10 Stop ND? Anywhere???

JimKarczewski

Why are some filters so hard to come by? I'm looking for a 10 stop ND, seems LEE is the only one that makes one in a 4x4 configuration (I'm done with spending $$$ on the same filter for various lenses!) and nobody EVER has them in stock. 2filter is expecting in Beginning of June.. well, month is half over and nothing yet. B&H, Adorama, both out of stock and "Expected" but really, are these filters that damn popular? I guess for people shooting the sun and industrial processes (welding) they can be useful but it seems they either don't make a hell of a lot or what comes in goes right out when they are in stock!

HelenOster

JimKarczewski wrote: »

Why are some filters so hard to come by? I'm looking for a 10 stop ND, seems LEE is the only one that makes one in a 4x4 configuration (I'm done with spending $$$ on the same filter for various lenses!) and nobody EVER has them in stock. 2filter is expecting in Beginning of June.. well, month is half over and nothing yet. B&H, Adorama, both out of stock and "Expected" but really, are these filters that damn popular? I guess for people shooting the sun and industrial processes (welding) they can be useful but it seems they either don't make a hell of a lot or what comes in goes right out when they are in stock!

I can't speak for any other retailer, but when we receive a new shipment all back-orders will be fulfilled first,so if you are waiting to see them in stock before you place an order, you could be waiting for a l-o-o-o-ng time........

Art Scott

every where I have checked says back ordered by MFG'er....no delivery date know.......however...you might check your local or nearest theatrical supply company for Rosco lighting gels.....they make really great filters....yes these are for theater lighting and are very thin and cutable with scissors....but in a pinch could work....and probable only run you about $10 for 18x24" sheet......

JimKarczewski

Art.. For a Neutral Density.. I really am looking for Glass. If it was for a flash? No problem, I'll go to Guitar Center and pick up some DJ Gels... Or drive out to Calumet and get a pack of them.. but for going over the lens, I need consistency and while they make ND filters for lights you can't be guaranteed that they wont cause some kind of color cast. Even the old B+W 10 stop filter was known to have a magenta cast, where as the Lee is pretty rock solid but non-existent.

I just read on 2filter.com they had 7 delivered to the states recently, for ALL US vendors... 7? Guess there where/are some production issues and they are expecting larger shipments soon... I can only hope...

Carpy

Hi Jim,
It might be worth dropping this company an email regarding what you require. They are based in the UK in Wales but manufacture filters. If they dont have exactly what you require then they will make whatever you want. Oh and yes they are glass filters.
Here's a link to their site
http://www.formatt.co.uk/default.aspx

If you look around their site, you'll see that they deal globally (B&H in New York, Calumet in Illinois, Adorama in New York etc) so they aren't some cheapo poor quality product, you may have more luck dealing directly with the manufacturer.
Good Luck

Carpy

Manfr3d

A B&W 10-stop MRC screw in filter should fit on all of your lenses as well.

Jason Hermann

Check out the Stingray

http://jhpvideotutorials.com/2011/05/21/best-neutral-density-filter/

Best,
Jay

JimKarczewski

Jason, I thought about it, but it's only 8 stops, I really want 10. And I really, REALLY do not want any screw-ons. No more of that BS for me.. , I say that but I do own 1, a 105mm CP that screws to the front of my 4x4 holder.

ziggy53

Have you checked out 2Filter.com recently?

JimKarczewski

Still backordered. No status update since March.

sxr

ziggy53 wrote: »

Have you checked out 2Filter.com recently?

Wow, I am still dizzy from looking at the site. How can someone selling to visual artists do something like that? Intentionally retro and confusing?

Anyway, sitting on the fence for an 10 stop ND as well and due to the ongoing supply problems with the Lee I started looking at alternatives. Came across this comparison to the Hitech filter, which clearly eliminated the Hitech. However, they now updated that filter and it seems a viable option. Anyone here tried the new Hitech?

roakey

Old note but figured I'd post my experience with 2filter.com, which is all good. Ordered the Lee foundation kit, 77mm adapter and a soft edge ND gradual filter kit from them (and yes, I agree that's one of the worst websites I've seen in a long time). The adapter and foundation kit was shipped within a week. As I type this, my filters are "in the mail" in less than three weeks. If you want Lee filters, I think your only option is to order them before you need them and be prepared to wait. And if you're lucky, like me this time 'round, you might not have to wait that long.

Roak