Fader ND is killing my sharpness

V

vroom

Well-known member
We all know it impacts colors, but my Fader ND is making my shots soft(er). Not as big of a deal for video, but I don't think I'll be able to use it for stills.

Is this happening to anyone else?
 
I was wondering about this too before i purchase fader ND,so im waiting for replies with you.
I think ill stick to regulard ND's. if sharpness is degraded a lot like with my 2 polarizers.
Maybe someone could post a frame grab with and without fader ND ?
Which brand it is?
 
I would really like to see some frame grabs as well with still and video before/after if it's not too much trouble. I was thinking about getting a fader as well...
 
vroom said:
We all know it impacts colors, but my Fader ND is making my shots soft(er). Not as big of a deal for video, but I don't think I'll be able to use it for stills.

Is this happening to anyone else?
Click to expand...



Here's a secret, I used a Fader ND and did not like it at all. I sold it and film everything with nothing in front of my lens. I don't care what any know film maker told you, if you personally do not like something do not use it.


I do not use Fader Nds nor any Zacuto Finder, I simply do not like them at all.
 
I have never experienced a decline in sharpness from my DIY fader or heard of this happening. I guess I would have to see frame grabs to belive it.
 
I'll get some shots with and without the Fader ND in the next day or two so you can all see what I'm talking about. It's a shame, since I love having the ability to shoot wide open in bright daylight without separate ND filters.
 
Also interested as well, just received my Lightcraft in the mail, haven't had a chance to take it for a spin yet.
 
never have sharpness issues with my FaderND. now, shooting wide open with a fast prime is one of the benefits of using any ND, and thus may soften up footage depending on the glass. do some testing in favorable light and take footage wide open without the ND and see what it does, then you'll know if it's the ND filter. i'm not insulting anyone's intelligence with that suggestion, as some people don't shoot much wide open on a fast lense until they obtain NDs. it's just a known fact that when you're suddenly are able to shoot at f1.4 un bright sunlight, a (generally) softer image is likely.
 
well i bump shutter speed to 1000 and shot wide open then compare with filter and shutter 50 (non moving shot)and i see huge difference,not acceptable difference.
 
well, now i notice we're using completely cameras and lenses haha...hard for me to help with my own tests :-)

forgot i was in a Canon room.
 
Chris Light said:
never have sharpness issues with my FaderND. now, shooting wide open with a fast prime is one of the benefits of using any ND, and thus may soften up footage depending on the glass. do some testing in favorable light and take footage wide open without the ND and see what it does, then you'll know if it's the ND filter. i'm not insulting anyone's intelligence with that suggestion, as some people don't shoot much wide open on a fast lense until they obtain NDs. it's just a known fact that when you're suddenly are able to shoot at f1.4 un bright sunlight, a (generally) softer image is likely.
Click to expand...

Fact? From where, says who? There are no facts in "Art". If I choose to shoot something and do not want a soft image then that is my choice, if I do not like the weird tint that a fader nd creates that is also my choice.

Many people get caught up in you need this and that, personally I only look for items that I need personally. I used a fader nd a couple of times and did not like the look it made.

Simple as that, sometimes in life you need to learn how to lead instead of following everyone else.
 
Well, isn't it sometimes a matter of being able to shoot a bit un-sharp, or not being able to shoot at all?

Sharpness is often overrated. I see far too many razor sharp videos without story line, message or plot what-so-ever. Too many people show-off their newly acquireed L-lens, their 18 mega pixel camera etc. but forget all about story-telling. A good story can be told with a 5 year old minidv camera and captivate peoples mind and imagination...

I bought the 550D with the kit lens. Run a search on 'kit lens' in this forum, and witness the poison this lens is covered with.
Then watch this video I made with it, a simple home movie that at least has the intention of telling a story...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdlUMSrSxvM
 
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Cieloent, i neglected to state i use 20-30 year old Canon FDs...it's a charactaristic of the glass in many cases. my bad for using the word "fact"...but i did say "depending on the glass". to each their own. that's what this place is for. and don't assume i "follow" anyone, you don't know me. cool? not here to argue.
 
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