Filters? Skylight? Circular Polarized?

[cobright]

The last time I was really serious about photography my Minolta X-370 was considered the cool-kid's student camera.

It was the era of film and a stack of filters on the end of the lens was common. Skylight, UV Haze, a slight Magenta if shooting B&W...

Anyway, what's in vogue these days with regards to digital? Is anything considered a must-have anymore?

 

[disneyfaninaz]

In my camera bag I have a Neutral Density filter and a circular polarizing filter (one for each size of my lenses). I shoot a lot of landscape photos when I travel and they work great for their purpose.

 

[hakepb]

Do you still have that X-370? Many of its full manual lenses have been making a comeback when used, with an adaptor, on new digital mirrorless cameras, especially the Sony NEX (or other digital cameras with focus peaking)

 

[Pixel Dust]

UV filters are useless for digital cameras. The sensors have UV, and IR filters built right onto it. Film is sensitive to UV, and that's why you needed it then. If you want protection for your lens just get a quality clear filter. Some don't use either of these since they seem to make the image softer or increase the chance of flare or reflections. Most people won't notice it, though. It's a preference.

I use circular polarizers outdoors and neutral density for fireworks. I don't use color filters since I shoot RAW and change the white balance in post.

 

[cobright]

Do you still have that X-370? Many of its full manual lenses have been making a comeback when used, with an adaptor, on new digital mirrorless cameras, especially the Sony NEX (or other digital cameras with focus peaking)

I don't have the Minolta I have a few manual focus nikkor lens though. It's funny you mention it, I picked up a c-mount adapter for my eos-m because I had a shelf full of old CCTV security cameras. The vinetteing is rough but the F.95 aperture is slick.