ND Filter on a Rangefinder Camera?

[richard9318]

Hi,
I am new to the Rangefinder camera, just wondering am i be able to use a ND graduation grey filter on a rangefinder camera such as Xpan II or Fuji Tx-2 camera with a 45mm lens?

Richard

 

[Macky]

I guess if your filter or whatever you put in front of the lens doesn't block the rangefinder window then it should be ok.

 

[richard9318]

Hi Macky,

Thanks for your feedback.

Richard

 

[dreamseeker]

I've routinely used a ND soft grad with a Mamiya 7 without any problems. Only need to compensate a little for the exposure.

 

[Macky]

Another thing I want to add is... Not sure how you're going to use a ND graduated filter with an Xpan... bcos you won't be able to see the effect of the filter thro the viewfinder. Will have to be an estimation at best.

Also, with the Xpan and 45mm lens, you'll be getting vignetting if you open the lens up any bigger than f8 in panoramic mode unless you're using a central filter (a specific filter made for the lens - basically a circular ND filter which starts dark in the middle and lightens towards the edges). That will accentuate the effect of the ND filter and give you some weird effects.

 

[rebbot]

Another thing I want to add is... Not sure how you're going to use a ND graduated filter with an Xpan... bcos you won't be able to see the effect of the filter thro the viewfinder. Will have to be an estimation at best.

Also, with the Xpan and 45mm lens, you'll be getting vignetting if you open the lens up any bigger than f8 in panoramic mode unless you're using a central filter (a specific filter made for the lens - basically a circular ND filter which starts dark in the middle and lightens towards the edges). That will accentuate the effect of the ND filter and give you some weird effects.

The vignetting as many said is really not that bad. At least I can live with it. Depends on the scene as well. I am also attempting to use a ND filter with the 45mm as well. Will try and see if I can come up with something.

Cheers!