B+W Filters

[Guest]

Hey'all. Just wanted to know what kind of UV filter I can put on the DVX. It's a 72mm thread I believe, but are UV filters the same as the ones sold for still photography? Also I think Schneider /B+W offers a "MRC coated" filter that is a bit more. Is it worth the price? As well as a "slim line" one to prevent vignetting. What kind of vignetting do they mean?These are all sold on B&H. I think these guys are pretty premium as far as filters go, but any other brands recommended? Thanks for your help

[Zoomforce]

yes.. get a multi coated filter for sure. It is worth the price as it makes your images alot better looking. You can however use a cheap filter if you are shooting in extreme enviroments or for shooting stunts... and you know something is gonna hit the lens and wreck it.
Vignetting will not happen unless you are stacking 2 or 3 other filters together. some old camera type filters were really fat (thick) so it made a "pipe" in front of the lens and you can see the corners. If you know you will be adding some more filters like a ultra con or black mist, you may as well get the thin.

And B+W is the way to go.. they make one of the best other than H.

[Guest]

Thanks Zoomforce,

Are the screw-in still photography filters the same as the vidcam filters? I assume a 72mm thread is a 72mm thread.

I wish there was a way I could put one of these on the front of the anamorphic too. Without a filter holder/ matte box I mean.

[Ken_Robings]

Yes, a 72mm for stills is the same for video. And yes, unless you are stacking multiple filters, you would not need to worry about slim-line. The MRC filters are not only multi-coated, but claim to resist dirt and water, and since Schneider signs my check ever week, I would tend to agree.

[Guest]

Thanks Ken. I thought of you actually, becuase I remember you posting about the anamorphic lens and LCD adapters you guys are developing. I appreciate your "frank" response. It's a bit confusing because B+W filtes are sometimes known as Schneider filters and Century optics filters. But I finally realized that it's all just one evil conglomerate. Only teasing. But seriously. It's hard to find what I'm looking for on, say, the B&H website, because they ONLY refer to them as B+W filters (Schneider or Century Optics brings no listings for filters), while the Century Optics site refers to them as Schneider Filters. I'm not really complaining, but since I appreciate you educating me, I thought I'd mention that perhaps it could use some clarification for prospective customers who are not familiar with the various product lines and merger history. Thanks again for the help! I'm getting the 72mm B+W MRC for my DVX100....which is (hopefully)arriving soon!

[Ken_Robings]

The B + W filters are made in Germany in the "smaller" sizes, ie still photo, DV and some pro sizes.
Schneider filters are made in New York, and are aimed at the Pro film/video sizes, ie 4 x 4, 4 x 5.65, 6 x 6 etc.
Century Optics was purchased by Schneider a copuple of years ago, and is now a div. of Schneider Optics in New York. We (Century) do not make filters here in L.A., if we need a custom filter, it is done in N.Y. or Germany, sometimes both will work on one filter.
B + W is owned by Schneider in Germany, I'm not sure when that happened.
Were just one big happy family.

[Guest]

Hi -- one thing to be aware of with the B+W SlimLine filters is that they have no threads in front (which is how they stay "slim.") That means you can't stack more filters or any other screw-in accessory on top of a SlimLine -- it has to be the outermost item on your lens.

[Zoomforce]

Good point Mark.