Tiffen Ultra Contrast & ND Sequence? at DVinfo.net

Joshua Provost · May 31st, 2005, 12:57 PM

Hi,

Has anyone used a Tiffen Ultra Contrast filter with an ND filter? I am wondering if there is an order to stack these in to get the best image. Does the UltraCon only work when it gets a lot of light (meaning it would need to be out front)? Or can it still do its thing under lower light (meaning it could be behind the ND)?

The UltraCon 3 is in transit, and I'll test in a few days, but would like to hear others experiences.

Thanks,
Josh

Charles Papert · May 31st, 2005, 03:02 PM

That's a good question, Josh!

I would stack the Ultracon in the front with the ND behind. The Ultracon likes to have the ambient light strike its front surface.

However, it's worth testing when you have them in hand to see which effect you prefer.

Remember with the Ultracons that when you pan off a frame that has high contrast the effect will shift as you move into the low contrast area, which may be visible.

Joshua Provost · May 31st, 2005, 04:50 PM

Charles, thanks, I will watch out for camera movement. The shots I plan to use this for are locked down.

I'll follow-up after I test. It is an intersting question, because an ND only lowers the overall light level, it doesn't effect the contrast ratio. Will this thing work in "low-light" situations (i.e., behind an ND)? I'm sure, as with most optics, there is an optimal lighting condition, a sweet spot. Let's see if I can find it.

Thanks,
Josh

May 31st, 2005, 12:57 PM	#1
Joshua Provost Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 493	Tiffen Ultra Contrast & ND Sequence? Hi, Has anyone used a Tiffen Ultra Contrast filter with an ND filter? I am wondering if there is an order to stack these in to get the best image. Does the UltraCon only work when it gets a lot of light (meaning it would need to be out front)? Or can it still do its thing under lower light (meaning it could be behind the ND)? The UltraCon 3 is in transit, and I'll test in a few days, but would like to hear others experiences. Thanks, Josh __________________ Owner/Operator, 727 Records Co-Founder, Matter of Chance Productions Blogger, Try Avoidance

May 31st, 2005, 03:02 PM	#2
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	That's a good question, Josh! I would stack the Ultracon in the front with the ND behind. The Ultracon likes to have the ambient light strike its front surface. However, it's worth testing when you have them in hand to see which effect you prefer. Remember with the Ultracons that when you pan off a frame that has high contrast the effect will shift as you move into the low contrast area, which may be visible. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

May 31st, 2005, 04:50 PM	#3
Joshua Provost Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 493	Charles, thanks, I will watch out for camera movement. The shots I plan to use this for are locked down. I'll follow-up after I test. It is an intersting question, because an ND only lowers the overall light level, it doesn't effect the contrast ratio. Will this thing work in "low-light" situations (i.e., behind an ND)? I'm sure, as with most optics, there is an optimal lighting condition, a sweet spot. Let's see if I can find it. Thanks, Josh __________________ Owner/Operator, 727 Records Co-Founder, Matter of Chance Productions Blogger, Try Avoidance