Strange colors when using polarizing filter

J

JKL

Well-known member
I am using a B+W circular polarizing filter. But it gives me strange image, the picture is greenish on the right and reddish on the left, it is really ugly. I have set a good white balance and black balance, but it doesn't matter.

Do someone know what the problem is?
 
Re: Strange colors when using polarizing filter

A circular polarizer should not be giving you green and red shifts in color. Are you sure it is a circular polarizer, and is not a linear? You should be able to spin the front of the filter to adjust for you situation. The only color adjust should come in a darkening of available blue in the sky. Anything else and it sounds like you have a bad filter.
 
Re: Strange colors when using polarizing filter

Yes, it is a circular pol. And I am not shooting out a window.
I have use it with sunlight and with a lot of clouds, but is gives me the same red/green color shifts.
 
Re: Strange colors when using polarizing filter

Bill Turner here with Schneider,

While I have some questions, the best bet is to have someone knowledgeable look at the filter. Our agent in Holland is Vocas in Hilversum, you might contact them first by phone.

Their contact info can be found in the dealer section of our website
www.centuryoptics.com

is the filter a screw-in type and are you using any other filters or accessories?

Is the filter new or something you have had a while and this is something that just started happening?

It is possible the filter, which consists of polarizing material and a 1/4 wave retarder cemented between two pieces of glass is separating or defective in some way, but this is just an educated guess.

Bill Turner
 
Re: Strange colors when using polarizing filter

I have the same problem. My circular B&W now has a brownish cast on one side [about 25-30 % of field of view ] I can only deduce that salt water droplets or salt water moisture discolored it, as I shot a lot of footage on the water with a raincoat with filter obviously exposed to the elements! I was going to post or Email B&W for cleaning solutions! Any other suggestions/solutions?
 
Re: Strange colors when using polarizing filter

Unclemort,

What you are describing could be cement separation (the polarizing material is sandwiched between glass). I would recommend contacting Schneider Optics in NY and possibly sending it to them to be checked. They would be able to determine if it is a warranty situation. I am in California with the Century Division. You can get the contact info from the website,

www.schneideroptics.com and speak to or email Kevin Cruse

Regards,

Bill Turner
Century Division
Schneider Optics
 
Re: Strange colors when using polarizing filter

Thanks Bill..........I Emailed Kevin...........He Emailed back within 24 hours.............I'm sending the filter to him tomorrow..........Will post results!
 
Re: Strange colors when using polarizing filter

Bill, that is why I love you guys. :) Not just cuz you're right down the street and always have everything in stock... Boy, when the manufacturer is right there on the forums, it really is fantastic. ;D
 
Re: Strange colors when using polarizing filter

aren't there sealed pols available from b+w?

Ahha...yes: B+W Kaesemann Circular Polarizer Glass Filter

Kaesemann ("encased") filters are completely edge-sealed for maximum durability under extreme climatic conditions.
 
Re: Strange colors when using polarizing filter

Just a short note regarding J Barnes post of the Schneider B+W Kaesemann Circular polarizer.

He is correct. They are edge sealed and recommended for use in high hummidity enviornments. They carry a 10 year warranty (the warranty on standard B+W filters is 5 years)

Schneider Optics rectangular glass filters (made in the USA) are also edge sealed to help protect them against chipping and separation-- tho separation can still occur and is typically a warranty situation.

Bill Turner
Century Division
Schneider Optics
 
Re: Strange colors when using polarizing filter

Also, you pay a lot more for the warranty that comes with the Kaesemann's. They are not inexpensive filters.
 
Re: Strange colors when using polarizing filter

The filter I use is a screw-in type. Now I am using it in combination with a B+W UV filter, but when I use without the UV I have the same problem.

I have buyed it new from a store, and I see the problem not always as visible, but in the most shots I see the strange colors very clear.

I can't figure out how to post a screenshot right here, otherwise I can post some of the problem shots.
 
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