Professional photographer and photo trainer Frank Fischer begins his current video with the unboxing of our new variable ND filter. The filter has a strength of ND 8 to ND 512 – and all of this is combined in just one single filter, which can be rotated between the strengths.
The filter is supplied together with a filter card, with the help of which you can calculate the exposure times for the individual filter strengths.
Markings on the filter for precise dimming
It is also helpful that the filter indicates which strength you are currently at, so that you can always set the exact dimming you want.
But why do you actually use a variable ND filter? Frank Fischer also goes into this question in detail. He says: "Firstly, sometimes when you are shooting certain subjects, you would have to experiment a lot with a rectangular filter system or even a screw-in filter of a fixed size, and above all combine different strengths to achieve the correct exposure times. This is where the variable filter helps. It is great for anyone who occasionally engages in neutral density filter photography and wants to vary between a slight blurring of the subject and relatively strong blurring."
The filter is also excellent for this area!
Also, Fischer explains, such a filter is great for filming. "Because then you usually film with a fixed shutter speed and aperture. And it's cool that when you go from dark to light, instead of adjusting the aperture, you can go from dark to light by turning the filter," as he explains. So, a great effect, also for videographers.
Another advantage, as the photographer explains, is that the variable filter from Rollei does not produce spots in the image in the upper and lower ranges of darkening, as is often the case with cheaper variable filters. And to avoid even being tempted to turn beyond these ranges, there is a stop at the very top and bottom that prevents further rotation.
Want some application examples? Here they are.
In his informative video, Frank Fischer also shows application examples of the respective strengths – in the form of photos he took at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg and in northern Lower Saxony on the Seeve. It's definitely worth watching, we've linked the video.
Have fun with our fantastic variable ND – we are already absolutely thrilled with this little gem.
Your Rollei Team
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