Tips for using a Polarizing Filter?

[DavidRM]

I'm looking for some tips and tricks for using a polarizing filter. So far my results with my polarizer have been hit or miss.

Any information would be appreciated.

For example: When spinning the filter around, is it better to go for a darker tint, or brighter?

Thanks!

-David

[Gaelan]

The polarizing screen is one of the best front lens attachments to use.
Polarization happens only with the illumination source, (sun), is at an angle to the film plane. It is useless when the light comes from behind or within 30degrees of the front.
Polarizers are the only "filter" that you can see the effect.
The best way to get the feel is to put the filter on. Turn 45-65% from the light source, and rotate the ring to see the maximum effect.
You do not have to go to maximum polarity. There is an opportunity to tweak the contrast/color by feathering your touch.
While polarizers are touted for eliminating or reducing reflection, this does not work with metal.
When you polarize a scene you will get greater color saturation because the reflection of dust and water on the surface.
If the sky is hazy with smog you use the polarizing screen. Clouds will then stand out as white against blue.
Again, within that arc of polarizing ability.
Try it. You'll love it.

[DavidRM]

Gaelen,

Thanks! I've used the filter a few times, but I haven't been sure of the results, or how I was supposed to use it.

Is "maximum polarity" when the image is darkest?

Thanks again,

-David

[ronkon]

Originally Posted by Gaelan

The polarizing screen is one of the best front lens attachments to use.
Polarization happens only with the illumination source, (sun), is at an angle to the film plane. It is useless when the light comes from behind or within 30degrees of the front.
Polarizers are the only "filter" that you can see the effect.
The best way to get the feel is to put the filter on. Turn 45-65% from the light source, and rotate the ring to see the maximum effect.
You do not have to go to maximum polarity. There is an opportunity to tweak the contrast/color by feathering your touch.
While polarizers are touted for eliminating or reducing reflection, this does not work with metal.
* When you polarize a scene you will get greater color saturation because the reflection of dust and water on the surface.
If the sky is hazy with smog you use the polarizing screen. Clouds will then stand out as white against blue.
Again, within that arc of polarizing ability.
Try it. You'll love it.

Would ANY polariser do?* What about CIRCULAR polarizers?* Could you recommend a good quality polariser, please?* And where can I get it?
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Kon

[Mr. Pickles]

Circular polarizers are the preferred ones, and the only ones for some cameras, as linear polizers will not work on some.

Most all CP filters have a DOT or other "mark". as long as the sun is on a "side" of the lens (NOT in front of back of you), rotate the filter until the "mark" is pointed at the sun. That is usually a good starting point for the max polarization, or darkest. Most of the time, you can just align it and shoot, but looking through the viewfinder and rotating a bit is preferred to not over do it. Too much is too much and can be easy to tell the image was "worked" over.

If you have an LCD display that is a viewfinder (most prosumer types), I think you have to half press the shutter and while you hold it down, rotate the filter to see the effect. If you don't, rotating the filter will not show you what is happening.

Some CP filters are too think for some wide angle lenses, so they will show up as "vignetting", or darkening of the corners. If oyu camera does do this, you might be able to use a "thin" polarizer, which is 2/3rds to half the thickness. Of course, they cost more money too. Also to eliminate any chance of vignetting, do not put the CP filter on the lens with a UV filter. Stacking filters makes vignetting even more possible.

[ronkon]

Thanks folks, esp. Mr. Pickles, for all the helpful info.
His detailed explanation is the best I've ever come across.

I found on AMAZON.COM a "Kodak B & W Circular Polarizer".* Would this work well on the FUJIFILM FinePix S9000 that I'm seriously considering?

BTW, does anyone know the FILTER SIZE for the S9000?* I couldn't find it in brochures, etc. on the S9000.

With sincere appreciation,
Kon

[Mr. Pickles]

That filter should work fine. As for the size, I'm not 100% positive (95%), but I think the 9000/9500 has a 58mm thread size. BUT, that is the thread size for the body. What that means is, there needs to be an extension tube screwed onto the body, and the lens will zoom in and out inside the tube. Most will put a UV filter on the end of the tube, whcih should also be a 58mm.

In other words, it "should" take 58mm threaded filters, but you have to get an adapter tube for it. Should be the same tube as you can buy for the older Fuji 602 (I liked the 602), the 5000, and 7000.

[ronkon]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

That filter should work fine. As for the size, I'm not 100% positive (95%), but I think the 9000/9500 has a 58mm thread size. BUT, that is the thread size for the body. What that means is, there needs to be an extension tube screwed onto the body, and the lens will zoom in and out inside the tube. Most will put a UV filter on the end of the tube, whcih should also be a 58mm.

In other words, it "should" take 58mm threaded filters, but you have to get an adapter tube for it. Should be the same tube as you can buy for the older Fuji 602 (I liked the 602), the 5000, and 7000.

