The UV filter absorbs the ultraviolet rays, which often makes outdoor photographs hazy and indistinct (also too "blueish" in color tint). This is a muliti-purpose fine-weather filter for all film types (color as well as black and white films). It also serves as a permanent lens protector. This is an everyday filter, which can be left on your lens. It's the first filter that most photographers buy. Skylight or UV filters (see below) should be constantly fitted to a lens to give improved clarity and color balance as well as offering protection to your lens. Tell me more...
Like the UV filter, this is an everyday filter, which should be left on your lens. This is the first filter that every photographer should ensure they own. Skylight or UV filters should be constantly fitted to a lens to give improved clarity and color balance as well as offering protection to your lens. Reduces the excessive bluishness that frequently occurs in outdoor color photography, especially in open shade under a clear, blue sky. The absorption peak is in the range which corresponds to the film's green spectrum. This means outstanding outdoor shots with superb color balance and clarity under all conditions. Also keeps skin tones free of colored reflections from nearby objects such as the shade of trees. You should have one for each and every one of your lenses! Much better to scratch a skylight or UV filter than a lens which probably cost 100 times what you'll pay for this filter, huh?
The DIFFUSER gives a soft-focus effect due to its irregularly uneven surface). This is particularly effective in portraiture and commercial photography (makes the lines and wrinkles just "disappear" from the portrait! That's why the pros' pictures make everyone look younger and more vibrant - and why they get paid so well, too!). You'll be called a "genius" and become known as an "artist" with a camera by your subjects when they see how their portriats make them look "so young!" Tell me more...
The extraordinary Duto filter is made of colorless, transparent, optical glass, covered with fine concentric lines at approximately 2mm intervals. The effect is almost exactly the same as that of the Diffuser, but a somewhat more sharply defined image core is obtained by using the Duto filter rather than the Diffuser. The Duto is especially suitable for portraits and high-key shots using backlighting, and in many circumstances a more creative choice than the diffuser. Usage of the Duto, is the same as for the Diffuser filter. The smart photographer will always take several shots using the Diffuser, and several using the Duto. In this manner, you will have a variety of focusing alternatives "in the bank" at the end of your session. Ultimately, film is the cheapest part of the photographer's overhead, and often it will be difficult and expensive to have another photographic session, if not impossible. It's much better to have more good shots than you need, than not enough. Take heed. Take pictures! After all, that's what a photographer does, isn't it? Tell me more...-- :
What's a Polarizing filter used for: Light rays which are reflected by any surface become polarized and polarizing filters are used to select which light rays enter your camera lens. They allow you to remove unwanted reflections from non-metallic surfaces such as water, glass etc. When shooting through a window or water, it removes the reflections and glare (this is how the pros do it; ever wonder how the pros' shots of pictures with glass over them, or store windows never have reflections or distracting glare? 'Cause they use a Polarizer, that's why!). They also enable colors to become more saturated and appear clearer, with better contrast. This effect is often used to increase the contrast and saturation in blue skies and white clouds. Polarizing filters do not affect the overall color balance of a shot. If you were limited to one filter - for both B&W as well as color - this is the filter you should own! Tell me more...
Close-up lenses may look like filters, and they're used in the same way, but they're actually quality lenses. They're are single element diopter lenses that enable focusing on subjects much closer than the standard lens allows. Great for detail, photos of nature subjects and a wide range of situations. This complete set is available in three diopter strengths, and includes three Close-Up lenses: +1, +2 and +4. These can be combined to provide you with ALL the following close-up possibilities: +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6 and up to and including+7!! A great combination of possibilities to handle almost anyclose-up need. Tell me more...
In conditions of extreme light intensity, such as sunshine on snowy mountains or on the beach, or when using a camcorder, ND (Neutral Density) filters are recommended as essential. Neutral Density filters are often ignored by photographers, but they have several uses and offer the possibility to achieve otherwise unachievable results. ND filters appear gray and reduce the amount of light reaching the film, they have no affect on color balance.
They have four main uses:
1. To enable slow shutter speeds to be used, especially with fast films, to record movement in subjects such as waterfalls, clouds, cars, seas etc.
2. To decrease depth of field by allowing wider apertures to be used, which helps separate subjects from their background.
