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- Richard
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Is this going to be a load of garbage? Or will it do the same job as a £40 filter?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162142457689
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162142457689

I find using filters is a time-consuming but worthwhile process in the right conditions. Some cameras can accurately measure long exposures through 10-stop filters. Personally these days I would only use a quality square filter. I got all mine used from Ffordes, the Lee Seven5 system, except the 10ND big stopper, that costs £70 I had to pay full price. I much prefer to get light measurements and adjust down as appropriate, then put in the filter. Using a threaded filter will be complete pain.
I'm no expert at all, I make it up as I go along, but I have used filters effectively to deal with harsh light in snow and at altitude and to isolate objects. The first one below was on film 30 years ago and I recall hand-holding about 3 circular filters over the lens. All very hit and miss. I was at about 16,000 altitude and the light was just ridiculous. The others two show how filters can isolate an otherwise messy scene, using 10 + 5 filters and a 30 second exposure in very bright light.
View attachment 106936 View attachment 106938 View attachment 106939 View attachment 106940
Taking filters on and off a lot is a PITA whatever type you use. Sure, the Lee clip-on holder is easy, but you shouldn't need to do this more than once - to take the shot. That's it.
Everything should be done without the filter in place. You know the filter factor (check it exactly by experiment because they're often not quite as marked) then set exposure, cover the viewfinder, fit the filter and shoot. Any slight adjustments to exposure do not require the filter to be taken off and on again.
Easy way to set the shutter speed, once you know exactly what filter factor you have. Say it's 9.3 stops - in 1/3rd stop increments, that's 28 clicks on the dial, just count them. Only works up to 30secs exposure though, the camera's maximum. Also, Canons count down the seconds on the LCD display - can be handy.
Taking filters on and off a lot is a PITA whatever type you use. Sure, the Lee clip-on holder is easy, but you shouldn't need to do this more than once - to take the shot. That's it.
Everything should be done without the filter in place. You know the filter factor (check it exactly by experiment because they're often not quite as marked) then set exposure, cover the viewfinder, fit the filter and shoot. Any slight adjustments to exposure do not require the filter to be taken off and on again.
Easy way to set the shutter speed, once you know exactly what filter factor you have. Say it's 9.3 stops - in 1/3rd stop increments, that's 28 clicks on the dial, just count them. Only works up to 30secs exposure though, the camera's maximum. Also, Canons count down the seconds on the LCD display - can be handy.
I had an XCSOURCE filter a while back in 67mm and found that it did ok - certainly for the price. A bit of colour cast but this is easily corrected in Lightroom or similar.
I thought there was a thread on this forum somewhere for these filters.