Looking for a ND filter as well as polarizer...

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Hello,

I am looking for a "ND filter as well as a polarizer" for my JVC videocamera...

Does anyone know where to find them cheapest / best in the States? Is there a much difference per camera brand?

Thanks for responding,

Ewien

[redwudz]

You need to know your filter size and the type of mount. Most common is the screw-in mount. Here's a guide from E-bay that lists most major brands and some general info: http://pages.ebay.com/buy/guides/camera-filters-buying-guide/

And this guide is specifically for video: http://www.lafcpug.org/curseofdigital_feature.html

One good source for all photographic and video equipment in the states is: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

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@ redwudz...

Thanks for the info / links, very helpfull....I already spend time searching for a good ND filter...

You are writing about the "filter size and type of mount" ... I looked in my instruction manual of my "JVC GY-DV 300/301"camera, but did not find such information?!

I did find though on the last page a drawing with the external dimensions (unit:mm) of my video camera...

Could lens size '89 mm' be good information to deal with this matter ?

[redwudz]

Here's what I find, if I have the right model:

A review: http://www.videomaker.com/article/9032/

And this info from that article:

JVC Professional
1700 Valley Road
Wayne, NJ 07470
(973) 317-5000
www.jvc.com/pro

The GY-DV300U Streamcorder

TECH SPECS
Format: Mini DV
Lens: 14:1 optical zoom, fl=5.6 to 78.4mm, f/1.6, 52mm filter

I would check with JVC, but that may be the filter size, 52mm. If so, that's a common size used with a lot of still film 35mm cameras and should be easy to find. I assume if it's threaded, the thread type is universal.

[B-Twien Bytes]

@ redwudz

Thanks for all your advice (again ....

I found the filter size on my lens, and it is indeed 52 mm!! I am planning on buying a round ND filter....

I also found a well written article about all this on the website of Videomaker.com, here it is so many others might find it usefull too:

http://www.videomaker.com/article/2678/

[lordsmurf]

Buy at B&H

Don't buy some cheap piece of crap. Get a multi-coated filter.

Hoya super multi-coated, B+W, Heliopan.

Don't get Tiffen or off-brands.

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@ lordsmurf

You are 'just' in time with your tips...I was looking at buying a Tiffen tomorrow (monday)....see http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/58647-REG/Tiffen_52ND6_52mm_Neutral_Density_ND_.html
What is wrong with them?

What exactly do you mean with your statement:

Hoya super multi-coated, B + W, Heliopan?

Is this another brand you are suggesting?

Thanks for answering me....

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@ lordsmurf

I now see what you mean...on the same website I do see the marks 'Hoya, B+W and Heliopan...

Any difference / preference in these, or are they kind of like the same quality?

Thanks for your help!

[B-Twien Bytes]

@ Lordsmurf and others...

As suggested I ordered a good brand ND filter at bhphotovideo.com...I am not happy the way their online shopping works though...

It took them ages to say that the item was not in stock (their website said different though) and now I still do not have the filter I wanted to use this week ;(

I am communicating back and forwards with them now for a replacement, but it will still take between 1 - 10 weeks (max) to get the item ordered and shipped within the States.

This is too long...For that reason I am more thinking about "cancelling my order" and ordering a 'Hoya super multi-coated, B+W, Heliopan' somewhere else online, where they do have things IN STOCK.

Any suggestions on online stores for this? Both Europe and America are fine.

Thanks in advance!

[edDV]

The spec sheet indicates 52mm filters.
http://www.roscorrentals.com/equipment_specifications/JVC%20GY-DV300U.pdf

What more do you need to know than 52mm?

[B-Twien Bytes]

@ edDV

Thanks for the link, but I do not see any info in the spec regarding my question??

[lordsmurf]

Sorry, didn't see the post (PM me if you need me, with a link to the post you want comments on, be glad to help).

The better filters give a better quality image. The glass and coatings are better. And I'm not talking about theoretical differences, but easy-to-see quality variances.

