Got my B+W 10-stop ND Filter - now what?

[Rob MacKillop]

I'd like to take shots where the sea is becalmed...a bit of a cliche, but I'd like to be able to do it. I've got the B+W 10-stop ND filter for the X-E1. When the filter is attached, I can't see a thing, obviously, so I'm assuming you have to focus without it, then carefully put it on without shifting the focus? Sounds a bit of a task.

How do you work out exposure time?

Any useful links?

etc...etc...

 

[David Mitchell]

Yeah you take all of the meter readings and focus before adding the filter, then you add the filter and take the shot, there should be a focus lock on there somewhere - although I usually shoot at infinity so its fine for me lol

Found this guide:

Lee BigStopper 10-Stop ND Filter Long Exposure Quick Reference Chart and Cheat Sheet

 

[Brian Moore]

Tripod, Rob. Set up, frame the fotie, focus, etc., then install filter.

That's what I'd do. (If I had a tripod or an ND filter, that is.)

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Thanks, David. I've printed out that table.

Brian - tripod at the ready...

 

[Beth Carter]

oh no, now rob's going to have 30 second blurred exposures rather than 2 or 3 seconds..

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Beth, if you ever want to sit for me, I'd happily do your portrait [ner]

 

[Stephen McCullough]

Very useful chart David.

Can't wait to hear and see how it works out Rob.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Cheers, Stephen. I could get off my backside and head out now to the river and waterfall only ten minutes walk from here, but I'm knackered after the London trip, and just want to sit here looking at stuff. Maybe tomorrow.

 

[Chris Dodkin]

From experience with my X-Pro1, the Fuji can work out the exposure by itself most of the time - amazingly enough!

Use the self timer on your Fuji Rob to keep camera wobble at bay - and make sure your tripod is super sturdy.

Suggest using f/8 for max lens sharpness, and keep the ISO in the lower ranges to keep images noise free.

Also - try fitting the filter and using the camera's auto focus - you might be surprised....

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Thanks for the advice, Chris!

 

[Dave Green]

On my Nikon D700 - I can't see through the filter, but live view can. Handy for recomposing once the filter is on. I tend to zone focus as it's almost always small aperture landscapes anyway.

For working exposure I meter without the filter then use an iPhone app called "Long Time" (It loves me hehe)

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Thanks for that, Dave. Interesting.

 

[Stephen McCullough]

From experience with my X-Pro1, the Fuji can work out the exposure by itself most of the time - amazingly enough!

Use the self timer on your Fuji Rob to keep camera wobble at bay - and make sure your tripod is super sturdy.

Suggest using f/8 for max lens sharpness, and keep the ISO in the lower ranges to keep images noise free.

Also - try fitting the filter and using the camera's auto focus - you might be surprised....

Interesting. Thanks Chris. I''m learning here.

 

[Pete Askew]

Not much more I can add except to take more portraits with it!

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Will do!