Anyone used them? Said to give DV a more filmic
appearance.
I might try one but don't know which strength to get.

http://www.tiffen.com/contrast_filters.htm

See this thread (http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18720&highlight=ultracon). I have one. No, it's not an automatic "film look". They can give you a tiny bit more exposure latitude in dark areas under very specific conditions. They are prone to veiling flares and require great care during set-up. Definitely not a tool for run and gun casual shooting.

Thanks for the link.
Doesn't sound too good for run and gun.

I have a 3 and a 5, and run and gun can be tricky, or, like the other night when we went out to shoot a nightclub, work perfectly....

But I don't recommend the ultra contrast filters unless you're prepared to do some work in post with adjusting your blacks by compressing them slightly. The end result after doing this is very nice though....

Graeme

I use the Ultra Con 1 a LOT... too bad it was an experience in madness getting it from Tiffen last year.

No filter is going to give you instant 'film look' but it can help.

Here's a neat page I found a while back that I thought was helpful and interesting:

http://www.posteffects.com/usersguide/tiffen/tiffen0.htm


Like I said, lately getting any specialty filters from Tiffen has been a total crap shoot since they seem to be trying to put themselves out of business on purpose.