ND Filter For The Fuji X-Pro1

ND Filter For the Fuji X-Pro1:

First off, I’m almost finished with my review of the XF 35mm F1.4 R lens for the Fuji X-Pro1 so please stay tuned.  I will also be doing a cool comparison between the X-Pro1 and two other cameras.  Now on to today.  I mentioned Fuji X-Pro1 review that I needed to purchase an ND filter (neutral density) for my X-Pro1 lenses.  A few people asked me what an ND filter is for so I figured that I would show you.  I was going to order an ND filter from my local camera dealer but it turns out that my girlfriend was listening when I mentioned I needed an one because she’s the one who bought it for me.  She was ordering a few things from Amazon, and just added one on when we were on the phone.  Cool, because I got it just in time for some weekend shooting :).

Do I Need an ND Filter For My Fuji X-Pro1?:

So the reason why I wanted an ND filter was because the filter will reduce the amount of light that goes through my lens, allowing me to shoot at wider apertures.  Many buy a F1.4 lens to shoot in darker situations because it allows more light into the lens.  But some like the effects that shooting wide open can generate.  What effects are these?  One major effect is shooting in a shallow depth of field in order to isolate your subject from the background.  This is why I need an ND filter right now.  I want to be able to shoot my XF 35mm F1.4 wide open in broad daylight so I can isolate my subject.  I notice that even with the shutter speed set at its highest (1/4000th of a second for the X-Pro1), I was still getting overexposed photos if I shot at F1.4 during the day.  The other reason for buying an ND filter is that it can also help you blur something like a stream or a river in broad daylight by helping you shoot at a lower shutter speed.

↑ This photo was shot with the Fuji X-Pro1 and 35 F1.4 XF lens but not with an ND filter.  I’m just using this photo to demonstrate the sharp subject (the flower in the middle), and the out of focus background (the bokeh).

B+W ND Filter For the Fuji X-Pro1:

Every filter company out there makes ND filters.  You can choose from Hoya, Tiffen, Heliopan or even B+W.  I chose a B+W because I use their filters a lot in the past, and not only are they made from excellent materials, they are also made to last.  I bought the B+W ND 0.9-8x filter, which allows me to reduce the amount of light my lens is absorbing by three stops.  This is the same filter that I use on my Leica 50 Summilux ASPH but for the Fuji, I had to get a filter with a 52mm thread.  They have ND filters that will reduce light by six or even nine stops but three stops is good enough for me.  I might buy an ND filter that will reduce the light by six stops when I go to Bermuda in June.  I can use to to smooth out the waves of all the beach photos that I want to photograph.

I hope that this helps those who have been wondering how to shoot wide open in broad daylight.  Once again, I will be posting my review of the XF 35mm F1.4 R lens probably by this weekend so please stay tuned.  A review of the XF 18mm F2.0 will come shortly after that, and maybe some comparison tests between the X-Pro1 and the X100.  Also, I will probably talk about the video quality coming out of the X-Pro1.  I’m seriously loving the Fuji X-Pro1!  Thanks for stopping by!

↑ Talk about having a stealth Fuji X-Pro1 :).  

8 comments… add one
  • Looking forward to your reviews… In the meantime, what’s the strap you’ve got on your XP1? It looks good…

  • I’ve just bought a B+W ND filters for my 35mm, thanks for this advice 🙂

    • Patrick Link Reply

      Great to hear! Thanks for coming by. Take care!

  • Dane Sigua Link Reply

    Just bought the ND filter(B+W). Now to find moving water….

    • Patrick Link Reply

      Lol but it’s a good investment. I use mine all the time. BTW, after reading about the X100S, I’m tempted to get one now :).

      • Dane Sigua Link

        Let’s see how long you can last before pre ordering hehe. I just did with Adorama, I now have 2 items in preorder status from them (X100s, BlackMagic Camera). I just got rid of my video tripod and now looking for Stills tripod. I need something small and light to complement the Fuji’s. Which one you recommend?

      • Patrick Link

        Lol yeah but I still have that Leica M to pay for haha. I don’t know if my wallet can handle the X-E1, the M, and now the X100S :). In terms of tripods, I know Gitzo makes really good tripods. They can be a bit expensive buy they’re built like tanks. I have a Weekend Performance that I bought a LONG time ago…I think over 15 years ago. It super compact, and I use it with my Leicas and Fujis with no issue at all. I would love to get one of their carbon fiber ones in the future but every time I save some money for one, I use it for some other photographic equipment.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.