Welding Glass as 8x ND filter

stingOM · Expire: 2012-12-27

My first experiment using a welding glass. What do you think? The image would have been much better if I still have a 5D to mate with my 21mm Zuiko. Confused

Before - No filter

After - 8x Welding Glass Filter

Without the artificial LR - grain added

Camera Model: E-510
Focal Length: 14.0mm using Zuiko kit Lens
Exposure Time: 50.000 s
Aperture: f/16.0
ISO Equiv.: 100
Processed in LR

marty · Joined: 09 Apr 2009 Posts: 767 Location: Italy

I see slight loss of sharpness in 2nd one, probably not being optical glass pays its duty. Nonetheless the result is interesting, from an artistic point of view I think you hit the target.

Cheers, M.

stingOM · Expire: 2012-12-27

Cheers Marty,

I figured out that the loss of sharpness was due to the simulated film grains I used in LR.

marty · Joined: 09 Apr 2009 Posts: 767 Location: Italy

The last version is definitely better, I'd say perfect. This makes the welding glass a cheaper practicable solution Smile

. Are you using some kind of mount or simply hand holding the sheet in front of the lens?

M.-

stingOM · Expire: 2012-12-27

Hi Marty,

I am using a HiTech filter holder. http://www.formatt.co.uk/Search.aspx?id=search1&s=holder

I just put the glass sitting flush in front of the holder as it does not fit and secure it with hair bands.

Some more info here (not mine):
http://huecycle.com/phototips/tutorial-making-a-neutral-density-filter-with-welding-hood-glass/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robthetog/3851671087/

BTW the cost of one of these filters is just €2-3 + postage. If you wanted a pro version it will cost you at least €120.
http://www.leefilters.com/camera/news/articles/ref:N4B8F96517C324/

-Si...

marty · Joined: 09 Apr 2009 Posts: 767 Location: Italy

Thanks for the informative links.

M.

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9098 Location: Houston, Texas

#3 is much better than #2, IMO. Who needs grain? Cool

I have a couple of welding helmets. I'm sure the glass is removable although I've never tried. Guess I ought to cuz the results sure do look worthwhile.

Farside · Expire: 2013-12-27

stingOM · Expire: 2012-12-27

Very cheap to buy online. Here're a reliable source:
http://cgi.ebay.ie/Parweld-Welding-Lens-Lense-Glass-Helmet-Filter-Shade-8-/270612451850?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3f01c2520a

They come in different shades.

More info here which I posted before in another MF forum:
http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=16555

stingOM · Expire: 2012-12-27

Forgot to mention to watch out for those horrible digital noise when doing long exposures, especially if you are using live view for framing. I learned the hard way and found that some of my images far too noisy.

So the best thing I think is to switch off the camera for may be 5 min once you have framed your shot and then take the shot later.

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

stingOM · Expire: 2012-12-27

So folks, yee folks are into the new digital "grainless" photos? Confused

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9098 Location: Houston, Texas

Not necessarily. I still shoot film on a regular basis, and I prefer "real" grain, not the artificial stuff.

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

I don't like grain no matter film or digital.

marty · Joined: 09 Apr 2009 Posts: 767 Location: Italy