3. To decrease the effective ISO of high speed film (i.e.: above ISO400) and allow it to be used outdoors in blight situations.
4. To allow cine and video cameras (which have fixed shutter speeds) to film subjects such as snow, sand or other bright scenes which would normally cause over-exposure.
Cross Screen Filter
The HOYA Cross Screen is made of colorless, high-precision optical glass, and mounted on a beautiful metal ring like ordinary filters. It's are available in various sizes and in screw-in, slip-on, bayonet and series styles. They can be easily attached to and removed from the camera lens. It can be used along with an ordinary filter or close-up lens, and is useful in both black and white and color photography. It's glass surfaces having received chemical treatment, the HOYA Cross Screen does not change in quality and needs no increase in exposure.
HOYA Cross Screen has cross stripes imprinted over its face, and therefore it creates a "cross flare" image on any highly brilliant spot in the photograph or on the subject, such as an earring, necklace, bracelet, etc. and also it provides a highly flattering soft focus effect. This effect is often utilized in photographing such scenes as glittering waves, twinkling neon signs, glassware and jewelry. The HOYA Cross Screen can also create X flares by changing its position. Look directly into the Cross Screen and see the brilliance of the subject or the direction or position of flare, and you can form a general idea about its photographic effect. If you photograph with an 8mm movie camera while turning the Cross Screen with your finger tip, the changing cross flare will help you produce a very rhythmical and interesting effect (just like the professional photographers).
Diaphragm and Soft Focus Effect: The HOYA Cross Screen is designed to
give a soft focus effect, as well as flare, and this effect may
be lost if the lens opening is made too small. On the other hand,
if a larger caliber lens is used wide open, the picture obtained
may be out of focus. The optimum lens opening is F 4-8, but is
to be determined according to the distance to the subject or
your motive. A single-lens or twin-lens reflex camera is convenient
as
you can look into the focusing glass and foresee the effect of
the HOYA Cross Screen.
G (Orange) Filter
The G filter, usually used with B&W film, increases contrast
between reds and yellows. This is particularly useful for distant
outdoor shots taken with a telephoto lens. This is also useful
in color photography for spectacular sunsets, seascapes, etc.
Tell me more...
Black & white filter chart, below.
The 25A, usually used with B&W film, is especially effective for increasing contrast. Ideal for dramatic cloud effects in landscapes. Can also be applied creatively in color and infrared photography. The 25A is a popular deep red filter which can be used to create dramatic contrast between sky and clouds by darkening blue sky, or to simulate moonlight scenes in daytime (by slight underexposure) or to create greater contrast between green foliage and flowers. Used with infrared film, the 25 creates extreme contrast in sky, turns foliage white, and cuts throuqh haze, foq and mist. Tell me more...
Black & white filter chart, below. -------------------------
K2 (Yellow) Photographic Filter
With B&W film, this filter is especially useful for clear
contrast between blue sky with clouds and foreground. Provides
a natural tonal rendition. This filter absorbs UV and blue, and
produces a more natural contrast of blue sky, clouds, and foilage.
Also often used for subjects at intermediate distances. A yellow
filter lightens yellows and darkens blues, for a more appealing
separation of subjects in your print. Absorbs UV rays, too. Use
with color film for special effects (yellow tint, etc.). Tell
me more...
Black & white filter chart, below.--------------------------
(X0) Yellow-Green Filter
Used primarily for black and white photography. XO is highly
effective for outdoor portraits because red is rendered dark
while green appears lighter. Also a dynamite filter for separating
foliage from flowers, in B&W pictures, as well as to provide
a ghostly greenish-yellow cast with color films etc. Tell me
more...
Black & white filter chart, below.
X1 (Green) Filter
This is a "must-have" filter for B&W film;
it darkens the sky, and lightens foliage (often used to separate
flowers from the surrounding foliage). XO is highly effective
for outdoor portraits because red is rendered dark while green
appears lighter. Great for correcting skin tones, bringing out
facial expressions in close-ups and emphasizing the feeling of
liveliness. X1 is also highly effective for indoor portraits
under tungsten lighting. With color film, it adds a ghastly green
tint for special effects. Tell me more...
Black & white filter chart, below. ----------------------
