Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/12/13
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]At 11:36 AM 12/13/97 -0500, you wrote: >Jim Brick has argued persuasively and at length against the use of any >filters. But, Jim, HOW are we supposed to do colour conversion work >WITHOUT filters? Its not too great a problem with colour negative >emulsions, as we can correct in the darkroom, but what about chromes? > >Marc > Hi Marc, Well, as I've said many times, I use filters almost all of the time. I DO NOT, however, use a filter when it is not warranted. I do not use a filter when... shooting into the sun, shooting at night, sunset, sunrise, unless the sun is gone and I want to enhance the effect (color grad), close-ups (pebbles, leaves, branches, etc) unless a polarizer will help remove the blue reflection of the sky. My entire point, that I've been arguing, is that, unless you have a functional (photographically functional) purpose for using a filter, you are better off not using one. This is basically aimed at those who insist that they need a UV "protection" filter and that a filter does not degrade an image. So, I work like hell to make sure that when I do use a filter, it's not going to contribute that "little bit more degradation" so that I get an inferior product (photograph). But I've also said, "to each his own". I do indeed spout "no filter" but in the vein of use it only when necessary. But I do indeed, for landscapes and regional stuff, almost always use a polarizer or KR3 warming filter, of course depending upon the subject, light direction, etc. So use filters as filters. And lens caps as protectors. Jim