Meet Marumi's Premium WSND Filters!

The Japanese-made Marumi Cine & TV range of Wide Spectrum (WS) ND Filters is at the forefront of filter technology, catering to the evolving demands of visual content creation. As the lines between video production and still photography blur, so too has the need for a versatile solution in handling light as videographers are constantly filming in and out of bright and shadow areas. In our latest video for GeorgesCamerasTV, we explore the range, the build and the effects each filter has on your overall shot. 

Marumi Cine & TV Size Range of Build Quality

The Marumi ND filters come in some specialised sizes such as 4" x 4", 4" x 5.65" which means that each filter will predominantly be used with a matte box. Each filter boasts a premium build, not just in terms of optical quality but also in its physical handling. For instance, their rounded corners are not merely a design choice; they enhance usability and minimise internal reflections, a crucial factor in maintaining image integrity.

When it comes to choosing a filter, there's a bunch to pick from. With a range of 17 ND Cinet & TV filters, all varying from ND0.3 to ND2.4, you'll find that quality is at the forefront of Marumi's vision. Schott B270i glass is present in every filter thanks to its incredible optical quality. Plus, there's an excellent lamination process that seals the ND coating between two glass pieces, which speaks to the durability and longevity of these filters. This attention to detail ensures that you don't degrade the value of the glass found in your cine lens. Instead, you compliment the output quality.

How These Neutral Density Work and Their Importance When Filming

As mentioned in the video, these filters serve as "sunglasses for your camera," adeptly reducing light while preserving the accuracy and integrity of the image. The vast spectrum of densities provides a consistent and reliable means to control exposure, which is crucial in achieving the desired depth and balance in shots.

If you are unsure how ND filters work, referring to a scale will give you a better context. The ND scale is a blueprint for mastering light. Each increment on this scale, represented in the Marumi Cine & TV range, correlates to a reduction in light intensity measured in stops.

For instance, an ND0.3 (ND2) filter halves the amount of light entering the lens, equivalent to one-stop, while an ND2.4 (ND256) filter dramatically reduces it, allowing for long exposure even in bright daylight. This granular control over exposure is essential, particularly in dynamic environments (most of Australia) where lighting conditions are in constant flux. It permits users to maintain the integrity of their desired shutter speed and aperture settings, ensuring that each frame captures not just a scene but an emotion, perfectly exposed and rendered.

Anti-static and Hydrophobic Coatings for Durability and Ease of Cleaning

The entire range of Cine & TV ND filters has an anti-static folio on the exterior surfaces, which is a testament to their understanding of the challenges faced by videographers and cinematographers in the field. This coating repels dust, ensuring that the filter remains clean and clear, even in challenging environments.

Additionally, the hydrophobic coating is a game-changer, especially when shooting in moist or rainy conditions. Water droplets and other liquid substances bead up and roll off the glass surface, minimising cleaning efforts and ensuring that the filter does not become a hindrance during a crucial shoot.

Analysing the Wide Spectrum Transmission and Colour Fidelity of Marumi Filters

Marumi's Cine & TV ND filters stand out for their wide spectrum transmission, ensuring unparalleled colour fidelity in every frame. The WS (Wide Spectrum) in their name signifies their ability to transmit a broad range of colours consistently across the visible spectrum. This feature is critical in avoiding colour casts, a common pitfall with lesser-quality filters. By analysing the transmittance curve of these filters, as showcased in the video, it becomes evident that Marumi has achieved a remarkably flat and stable response.

This technical excellence means that light of all wavelengths passes through the filter evenly, ensuring that the colours captured are true to life and free of any unwanted tints or hues. Based on this, for professionals who demand colour accuracy, Marumi's WS ND filters offer the assurance of true-to-life colour reproduction in every shoot.

The Difference Marumi ND Filters Make in Various Shooting Conditions

The practical impact of Marumi ND filters is most vividly seen in their application across a variety of shooting conditions. Whether it's the harsh glare of the midday sun or the soft luminescence of a studio setup, these filters prove their own by providing the perfect exposure. In outdoor settings, they allow for the use of wide apertures without overexposing the shot, capturing detailed landscapes with a beautiful bokeh effect.

In video production, they enable the cinematographer to maintain a shallow depth of field even in bright conditions, bringing a cinematic quality to the footage. When you watch the video, take a look at the visual demonstrations, as you'll clearly see how switching between different ND strengths can seamlessly adjust the exposure, allowing for artistic control over the image without the need for additional lighting or equipment.

Discussing the Importance of ND Filters in Maintaining Shutter Speed and Motion Blur

In videography, the correlation between shutter speed and motion blur is a fundamental aspect of the cinematic look. ND filters, like those from Marumi's Cine & TV range, play a pivotal role in preserving this aesthetic. By reducing the light entering the lens, ND filters allow videographers to adhere to the shutter rule, where the shutter speed is double the frame rate. This rule is essential in achieving natural-looking motion blur, a hallmark of high-quality film production.

In bright conditions, without ND filters, maintaining this balance would often lead to overexposure. Marumi ND filters step in to solve this dilemma, enabling the correct amount of light to hit the sensor while keeping the desired shutter speed, thus ensuring that the motion in the video appears smooth and natural, akin to how the human eye perceives movement.

Add a Marumi ND Filter To Your Rig

In conclusion, the Marumi Cine & TV ND filters embody more than just optical tools; they are essential instruments in the art of visual storytelling. Their capacity to precisely control exposure, maintain colour fidelity, and enable creative freedom makes them invaluable to professionals. These filters not only enhance the technical quality of the footage but also empower users to realise their creative vision without compromise. Whether it's capturing the subtleties of light in a production or crafting the perfect cinematic moment, Marumi ND filters have become synonymous with professional-grade imaging.

For more information on the range or to learn more about Marumi's extensive range, speak to our Sydney-based team online via live chat or give us a call on 02 9299 0177.