Marumi Center Filters???

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I was just browsing the B&H web site to check the prices on a center filter, and came across a brand I've never heard of - Marumi. Here's a quote about these filters from the B&H web site:

"Marumi makes 2x ND center filters in 62, 67, 72, and 77mm. They are neutral gray in the center, graduating to transparent at the edges. They are used primarily to remove vignetting which occurs with large format cameras when using wide angle lenses. Center filters help give an evenly illuminated shot. This center filter requires an exposure correction of 1 f-stop.

Multicoated to minimize reflection at the filter surfaces which reduces flare and ghosting."

Compared to other brands, they are priced very reasonably (starting at $133.50 for the 62mm). Obviously, they only offer 1 stop of compensation from center to edge, as compared to the 1 1/2 - 1 2/3 stops typical of other brands. This lower degree of compensation could be both a curse and a blessing depending on the application. For some of the less radical wide angle focal lengths - especially when using no or modest movements, 1 stop of compensation may be sufficient. And, it only costs you one stop as opposed to 1 1/2 or more.

So, does anybody have any ACTUAL EXPERIENCE with these Marumi multicoated center filters? I'm curious just how neutral they are compared to the much more expensive, Heliopan, Rodenstock and Schneider center filters (note: again I am asking for ACTUAL EXPERIENCE here, not specs, sizes, etc. on the other brands - I already have that info).

Kerry

-- Kerry Thalmann (largeformat@thalmann.com), October 18, 2001

Answers

Did you happen to note the front rim diameter? Some of the Japanese center filters are not a wide angle design.

The distributor for these filters in the US is Argraph

-- Bob Salomon (bob@hpmarketingcorp.com), October 18, 2001.


Bob,

Good question. There are no pictures or other specs on the B&H web site, and a google search on "Marumi center filters" doesn't turn up anything. Argraph.com is registered, but their web site is "Coming Soon!" I did find a phone number for Argraph, so maybe I'll give them a call and see if they can provide more info. Still, it would be nice to hear from someone who has actually used one of their center filters.

Kerry

-- Kerry Thalmann (largeformat@thalmann.com), October 18, 2001.


Kerry, I baught a Marumi effect filter (not N.D.) at a give-away price. I was aware that it was probably of poor quality, and yes it is.

-- Dominique Césari (cesarigd@club-internet.fr), October 19, 2001.

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