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Filters, Filters, Filters

Filters, filters, filters, I have been getting this mantra many times, either in the classroom, on workshops, or in e-mails. First and foremost the most important filter is the one you buy, for each lens that you carry around, exposed to the elements.

OK... what does that mean if you are working in 35mm or 2 1/4 and you carry your camera around with the lens exposed? YOU need to protect that lens! A simple skylight or UV filter will work fine (don't leave the store without it).

Now for those of you that keep cameras and lenses protected before you set-up, you may want to think about other filters to take with you. My camera systems vary from 35mm to 11x14, and so do the lens sizes. The system that works for me is glass for the small cameras, and some form of gel filters for everything else. Yes GELS! If you are careful you can work with gels and have them last a long time. The one new system that gets my attention, is the one by Lee Filters. You can start with a simple filter holder and one or two filters for black and white, or you can find any filter you want to correct for color work. All of these will fit lenses up to 90mm in diameter.