GH2 Tiffen Ultra Contrast Filter test

bitcrusher

bitcrusher

Well-known member
I did a test of the Tiffen ultra contrast filters. I used 3 strengths 1,3 and 5. Normally most people would use values under 1 like 1/2 or 1/4 but its what I have on hand so I gave it a try.

It really makes a deference, if you look at the shadow detail you will see it. I am total sold on these filters especially with the limited DR of the GH2 and other DSLR's.:)

There are trade off's, you do lose some sharpness and you can see quite a bit of ghosting. Kind of wish that Tiffen would give it a better anti-glare coating.
The next step is to see if I can push the footage more in resolve, the ultacons give it a very logesh look.

Anybody check out the low light ultra con's yet?

 
I've got a UC5. You have to be really conscious of the lighting you use it in, especially when panning. It can give an uneven look if light hits it the wrong way halfway through the pan. Also, you don't want a strong light source in the frame or close enough to cause flaring, or everything will wash out.
 
Yeah, not in love with these filters... too much; and how do you grade this? But I did like the Stephin Merritt / Magnetic Fields soundtrack :)
 
Here is a quick grade I did in resolve. And after working with the footage I see the benfetts but am not sure if it outweighs the negative. There is no doubt that I am getting more detail in the shadows but the 8bit nature of the GH2 makes posterization a big issue. I also noticed that you louse a bit of saturation when using these filters....

In the real world I would have just used some bounce from that window. A big white pice of fome core would have done it. I am not to sure using the ultra cons in a run and gun situation makes much sense, the ghosting issues are going to be a pain to deal with.

They give a deferent look, it might also be a good way to match up a modern lens to a vintage set.

 
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks as if you just held up each filter in front of the lens with your hand rather than mounting them and using a proper shade, which would make a huge difference.

These filters have their place, but in the scenarios you shot, the sewing machine for example, as you pointed out adding light to the scene would have been a better choice.

All the Best!

Dave
 
I was thinking the best use for these filters would be for wide to widish shots with harsh sunlight creating hard shadows where fill light wouldn't be practical. I considered getting the UC5 because the GH2 couldn't handle these shots, but I'm moving the GH3 soon anyways, so I'll see if there'll be enough extra latitude first.
 
Interesting!

I'm very interested in buying an Ultra Con or White Net filter to increase shadow detail and provide more gradability.

But looking at this, I'm not sure that the Ultra Cons are actually adding any more shadow detail, but rather just boosting and washing out the blacks?
 
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bitcrusher said:
It really makes a deference, if you look at the shadow detail you will see it. I am total sold on these filters especially with the limited DR of the GH2 and other DSLR's.:)
Click to expand...

I think what you're going to find is that these filters are a lot of work, bring their own issues to the table, and in the end don't make a difference. I fail to see additional latitude that you couldn't already obtain with the camera itself. They are not a substitute for actual log shooting.
 
I have to agree with Gary, at least for int shots. I wouldn't bother using a low contrast filter indoors. It's all controlable. Take those filters out doores and re test on a sunny day, thats where you will see them become more useful. But again, I would only use them in a situation where I have no control of the lighting. And with flags and buterflies, it's not often I don't.
 
Electric_Haggis said:
Interesting!

I'm very interested in buying an Ultra Con or White Net filter to increase shadow detail and provide more gradability.

But looking at this, I'm not sure that the Ultra Cons are actually adding any more shadow detail, but rather just boosting and washing out the blacks?
Click to expand...

The ultra cons do help add shadow detail, but not a whole lot. Its a little bit more then just washing out the blacks. I do not find the filter helping the gradability of gh2 footage. At first I thought it might but in my limited experience with this filter it causes more problems then it solves.

I think it has a cool look used on its own and the lower values like in the 1/4 or 1/2 would be a good way to match up a modern lens to some FD's. So YMMV
 
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