Thanks again, Mr. Pickles.
I'm going to try and get FUJIFILM to confirm the exact filter size before I order via AMAZON.
With sincere appreciation,
Kon

[Mr. Pickles]

Just a followup, back in the day, one place was selling a 58mm lens tube that had a 55mm filter end on it. I think it was 55mm. I know it was less than the 58mm camera body end. Anyway, I wouldn't recommend going down in thread size like that. If you get a straight filter, you won't have a vignetting problem, and you could probably "stack" two filters if you wanted.

The down side is, some places charge a dollar or so more for a 58mm than a 55mm, but getting the bigger one is better in the long run.

[ronkon]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

Just a followup, back in the day, one place was selling a 58mm lens tube that had a 55mm filter end on it. I think it was 55mm. I know it was less than the 58mm camera body end. Anyway, I wouldn't recommend going down in thread size like that. If you get a straight filter, you won't have a vignetting problem, and you could probably "stack" two filters if you wanted.

The down side is, some places charge a dollar or so more for a 58mm than a 55mm, but getting the bigger one is better in the long run.

Mr. Pickles, you are indeed a very kind & helpful person.*
Appreciate your LATEST info, however, I've just got a helpful reply from FUJI which I'm appending below:

Dear Kon,

Thank you for contacting Fujifilm, USA's Contact Center. We appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance.

If you are planning on attaching filters to this unit, please be sure they are 58mm in diameter. Any other size will not fit on this unit. You do not need an adapter ring to mount a filter on this model.

We sincerely hope that this information has been beneficial to you. If you should have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us again.* It would be our pleasure to assist you.

Thank you for your interest in Fujifilm Digital Imaging products and services.

Respectfully,
Digital Specialist 147
Fujifilm Contact Center
1-800-800-3854

BTW, I'm going to try and see if I can order on AMAZON a piece of "Kodak B & W Circular Polarizer" for this 58mm filter size.* Any candid comments on this, please?*

In the past, I've usually bought HOYA filters, etc. and found them pratty good . . . but on this forum someone recommnded "B & W" which I've never heard of.

With sincere appreciation,
Kon

[Mr. Pickles]

I'm wondering about the way the FUJI person worded that. He said "You do not need an adapter ring to mount a filter on this model.". Does this mean it does not need an adapter TUBE? If not, then that is good, and maybe they changed the design from the 602, 5000, and 7000.

As for the BW filter, it will work fine on there. I use Hoyas and ProMasters. BW are a very good filter, and a lot fo folks use them extensively. Some people go the Hoya route to save a few pennies. The BW's are probably better optically, but the choice is yours.

Have fun with your 9000, and let us know how you like it and post pics

[ronkon]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

I'm wondering about the way the FUJI person worded that. He said "You do not need an adapter ring to mount a filter on this model.". Does this mean it does not need an adapter TUBE? If not, then that is good, and maybe they changed the design from the 602, 5000, and 7000.

As for the BW filter, it will work fine on there. I use Hoyas and ProMasters. BW are a very good filter, and a lot fo folks use them extensively. Some people go the Hoya route to save a few pennies. The BW's are probably better optically, but the choice is yours.

Have fun with your 9000, and let us know how you like it and post pics

I've just heard from FUJI again saying that "Hoya 58mm Circular Polarizer Multi Coated Glass Filter" is SUITABLE for the S9000.
BTW, it sells for US$64.99 + shipping via AMAZON.
May go for this and save the pennies for additional CF cards.*

Once again, Mr. Pcikles, thanks for being so responsive & helpful.
Yes, I shall try to post some pics when I get my S9000, D.V.

Regards,
Kon

[Mr. Pickles]

Amazons price is good. At the internet place I have used several times, Camera Filters ( http://www.camerafilters.com/pages/cpl.aspx, they have the Hoya HMC (Hoya Multi Coated) for $65.66.

They have a good guide on there about what each filter is, and they have more choices than just the HMC. Like the "Hoya Purple Label" whcih is not multi-coated, but certainly cheaper. They also have the Moose Peterson Polarizer, which is Moose Peterson's (renowned photographer) designed polarizer with warming filter, for $52. Helpful for some landscape shooting...

Anyway, go there and read all about....

[Patzt]

Great information here!

I'm about to purchase a polarizer filter for my Nikon Coolpix 8700 and I've found this reading really helpful.

[ronkon]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

Amazons price is good. At the internet place I have used several times, Camera Filters ( http://www.camerafilters.com/pages/cpl.aspx, they have the Hoya HMC (Hoya Multi Coated) for $65.66.

They have a good guide on there about what each filter is, and they have more choices than just the HMC. Like the "Hoya Purple Label" whcih is not multi-coated, but certainly cheaper.* They also have the Moose Peterson Polarizer, which is Moose Peterson's (renowned photographer) designed polarizer with warming filter, for $52. Helpful for some landscape shooting...

Anyway, go there and read all about....

Once again, Mr. Pickles, THANKS for all your helpful info.
BTW, I found that I can get the HOYA Multi-coated filters, etc. in Malaysia (where I am at present) at a lower price plus no postage, etc. involved.
Regards,
Kon