(Translated from the original post on October 17, 2022)
Hello, this is Asakura.
It has suddenly become nice and cool in October. I wish such a pleasant season would last longer.
As you can see from the title, this time I would like to talk about a black mist filter.
Do you know what a black mist filter is?
Like a soft filter, a black mist filter is characterized by "blur," but what distinguishes it from a soft filter is that it reduces the overall contrast while maintaining high resolution, giving images both detail and a soft feel.
I recently purchased the GR IIIx Black Mist Kit from NiSi, a filter manufacturer. When I went to Tokyo on business recently, I attached it to the GR IIIx on the way to my hotel and tried it out.
First, I went to Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku, a famous nostalgic-looking place.
GR IIIx, P mode, ISO800, 1/40 sec, F2.8, Positive Film, Fl. - Daylight Color
GR IIIx, P mode, ISO800, 1/40 sec, F2.8, Positive Film, Fl. - Cool White
The filter softens the light from the lanterns, creating the atmosphere of a city at night.
In addition to the blurring of the highlights, if you look closely at the shadow rendering, with the Image Control of Positive Film, where there is more contrast, you will see that the shadow is brightened, yet the image is well resolved, creating a three-dimensional effect.
I went under the railroad tracks and walked to the east side.
GR IIIx, P mode, ISO800, 1/40 sec, F2.8, Positive Film, Fl. - Daylight Color
GR IIIx, P mode, ISO200, 1/50sec, F2.8, Positive Film, Fl. - Daylight Color
Often described as "like a scene from a movie," this filter creates a dramatic atmosphere when shooting the city at night.
Blurring the highlights means blurring the light sources in night scenes, so white balance is one of the keys to using this filter.
After trying some different options in the in-camera RAW processing, I found that I like daylight fluorescent light, which retains a warm ambience but is not too reddish.
GR IIIx, P mode, ISO800, 1/40 sec, F2.8, Positive Film, Daylight
GR IIIx, P mode, ISO2000, 1/40sec, F2.8, Positive Film, Daylight
Personally, I like to use it not only to shoot colorful cityscapes, but also to capture simple light that stands out like this.
I love the way it reduces the overall contrast, even in scenes with a lot of contrast between light and dark.
The GR IIIx Black Mist Kit comes with a lens adapter for attaching a round filter to the GR IIIx, a 49mm diameter black mist filter, and pink and silver ring caps. A great value kit.
It's exciting to use filters to expand the range of snapshot expression.
If you are interested, please give them a try. See you soon.
(Asakura)
