At first, this seemed like a brilliant idea - equip each of your 'go to' filters (Polariser, ND etc.) with a magnetised ring for really easy filter changing. So I ordered a ring to screw onto the lens (33,95€), a couple of rings for the filters (13,95€ each), and even a lens cap (12,90€). Although the lens ring is extremely thin, added to the thickness of the filter ring and the filter itself, and there's a sizeable extra collar on the front of your lens - if, like me, you like extreme wide-angle lens, you cannot escape vignetting (16-35 Nikkor) Obviously this doesn't make the system unusable, but it does limit itself (for my personal use) to longer focal lengths. The lens cap is the trap - it only actually works in direct contact with the lens ring - so if you have a filter in place, it won't 'stick'. This means that if you want to use the Xume lens cap, you have to leave the filter off... So, if you have a tendancy to change filters (a lot) on anything other than extreme wide-angle lenses, this is quite a good idea. (Even if, I find the lens rings PARTICULARLY expensive...)
Thanks for this, Ian - that system could be of some interest to me. I don't have need to change filters very often, but rather, to remove an ND filter assembly, to allow to composition and focus, and then replace the filter assembly - all as quickly and easily as possible. As things stand, this involves the tedious business of unscrewing/replacing the filter assembly - not to mention the number of times that I have nearly (and occasionally, have ) dropped the filter assembly whilst trying to engage the thread. Since you own this system, do you perceive any real advantage for the use I have described? BTW, I don't use extreme wide-angle lenses (widest = 21mm), and vignetting is no great concern to me anyway. TIA.
Frankly this system is ideal for what you want to do - and was the principle reason why I 'invested' in it in the first place One nice aspect of the magnetized rings is that there's far less risk of moving the camera when changing filters, and of course, less fingerprints all over the filter surface!
Yes, I forgot to mention this in my post, but it's another 'nuisance factor' of the screw-in system. I'm surprised that a filter ring manufacturer hasn't produced some kind of a screw-in adapter, to convert the filter mount system into a quick-release/mount bayonet mount, à la Hasselblad. Many thanks for the reply.
The first version of the 17mm Tamron SP has 3 built in filters. They're selected by the ring at the front of the lens. I think there were 1 or 2 other lenses with that facility as well but can't recall them at the moment.
I tend to leave a protection filter in place on more vlnerable lenses, I rarely use polarisers as I often do stitched pans. And I never use Nd filter or colour filters, so the number of times That I need to remove or change a filter is minimal. I am more likely to do an exposure fusion of some kind than use a graduated filter.
The first camera with a set of built in filter was the ultra expensive and miniature Compas camera. Made by leCoultre and a bargain at $3000.
How does that work then? Some kind of interference that produces a stronger or weaker effect as the angle changes?
I've got a 1962 Mamiya 16 EE Deluxe that has a built-in 2 stop ND filter, although the way it works isn't particularly clever - it just slides in front of the lens from one side! Cheers, Jeff
Much simpler than that. If you look through the lens as you turn the ring you can see a circular carrier sliding each filter into position.
Ok - I can't just visualise it - was thinking that the filter had to cover more or less the area of the first element because of the dial position. It must be much smaller
probably not at either of the nodal points, one at least is likely to be outside the lens. but the filter would be put at the entry pupil. https://spie.org/publications/fg01_p11_nodal_points?SSO=1
That isn't quite what's happening. The hard edge is the aperture (which is at the entry pupil) and the fuzzy image is the filter holder. It looks to be about 5-10mm ahead of the aperture which is why I guessed it was the inner nodal point. I could be wrong of course.
the shutter blades if used and aperture are usually placed as close as possible to the entrance pupil. the filter holder like them is probably place between the two main sets of elements. along with the diaphragm.
Well, Ian - acting upon your advice (meaning that I blame you! ), I'm now the owner of the Xume system. I haven't yet had a chance to try it out 'in the field', but after a little casual fiddling around with the system, I have concluded that it seems perfect for my needs - as you suggested. We'll see, when I have put them to the test, 'for real'. Thanks again, for your help and advice.
I'm married - so you can see I'm used to it all being my fault - from forgetting to empty rubbish bins to global warming, it was me I hope that my original post wasn't too negative - the idea is good, but potential buyers/investors (!) must determine the real usability - which will be, of course, different for all of us. In some ways I'm surprised there hasn't been more communication (from Manfrotto) on this accessory...
