ND 10 step filter for long exposure - I need some help

[mbrager]

When I use my variable filter, I set my (stupid) camera on manual exposure. I can set the Tv and Av I want, but also control the exposure with the filter. In manual, using Live View, there is an exposure meter on the screen that tells me, as I darken and lighten the filter, when I'm at the right stop, i.e. the meter is in the center. This is useful in bright sun, around water, for example, when I want to slow the shutter, still have a shallow depth of field, and need therefore to use the variable filter to help cut down the light. I will also shoot bracketed shots, i.e. several shots under and over the camera's exposure, to ensure I'll have at least one good exposure, and for HDR processing when there are dark and light areas in the shot.

[Marko]

I think a podcast about this filter is in order.

[Runmonty]

I think a podcast about this filter is in order.

If you do decide to do this I have a couple of points/comments/questions that may or may not be useful. Let me know if you want me to post here or PM, or not at all.

[theantiquetiger]

I guess you get what you pay for. My filter came in, I tried a practice shot. I put my camera in AV mode, the meter called for a 1 sec exposure @ f/9.0 ISO 100(I was shooting inside).

So I put my camera in BULB and tried a few short exposures(12-30secs).

Should I be able to see through a 10 stop ND filter? I can see light through this one.

Here is what I got with a 8 sec exposure. According to a chart, 1 sec normal exposure with a 3 stop ND filter is 8 secs.

[theantiquetiger]

Am I doing something wrong and this is a 10 stop filter or is it a 3 stop filter? I want to make sure before I send it back. The seller has offered a full refund, but I just want to make sure.

[Marko]

It's 10 stops not 3.
But why would you use it (practise) on this subject instead of moving water or clouds?

[Runmonty]

It's 10 stops not 3.
But why would you use it (practise) on this subject instead of moving water or clouds?

I totally bow to Markos superior knowledge on this, but the way you describe it, it sounds to me like a 3 stop? I assume ISO and aperture were constant at f9 and ISO 100

I am wondering if they sent you an 3 stop instead of an ND3.0 (10 stop)??? With my 10 stop it looks black but I can see light if held up to a light source. What is does the labeling say?

Really looking forward to the podcast now I have got a bit confused.

[Marko]

Actually I just said it was a 10 stop filter because I thought AT suggested it was....I just went with it - doh!
and all the ones I've seen are near black.
Big Stopper and Little Stopper long exposure filters from LEE Filters.
Lee Big Stopper Filter, 10 stop ND glass very interesting creative tool

Since a picture is worth a thousand words - A 3.0 ND filter = 10 stops.



Thanks for having my back guys!