have use of a FX1 for a month. Been reading up on it and downloaded the user manual.

My intention is to shoot wide open as much as possible. For living room type interviews, do you believe some external NDs will be needed or are the built in ones strong enough? Shutter speed will be 1/60th.

Also, I'd like to throw on a protective filter just to keep the lens clean and free from accidental damage. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Hi Peter,

I have a Z1, but as you know, it's essentially identical to the FX1 (at least for the purposes of your questions).

The internal ND filters will definitely be enough for you, especially indoors. I have never once, in the brightest summer sun, wished I had more.

You could put a protective filter on it, I suppose, but the stock lens shade is pretty deep. I find it protects just fine.

Cheers,
Vito

My advice: get two filters and a matte-box.

1) UV filter. It will definitely protect your lens from fingers and dust. Get a high quality type, with non-reflective surface treatment. If you use a sun-shade or matte-box, the additional glass (if high quality) will be invisible.

2) Graduated ND. I never get tired of telling this. Even in indoor situations it can darken an area more quickly than doing it with light. Put that filter on the matte-box.

3) Matte-box. This has proven an invaluable gear in many situations. Besides allowing a filter support, it should take care of any light rays you may find indoors, particularly when you work with backlights. A french flag will be handy too.