Posted by Pam Colander on May 29, 2009 at 11:23 AM
I was wondering if someone could help me with this subject. I've done a search and can't find the specifics. I know that Marc Adamus has mentioned that he will sometimes hand hold and move a GND filter during an exposure. He says it's to blur any obvious line of demarcation from the filter. My questions are: how is this done without getting your fingers in the frame? How close to the front element do you hold the filter? I am assuming this is done during a fairly long exposure? I'd e-mail Marc directly but he doesn't seem to be around right now. Thanks for any info/links provided
Hi Pam,
I've been hand-holding my Singh-Ray filters for the past year. I found it nearly impossible (for me) to keep my fingers out of the frame with the P-size filters, so I switched to the larger 4x6 filters. The 4x6 filters were a necessity for winter shooting when I might be wearing gloves.
Practice, and if time and light allows, a second insurance shot.
Generally, I'll use a cable release for the shutter which will allow me to actually watch what I am doing, once I have composed the shot. It does take some practice to not move the ND and I'll freely admit that I have screwed things up by movng them.
Actually, this is where a filter holder or even gaffer tape and the larger 4x6 filters are really worth the money. I probably spent enough in blown 4x5 shots to pay for the difference before opening the wallet.
Hi Pam,
I'm able to use the P-sized filters by holding them between thumb and forefinger from top and bottom and don't get my fingers in the picture except sometimes with the 12-24 at the wide end. The Singh-Ray 4x6 filters are probably best for the ultra wides.
Be sure that the filter is flat against the end of the lens otherwise you run the risk of reflecting unwanted "stuff" back into the lens.
My technique is to hold the filter with one hand and press the DOF preview button with the other. The DOF preview button makes it a lot easier to see the transition. Move the filter up and down to better see where the transition is and then place it where needed. I then trip the shutter with the cable release. You might be wondering how I do all this with only two hands? I stick the cable release in my mouth. This has the added benefit of nobody wanting to borrow my cable release
If you have ever read any work by Tim Fitzharris he tells how he uses "gaffers tape" and actually tapes the filters to the end of his lenses. This way he can position two of them at different angles for the situation needed. Gaffers tape is like duct tape but leaves no residue. Just wanted to mention this.
Take Care.
OK, excellent! Thanks guys for this info. I'll have to remember your cable release tip Rod Wow Brad, tape on the filters. Boy I don't know, they are so delicate. But I'll certainly look into that. I wonder where ya buy gaffers tape? Hollywood
Discussion
5 repliesI've been hand-holding my Singh-Ray filters for the past year. I found it nearly impossible (for me) to keep my fingers out of the frame with the P-size filters, so I switched to the larger 4x6 filters. The 4x6 filters were a necessity for winter shooting when I might be wearing gloves.
Generally, I'll use a cable release for the shutter which will allow me to actually watch what I am doing, once I have composed the shot. It does take some practice to not move the ND and I'll freely admit that I have screwed things up by movng them.
Actually, this is where a filter holder or even gaffer tape and the larger 4x6 filters are really worth the money. I probably spent enough in blown 4x5 shots to pay for the difference before opening the wallet.
I'm able to use the P-sized filters by holding them between thumb and forefinger from top and bottom and don't get my fingers in the picture except sometimes with the 12-24 at the wide end. The Singh-Ray 4x6 filters are probably best for the ultra wides.
Be sure that the filter is flat against the end of the lens otherwise you run the risk of reflecting unwanted "stuff" back into the lens.
My technique is to hold the filter with one hand and press the DOF preview button with the other. The DOF preview button makes it a lot easier to see the transition. Move the filter up and down to better see where the transition is and then place it where needed. I then trip the shutter with the cable release. You might be wondering how I do all this with only two hands? I stick the cable release in my mouth. This has the added benefit of nobody wanting to borrow my cable release
If you have ever read any work by Tim Fitzharris he tells how he uses "gaffers tape" and actually tapes the filters to the end of his lenses. This way he can position two of them at different angles for the situation needed. Gaffers tape is like duct tape but leaves no residue. Just wanted to mention this.
Take Care.