Key features
What to look for with the Lee Filters LEE100 Holder
remove the holder before mounting the LEE100 Polariser, but I found it snaps on pretty easily and without much force, so I usually attach it when the holder is on the lens. Removing the polariser, however, is another matter – there’s a knack to it. I find that the easiest way to remove the polariser from the LEE100 Holder is to take the holder off the lens, hook my index finger under the catch on the inside, then reach my thumb over the release knob and press the tip onto the ridged tab of the polariser and push forwards. It takes a little pressure rather than extreme force, so if it doesn’t move, then you haven’t got the technique quite right. You should only press one of the polariser tabs, not both.
Despite watching a video about using the LEE100 holder, it took a while to find a technique that worked consistently for me. When the holder lock is in the neutral or half-lock position, it can be rotated around the lens fairly freely until any graduated filters are in the correct position. With that done, the knurled front ring of the polariser allows it to be rotated to give the desired degree of polarisation.
Verdict
The Lee Filters LEE100 Holder looks good and is lightweight so it doesn’t add much to your burden in the field. With the right-size lens adapter ring, it fits quickly and easily on to a lens and square and rectangular filters slide smoothly into position. The lock is a real bonus when you’re using a graduated filter because it prevents any accidental movement after you’ve carefully aligned the transition. While the polariser snaps in easily enough, it can take a while to get the knack of removing it. Because there are no filter frames or geared controls, when you’re adjusting the rotation of the polariser or repositioning a rectangular filter, you need to take care to avoid putting fingerprints on the optical surfaces as you reach around with your hand.