A couple of filter related questions... firstly polarizers, I purchased a large (95mm) B&W polarizing filter second hand which works fine but I would like to know what type of polarizer it is, it's enscribed "TOP POL", any ideas? Secondly, my existing ND grads are starting to look tatty, they are made by Hi-tech (formatt?) and I am having difficulty sourcing them in the UK. Has anyone any experience using Lee filters, are they worth the extra or are there good alternatives?

This isn't P67 specific but I guess there are plenty of P67 lanscape enthusiasts like me who read these pages.

-- Tony Estcourt (tony.estcourt@talk21.com), December 22, 2001

Answers

Top Pol is the B&W linear polarizer, as opposed to the circular, Kaesseman, and warm tone polarizers. All of these polarizers have the same filter factor (2.3/2.8). I guess using the word linear would be too easy for the people at Schneider Optics. Then again, maybe they just want to match Hoya, and keep the Kodak legacy of bizarre acronyms and numerical codes alive and well in the world of photography.

-- Michael Tolan (mjtolan@kbjrmail.com), December 31, 2001.

I can certainly sypathize with having problems using various filters on the P67. The non standard lens thread sizes make finding a consistent fit difficult! The Hitech filters are quite good and you can buy them directly from the manufacturer in the UK: FORMATT FILTERS, Unit 23 Aberaman Park Industrial Estate, Aberaman Aberdare Mid Glamorgan CF44 6DA TEL: 44-1685870979 FAX: 44-1685877007 ask for Cerianne Evans or try e-mailing (although they don't seem to have the hang of email as yet) cerianne.evans@fomatt.co.uk. You are correct that both Hitech and Lee have a filter holder that works with a round Polarizer. This allows the use of grads while keeping the Polarizer's orientation separate. I opted for Hitech as they are much cheaper than the Lee here in the USA and their filter holder is a bit more solid. Lee does have an excellent selection and better variety, however Hitech, being smaller, actually made some custom Grads for me at a very reasonable cost. In the US Hitechs are available from B&H and their US distributor: Visual Departures, Ltd: (800) 628-2003. Your 95mm Polarizer will work with the discontinued Hitech Mk3 Filter holder. The newer Mk.4 uses a 105mm polarizer and is available in at least 4 versions: 1 filter slot with 105mm Polar ring, 2-slot w/ring, 3 slot w/ring & 2 slot w/o ring for use on wide lenses. After driving myself nuts with tests, the 2-slot with polarizer actually works on the 55mm w/o vignetting, the 45mm will work with both the 1 and the 2 slot but vignettes slightly if the polarizer is attached. In those cases, I attach an 82mm polarizer to the lens and hold the filters by hand. Rather low tech vs. Hitech but it works! Finally in the UK the 105mm Circular Polarizer that Hitech sells is a steal! It is made for them by Heliopan and costs 125 GBP. Here in the US the same filter costs about $280. US for the Heliopan / $230. for the B&W. Oh you lucky Brits! Hope this helps!

-- Walter Bibikow (bibikow@aol.com), January 14, 2002.