DIY internal ND filter works flawlessly

[Calvin]

I just wanted to share with you my solution to ND filters. I often had trouble with flaring and finding the correct sizes for my manual lenses. Using this system, I only need one filter.

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I made this filter out of a sunglasses lens. I cut it out with scissors. Originally it was just a weird experiment but somehow it works perfectly with no flaring or quality loss 

No part of the lens or shutter is obstructed. Maybe certain lenses aren't compatible? All the lenses I have work normally.

 

The filter just sit there. It can fall out, but when the lens is mounted, the filter stays in place extremely well for some reason.

 

On the older Fujifilm cameras like xpro 1, you only have a maximum of 1/4000. I have a f1.2 lens that requires a minimum of 1/20,000 in bright sunlight.

[Calvin]

21 hours ago, cpX said:

One of the reasons why I would only buy digital cameras with ISO 64 and 1/8000s as a minimum. The fiddling with the filters annoys unnecessarily!

That's true but high shutter speeds can be detrimental to certain types of photography. It's a stylistic choice, but I think the 'frozen' look that high shutter speeds create is a very digital looking thing and I like having the flexibility to choose a lower SS. It's definitely annoying to deal with filters though 🤣

[jerryy]

If you ever get squeamish about your diy approach or want different nd values, there are several companies selling clip in filters for Fujifilm cameras.

[BobJ]

I wouldn't do this. You only need to touch the sensor  surface with the edge of the filter  and  your camera will become an ornament.

[Calvin]

@bobj

The sensor is difficult to touch because it's protected by 2 layers of glass. Otherwise, the sensor would degrade from air and moisture. The filter is also too large to fit far enough inside the shutter box to touch the glass covering the sensor.

Edited August 18, 2022 by Calvin

[BobJ]

The sensor glass is what is exposed. It is anti-reflection coated and is quite easily damaged. Hence why you have to be careful when you clean it. If it comes into contact with anything hard you will know about it! 

[Razbak]

Calvin - I definitely like your idea.
As proof the concept works , years gone by Kodak used to sell wratten filters - a gelatine substance one could cut to size and place behind the exit lens element and in front of the gate on 16 and 35mm cine camera's.

I often used  ND filters that way.

It would be great if they were still around cos I would use them.

The idea of no image degradation due to ND glass in front of the lens has got to be a good thing.

Re your approach, I'm not sure the optical quality of your sun glasses cut out is up to the demands of out sensors and lenses - unless you know it is.

BTW, nicely cut out sunnies😎

[Razbak]

On 6/21/2022 at 12:47 AM, jerryy said:

If you ever get squeamish about your diy approach or want different nd values, there are several companies selling clip in filters for Fujifilm cameras.

Can you tell us who these companies are pls?

[jerryy]

4 hours ago, Razbak said:

Can you tell us who these companies are pls?

Kase filters come to mind:

https://kasefiltersusa.com/

They also have sites based in other parts of the world.

Cyclopsoptics has some specialized stuff. If you take a few minutes with your favorite search engine, you can probably find similar categories of filters in other places.