Hasselblad X2D and Filters

[MichaelErlewine]

I very carefully experimented with the Hasselblad X2D and the XCD 28mm f.4 lens with and without a CPL (Circular Polarizer) and ND (Neutral Density) filters. I used both “Breakthrough Photography” And Kase” filters. In all cases, there was a loss of granularity and micro contrast which is regrettable, but worse and not forgivable there also was a shift in color rendition. The resulting images were not the same Hasselblad Color Science, but I was thrown back into the bull pen of Nikon color fiddling to correct every image. Not happening!

Well, I am not about to fall back into that habit! This was true for every Neutral Density filter and also the CPL (Circular Polarizer) filter.

I have no other explanation other than I am more sensitive to color and can’t stand to look at filtered color… even a little.

And I will ignore for the moment the fact that in order to use filters, especially magnetic filters, I have to mount special magnetic rings (and often step-up rings), and then on those rings, a magnetic UV filter (for outdoor protection of the lens), and whatever ND or CPL combination on top, and finally a magnetic cap. And the XCD hood/shade will not fit around all of that, so I have to use a magnetic outsized hood as well.

I was willing to do all of that until I found the CPL and ND filters were NOT neutral and screwed with the color rendition. That was the final straw, IMO. I am not using any or all of that, but back to using the XCD lenses and shades alone as they came from Hasselblad. Instead, I will pay more attention to the light as I take images, and a great deal more attention to postproduction of images.

I am happy with this approach. And I am happy with not covering my Hasselblad lenses with foreign step-up rings, magnetic rings, filters, hoods, and caps.

And, as explained, I was willing to do all of this until I proved to myself that these filters modified the resulting colors significantly enough that I would not consider using them, ever. Extension tubes are another thing entirely. I will use the new 9mm Hasselblad Extension Tube on certain lenses, as needed and don’t object to the results. It works quite well, and I don’t as a rule use extension tubes.

 

[RWilsonL]

I was always told not to use CPL filters on lenses wider than EFOV 28mm and really 35mm and longer is preferable. I have Urth screw in CPL+ filters for my 45P and 35-75 XCD lenses. However I will really only use these for travel photos in warm countries with high sun angles during the day and for marine photography, to eliminate wavelet sparkle.

Wilson

 

[135mm]

I stopped using filters on my XCD lenses as I agree with the original assessment: even a lens protection glass changes colour and sharpness. Especially with the Hasselblad, it becomes noticeable. My lens hoods provide the physical protection in a more effective way. And they do their job just fine.
I occasionally use a ND and CPL but rarely. For gradual ND, I rather use the dynamic range of the sensor and use the histogram. Corrections are done in post in Phocus.

 

[davidmknoble]

I use the Wine Country filter system (ND’s and Grads) with a polarizer built in. It is not an inexpensive system, but it is the most neutral I have ever used. I don’t have any color issues with the X2D. When I get a minute, I’ll post some results. I do use Phocus to edit my images to keep that color science. As a side note, I also purchased a hasselblad polarizer which has worked well. I decided they would know how to adjust for their system. Again, not inexpensive, but most of my lenses are the same size.

 

[Patrick]

well a lens hood simply isn't designed to offer any physical protection, and that it may do is really just circumstantial. I use Hoya protection filters simply because I'm often at sea or in conditions where raid, sea water, sand etc might hit the front glass. My eyes see colours differently - one is more red, the other more blue, so any chromatic aberration means little to me personally, though I do if necessary correct in post.

 

[RWilsonL]

I very much noticed colour perception variations when I had had one cataract lens replacement and was waiting for a few days for it to settle down before having the other eye done. The unaltered eye saw everything much yellower and warmer than the other eye, where lights all became blue/white.