dave_k6

<p>I generally suffer from hazy pictures, but I can't tell where it's coming from. I just had my rollei serviced at Krikor's Photo Service. He said the lens was fine other than some scratches that wouldn't affect image quality. I looked at the glass myself in the same way you described, and I didn't notice anything other than a few black specks and light scratches.<br /> <br />Below, I attached a few shots I scanned using my Epson V600. None of the adjustment options were turned on, so this was as raw a scan as you can get. I used the 120 film holder. What I don't understand is why my shots look so hazy, fuzzy, and lacking in contrast.<br /> Again, I used Ilford HP5+ 400 and this batch was processed using XTOL at 24C/75F for 6:30min. The xtol is about a couple months old. Other people have reported using xtol with ilfords will results in somewhat "muddy" scans, but I'm not sure how to compare this since all I ever see on the net are pics that have been photoshopped. I've also tried processing at 20C at 8min, and 24C at 5min. All pretty much looked about the same when scanned.</p>

<p>Anyways, here are my untouched test shots. No filters or hoods were used. All shots were metered using an iphone light meter app (which could be way off I supposed). The aperture and speed are from memory, so it might be off:</p>

<p>http://www.photo.net/photo/17430256&size=lg<br /> Test 1 -- f2.8, 1/30, handheld. There's a translucent skylight above him and fluorescent lights behind me. But still overall dark in the room.</p>

<p>http://www.photo.net/photo/17430255&size=lg<br /> Test 2 -- f/16, 1/250 (?)</p>

<p>http://www.photo.net/photo/17430254&size=lg<br /> Test 3 -- f/16, 1/250 (?). Not a very good scan I know.</p>

<p>As you can see, the shots seem pretty muddy and not very sharp or contrasty. Is this caused by a hazy lens? Overexposure? Improper processing? Lack of hood and/or filters? Being a crappy photographer? Or all of the above?</p>

<p>Not looking for anyone to solve my problems, but any tips would be appreciated. </p>

<p>Thanks for the information everyone. It's a lot to chew on. Seems like rather than jumping in and buying the rings, filters, etc., I should continue shooting for a bit and add on things as I need it. I'll stick with a hood for now. Trying to avoid the GAS. I was shooting BW for a bit, which got me into the filter research, but going back into color right now.<br>

<br />Just got the fotodiox hood today. It looks like a metal hood with a plastic mount, oddly enough. I had planned on returning it and getting the step ring. But now that I have it, I may just keep it. </p>

<p>Perhaps a follow up question would be, will a UV filter be that much more helpful for color film if I already have a lens hood on it? I'm only interested in better image quality, so if a filter is not required, I'd rather not have it.</p>

<p>This is something I've also researched. There's a lot of material on the benefits of UV filters for film, but they never go into how useful this would be if you already have a hood on.</p>

<p>Wow, that's a great suggestion! I didn't even consider getting a screw in hood. Thanks!<br>

<br /><br /><br>

The only issue would be the fact that general screw-in hoods don't account for the shape of a TLR, so the hood will probably end up blocking part of the viewing lens. But I might be able to live with that if I can use a hood and filter at the same time (at a reduced cost). </p>

<p>Hi Rollei Users!</p>

<p>I went out to shoot with my Rollei 2.8e1 (bay III) during the day and after processing, realized I had a big haze problem. To hopefully remedy this, I ordered a Fotodiox hood for taking lens from Amazon. I was thinking about also putting on a UV filter. So I looked into the Fotodiox Bay III to 42mm step ring to save on filter costs.</p>

<p>My question is, will the step ring fit on the lens while the hood was on?</p>

<p>None of my emails to Fotodiox were answered unfortunately, and I haven't found anyone online that's attempted this. Possibly with good reason. I included Amazon.com links to the 2 items in question:</p>

<p>Lens Hood: http://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-Replacement-Biometer-Xenotar-Rolleiflex/dp/B002K4E6OA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371524775&sr=8-2&keywords=fotodiox+lens+hood+rolleiflex<br>

<br />Filter Adapter: http://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-Step-Ring-Bayonet-III/dp/B002KBC4G0/ref=pd_sim_p_3</p>

<p><br />In case anyone was wondering, I was shooting with Ilford HP5+ 400, XTol 24C 6:30min. Perhaps the haze was caused by something else, like my bad skills. But in my readings, apparently the Rolleis really need hoods during the day...and possibly UV filters.</p>

<p>Thanks all,<br>

David</p>