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Re: [OM] What lens to carry (again)

Subject: Re: [OM] What lens to carry (again)
From: "Lex Jenkins" <lexjenkins@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Fri, 04 Aug 2000 23:48:53 GMT
Basically a polarizer just helps minimize glare from glass and virtually every reflective surface *except* metal. It's most popular for the effect it has on skies, deepening the blue and heightening contrast against clouds.

Personally, I have no problem focusing with a polarizer on any lens of f/4 or faster, even in early morning or evening. With lenses having a maximum aperture of f/5 or so it *begins* to get a bit difficult to use the split image rangefinder and microprism collar, but adjusting your eye to the viewfinder or simply using the matte screen solves that problem.

Heck, I've used polarizers at night - as long as the subject is fairly brightly lighted, no problem.

The mechanics of a polarizer are fairly simple. Most thread directly into the filter mount. There's a front ring that spins relatively loosely relative to the mounting ring. Slowly rotate the front ring until you get a nice deep blue sky, eliminate glare or whatever effect you like.

Keep in mind that a polarizer works on skies only within a limited range of angles from the sun, and within a limited range of times during the day. It's also effective only on glare within a limited angle. It'll reduce sidewalk or water glare just fine, from windows at angles, etc., but cannot reduce glare faced head-on or any kind of metallic glare. In cases like that, or when you don't want the polarizing effect, it's still useful as a neutral density filter with high speed film in bright daylight.

I'd choose a polarizer over a neutral density filter, other than a graduated ND filter which is a whole 'nuther beast that typically requires more time to set up and shoot with.

Happy shooting!

Lex
===

From: Dan Lau <dlau@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [OM] What lens to carry (again)
Date: Fri, 4 Aug 2000 16:36:07 -0400 (EDT)

I really appreciated all the input and advice from everyone on the
questions I raised.  However, I draw the line at the following
recommendation ("focus first...").  Don't forget, I was asking
about general travel photography, where I won't have a lot of time
to set up for a shot.  I'll be lucky to have any time at all to
focus, much less to focus and meter, then mount the filter (without
changing the focus) and then re-compose and take the shot!


I would like to learn to take advantage of the polarizing filter
though.  So maybe someone can explain the process of mounting the
filter quickly to me.  Thanks.
        -Dan


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