Using filters with NOBLEX 150 camera

Hi all,

I am considering the purchase of a NOBLEX 150UX panoramic camera. In

my research, I have come across the availability of specialised

NOBLEX-made custom filters for this camera.

I usually only use ND-grad and polarising filters. I have noticed

that a 1-stop ND-grad is available only, and no polariser. I usually

use a 2-stop ND-grad for early-morning/evening light, so I was

wondering if it is possible to buy 2 of these 1-stop filters and

somehow stack them one on top of the other on the Noblex camera - is

this possible in any way?? Is there any other way to achieve a 2-stop

ND grad??

I haven't seen a Noblex polariser at all? Is it available?

Also, I would like to know how these filters are attached to the

camera/lens - this is very unclear to me. I live in Australia, and

there is nowhere for me to play with a camera "hands-on" to see this

for myself.

Thanks,

Mosadek Miah

A polarizer makes no sense on a camera with a 146deg angle. The polarization of the sky varies strongly with the angle to the sun, so you would have zones of more or less strong polarizing effects during the travel of the lens drum.

The filters are attached to the lens with a magnetic ring. This is a poor solution, but I can think of no better way... the construction of camera and lens doesn't make it easy. I have no idea if it is possible to stack filters.

Martin

There are a number of different filters and close up lenses, all specially designed for the Noblex, which are in magnetic mounts, inserted with tweezers through the slit in the drum directly over the lens.

The manual gives nine steps for the carrying out of this operation, with a couple of cautions, including "please be careful when changing filters/close-up lenses in order to avoid damage to lens caused by the tweezers" ............

I don't know if polariser is included, and I would be too nervous of the above procedure to be interested in finding out.

I know of people who have constructed custom NDs for the Noblex by sticking

a suitable piece of ND onto one of the magnet filter holders... No first hand

experience - I would sugeest you try shooting something this wide for a while

before you decide that an ND is an essential item - 140 degrees is extremely

wide. A polarizer is indeed pointless on something this wide - even on a

moderately wide field of view (100 degrees), the natural polarization of

different areas of the sky becomes quickly apparent.

The filters are easily attached with a pair of tweezers by reversing the drum

open 90 degrees . Basically, the filter is a circular magnet which simpy sticks

to the metal around the lens inside the rotating drum. I use a yellow and red

frequently on B&W as well as the close up lenses for interiors - I have no

issues with the procedure - it's just unusual.

These are very interesting cameras to use - but certainly not to everyone's

taste.

I use a Noblex extensively in a wide variety of lighting conditions and have always found

the use of the filters mroe of a pain than it is worth. When I use the camera indoors (as I

do frequently for certain sorts of indoor architectural work) I gel the lights rather than

attempting to use filters on the lens.

Bottom line .. you don;t gain enough to make the effort worhwhile.