Work with filters

DISCOVER HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR LANDSCAPES USING LEE’S 100MM FILTERS AND THEIR NEW SYSTEM HOLDER.

THERE ARE CERTAIN effects that you can only really achieve through in-camera filtration and which are not possible to re-create in post-production. For example, the way that polarisers remove surface glare and reflections or extending shutter speeds with neutral density filters.

When it comes to filters there are two basic types: screw in filters or square, slot-in filters, also known as ‘system’ filters. The latter are far more versatile, allowing you to use the filters with multiple lenses with different filter threads, stack two or three filters with little risk of vignetting, and adjust the height of graduated filters.

Filter systems comprise of three parts: the adaptor ring, which screws into the filter thread, the filter holder, which attaches to the ring and the filters. The holder consists of guide rails into which you slot the filters and there may be one, two or three slots plus the ability to attach a polariser. Some holders, such as LEE’s new 100mm system holder allow you to quickly and easily change the number of guide rails, though generally speaking this isn’t something you would need to do often. With the LEE holder used for this tutorial, the polariser clips onto the front slot.

FIT A POLARISER

01 Attach a polariser to the holder; with the new LEE holder, this simply clips onto the front. To prevent accidents, do this before attaching the holder to the lens, keeping everything horizontal.

ATTACH THE FILTER HOLDER

02 The filter holder simply clips onto the ring, using the pin on the side. To lock the holder into place so that you don’t accidentally knock it off the lens, twist the blue collar below the pin.

ADJUST THE POLARISER

03 The new polariser has ridges to make it easy to grip. While looking through the viewfinder, rotate the filter. You’ll see reflections come and go, so simply adjust it until you see the effect you like when your intended exposure value is achieved.

TAKE A TEST SHOT

04 An ND filter of 15 stops is needed for this shot. As this is too dark to meter through take a test shot without a filter and use the exposure settings to calculate the filtered exposure.

CALCULATE THE FILTERED EXPOSURE

05 You need to double the exposure time for each stop of neutral density – in this case, fifteen times. If the maths is bit daunting, there are phone apps which will do the calculation for you.

TAKE THE FINAL SHOT

06 Fit the filter; make sure it’s in the rear slot, with the rubber gasket facing the camera, fitted to prevent light leaks and thus flare. Set Bulb mode and lock the shutter open for the calculated exposure.

WITHOUT FILTERS The unfiltered shot looks dull and uninteresting. There is glare on the surface of the water and waves create messy trails of white water.

WITH POLARISER & ND FILTER The addition of a polariser has removed the glare from the water; an ND has lengthened the exposure, giving the white water a creamy texture.