ND Filtering outside the lens vs. HVX's built in NDs

[mrbrycel]

Is there any quality difference between using the HVX's built in filters vs. using ND filters on the outside of the lens (either the HVX's lens or the lens on the end of a letus)?

Also, I was looking into buying some 4x4 filters, and the Tiffen glass filter prices were unbelievably expensive... is the quality between a $200+ Tiffen glass filter and a $35 Lee resin filter noticeable on an HVX/Letus Extreme/Nikkor set up?

[sadude]

i had the same question recently but couldnt find the answer. I recently had a Dop give me a speech about Nd filters and the difference between good or bad camera men. I know you want to avoid putting too much glass in front of your picture. So if you maybe want to be using a nd filter at the same time as a wratten 85 or something then it would seem better to go external and use one filter that has both those functions. therefore limiting the amount of glass in front of the lense.

But maybe it just looks better to have your filters attached to the front of the camera because it impresses clients.

[ChipG]

There was an in depth discussion about it over at dvinfo a while back. It's always better to ND before the light hits the lens. Also they got into the quality of the panny nd filters vs better quailty glass.