LEE Little and Big Stopper Gaskets....

bbg404

bbg404

Messages
1,302
Name
Ben
Edit My Images
Yes
Morning all I received my new Hitech Firecrest 6 and 10 stop filters on Wednesday so just threw them on my bag for my big day out at the lakes the following day

When I opened them I realised the gaskets aren't pre fitted like the LEE ones are. Little disappointing! Anyway in the box for both filters there was 2 strips of gasket I'm guessing for either the top and bottom or both sides which I have to fit my self but if I've got to fit gaskets I'd prefer to just fit the full square like LEE gasket ..... So can the LEE gaskets be bought separately??
 
I've never seen them for sale as an accessory on a photo website but if you contact Lee asking for a price for REPLACEMENT on your existing filters, they may offer to sell you a couple?
 
I purchased a couple of firecrest at Christmas and didn't get any included. A quick email solved the issue as two square gaskets were posted to me for free (although they should have been included!). The gaskets were the same as my previous hitech pro stop 10 (square and covers all 4 sides). Their customer service is quite good, just a shame you have to contact them. No need to buy them, just ask for the square gasket.

They told me customers had asked for the gaskets not to be fitted. Personally I don't understand why you wouldn't want a gasket fitted in the factory on a 6 or 10 stop filter. They must be getting lots of complaints now especially if they are now including gasket strips rather than square gaskets.
 
Last edited:
rob-nikon said:
.....
They told me customers had asked for the gaskets not to be fitted. Personally I don't understand why you wouldn't want a gasket fitted in the factory on a 6 or 10 stop filter. They must be getting lots of complaints now especially if they are now including gasket strips rather than square gaskets.
Click to expand...
Simply that the gaskets are too far from the edge and cause vignetting on lenses like the Zeiss 15/2.8 with it's 95mm front element and wide AoV.

Bob
 
Canon Bob said:
Simply that the gaskets are too far from the edge and cause vignetting on lenses like the Zeiss 15/2.8 with it's 95mm front element and wide AoV.

Bob
Click to expand...

Would that lens fit/use a 100mm Lee filter holder that the 100mm x 100mm filters are designed to fit? The square gasket is right to the edge where the filter slides into the guides/slots on filter holder. The gasket cant be any wider as it would otherwise catch in the guides/slots as you slide the filter into the holder. I can understand the vignetting issue on that lens but why can't they provide an option for fitted or not fitted, it would keep all customers happy. Does the Lee big stopper have the same issue on that lens?
 
The lens uses the Lee 100mm push-on holder....it's basically the same on the front but fits over the barrel of the lens rather than attaching to an adapter ring on the filter thread. Yes, the Big Stopper (and Little Stopper) has the same issue (I have them both) and it's better to have filters without gaskets and then shroud the outside of holder with some black material.
I'm sure that they could offer with/without options but I think it would be more troublesome for their stockists.

Bob
 
Canon Bob said:
The lens uses the Lee 100mm push-on holder....it's basically the same on the front but fits over the barrel of the lens rather than attaching to an adapter ring on the filter thread. Yes, the Big Stopper (and Little Stopper) has the same issue (I have them both) and it's better to have filters without gaskets and then shroud the outside of holder with some black material.
I'm sure that they could offer with/without options but I think it would be more troublesome for their stockists.

Bob
Click to expand...
Thanks Bob you have explained it better than Hitech did and it makes sense too.
 
Was just about to post an update on gaskets and hadn't seen these reply's but rob-Nikon hit he nail on the head I've just called them and 2 are in the post today!

I have to say I've used both filters this morning for sunrise with no gaskets and the images look ..... Fine now not sure if I'll fit the gaskets
 
bbg404 said:
Was just about to post an update on gaskets and hadn't seen these reply's but rob-Nikon hit he nail on the head I've just called them and 2 are in the post today!

I have to say I've used both filters this morning for sunrise with no gaskets and the images look ..... Fine now not sure if I'll fit the gaskets
Click to expand...

I have the 67mm Firecrest 10 and 16 stop here. When the 16 arrived it had no gasket at all so I gave them an email and was told the gaskets are only supplied with the larger filters.

I guess this means the gaskets aren't needed like you've found?

Hope that's the case. I haven't been able to try mine yet as they're my birthday present which is next week. Dying to try the 16 ;)
 
bbg404 said:
Was just about to post an update on gaskets and hadn't seen these reply's but rob-Nikon hit he nail on the head I've just called them and 2 are in the post today!

I have to say I've used both filters this morning for sunrise with no gaskets and the images look ..... Fine now not sure if I'll fit the gaskets
Click to expand...

Did you buy the 100 x 100 size? How did you use without the gasket?

I also purchased a 16 stopper - found the gasket, like the big stopper, of some use in terms of cushioning against the frame of the holder - there's still a few light leaks around the inner edges - i'm thinking of removing these gaskets altogether and coming up with a DIY solution.
 
Well to be honest it's something that niggles me when I first put the filters on but then I don't get any light leak so I try to forget about it!!

Not quite sure what the alternative is I just feel maybe if they were a tad thicker (width ways) it would get rid of the tiny gaps you can see

When I first got my filters I was sent 2 strips rather than the squares which I think I've binned but I may have to call them back and ask for some more as I think a strip at the top and bottom would help!
 
bbg404 said:
Well to be honest it's something that niggles me when I first put the filters on but then I don't get any light leak so I try to forget about it!!

Not quite sure what the alternative is I just feel maybe if they were a tad thicker (width ways) it would get rid of the tiny gaps you can see

When I first got my filters I was sent 2 strips rather than the squares which I think I've binned but I may have to call them back and ask for some more as I think a strip at the top and bottom would help!
Click to expand...

OK thanks for the feedback Ben.
I'm currently looking into a DIY solution for using the filters in either a Lee or Hitech holder without the gasket since I still get light leaks.
Will let you know when I come up with something viable!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top