B&H is a great store, but if you are not happy with them, I suggest:
www.arlingtoncamera.com (Texas)
www.canogacamera.com (California)
www.adorama.com (New York)
www.calumetphoto.com (New York, others)
www.17photo.com (New York)

They all have good prices. With Arlington and Canoga, you generally get nicer folks on the phone, should you want to call with questions.

Be careful ordering from others, lots of scammer-quality stores out there, especially New York and Hong Kong locations. You want to buy from an authorized dealer, otherwise you might get a fake. The stores I mentioned sell authorized products..

I think Canoga might still have their Hoya sale (10% off) going on. I purchased a lens and filter there about 2 months ago.

[redwudz]

I like B&H, but they do seem to have problems with their inventory at times. I ordered 7 digital cameras from them about a year ago and they assured me they were in stock. When I called a week later after no further word from them, they said they only had one. I'm guessing their inventory may be spread over several locations. I had to cancel and order from a different source.

From that point on, I always called the companies on the phone after they confirmed the order by email to make sure they really had the items and were able to ship them ASAP.

[edDV]

@ edDV

Thanks for the link, but I do not see any info in the spec regarding my question??

What more do you need to know other than 52mm ?

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@ lordsmurf, redwudz

Thanks for the info / honesty I will take a careful look at it.

@ edDV
I was not looking anymore for the specs of a needed ND filter, just for some companies that sell them

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@ lordsmurf a.o

I am looking at the websites you mentioned awhile ago, to pick my final ND filter order

Here is my question: on several websites they talk about: ND2 ND filter glass, ND4 ...., ND8....

What is the difference and which one is better / best in your eyes...? Does videomaker maybe have an (online) article about this subject?

Thanks in advance!

[B-Twien Bytes]

OK, I was to quick posting this last message...This is what I found extra:

* NDx2 (exposure adjustment = 1 stop, reduces ISO 1/2 )
* NDx4 (exposure adjustment = 2 stops, reduces ISO 1/4 )
* NDx8 (exposure adjustment = 3 stops, reduces ISO 1/8 )

But what 'exactly' does it mean in practice?

[B-Twien Bytes]

I need to decide tomorrow the latest which ND filter to buy online...could any one help me out with the quote written above?

I do know al the words mentioned, but do not really know how to put it all together to make a / the best choice

Thanks a lot!

[edDV]

OK, I was to quick posting this last message...This is what I found extra:

* NDx2 (exposure adjustment = 1 stop, reduces ISO 1/2 )
* NDx4 (exposure adjustment = 2 stops, reduces ISO 1/4 )
* NDx8 (exposure adjustment = 3 stops, reduces ISO 1/8 )

But what 'exactly' does it mean in practice?

Are you asking about specs again or retailers?

An ND filter is used to manage bright outdoor light (overexposure) or to shorten lens depth of field to enhance blurred backgrounds which increases the perception of background depth. The more stops, the shorter the depth of field and the more blurring. If you use too much, focus becomes tough and you get noise from the sensor.

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@ edDV

Ok, thanks for the info...I was not asking about specs again or retailers I already made my 'company' choice.

I was not sure to pick NDx2, 4 or 8 that's all...

If I read your explanation to me it seems best to pick the NDx2?! The main reason for buying a ND filter is, filming in Mali (West-Africa) means always too much sunshine = overexposure....it washes the colors out even if you pick your hours careful and film on the hours the sun is not the strongest.

Thanks again!

[edDV]

@ edDV

Ok, thanks for the info...I was not asking about specs again or retailers I already made my 'company' choice.

I was not sure to pick NDx2, 4 or 8 that's all...

If I read your explanation to me it seems best to pick the NDx2?! The main reason for buying a ND filter is, filming in Mali (West-Africa) means always too much sunshine = overexposure....it washes the colors out even if you pick your hours careful and film on the hours the sun is not the strongest.

Thanks again!

I'd get an NDx2 and a 4 in that case.

[B-Twien Bytes]

Thanks, that's what I thought too, but wanted to be sure...