Lee filter holder problems

[siejones]

Please lee filter fans don't just burn me here. I am just pointing out facts and my experiances and not just out on a rave to slag off the product.

I just recently came back off a holiday in Torridon (photography heavon) and before I went I purchased a lee filter holder, 2 sets of hi-tech grads (hard/soft) and after much deliberation considering vignetting and ease of use e.t.c I got a Lee 100mm square circ polariser too.

While trying to setup to slots I found that if I had to use the longer screws (supplied) that the one screw would go all the way through and poke out the other end and tighten up nicely but the other one wouldn't and became tight at the end. Odd I thought. Maybe it's just a factory flaw on this holder but to my dismay it happened on all four sides. Eh? surely this can't be by design it doesn't make sence! Anyway after finding 3 slots vignetted I accepted I would settle with just 2 instead which was convient because the screws tightned before the ends met the ends of the screw hole threads.

After using the filter system for about 3 shoots I went on holiday and during one of the first evening coastal shoots I had my polariser on and was putting a gnd in. Just as my hand was leaving the holder I felt something hit my finger. It was the gnd. It had just fell right through the second slot! (Lucky it hit my finger as I was in the actual water and it would have fell in) Eh? I checked the screws and they were tight but all and any of my filters were just falling through! On getting back to my accomodation I dimantled it too find the bendy bits of plastic that push up against the filter to hold it had just gone weak and flimsey and that was on both sides!

I had to take it down to one filter and force the screws as they needed to go straight through for just the one slot which has completely obliterated the screw heads. I was left with this for the rest of the week and was forced to accept some shots would have to be digitally blended instead.

Believe it or not by the end of the week I am sure the single slots was getting weaker and weaker and on one shoot my expensive circ polariser nearly fell out on to the rocks!

I was shocked these things would happen with what is considered the best 35mm filter system on the market. I spent a lot on the holder and 2 ring adapters (one being the more expensive wide adapter) and it's really quite p1$$ed me off!

I am now in 2 minds. Should I risk getting another holder or should I dump it and get the Cokin Z-pro system with the attractive reverse for wide option?

[weemannie]

Please lee filter fans don't just burn me here. I am just pointing out facts and my experiances and not just out on a rave to slag off the product.

I just recently came back off a holiday in Torridon (photography heavon) and before I went I purchased a lee filter holder, 2 sets of hi-tech grads (hard/soft) and after much deliberation considering vignetting and ease of use e.t.c I got a Lee 100mm square circ polariser too.

While trying to setup to slots I found that if I had to use the longer screws (supplied) that the one screw would go all the way through and poke out the other end and tighten up nicely but the other one wouldn't and became tight at the end. Odd I thought. Maybe it's just a factory flaw on this holder but to my dismay it happened on all four sides. Eh? surely this can't be by design it doesn't make sence! Anyway after finding 3 slots vignetted I accepted I would settle with just 2 instead which was convient because the screws tightned before the ends met the ends of the screw hole threads.

After using the filter system for about 3 shoots I went on holiday and during one of the first evening coastal shoots I had my polariser on and was putting a gnd in. Just as my hand was leaving the holder I felt something hit my finger. It was the gnd. It had just fell right through the second slot! (Lucky it hit my finger as I was in the actual water and it would have fell in) Eh? I checked the screws and they were tight but all and any of my filters were just falling through! On getting back to my accomodation I dimantled it too find the bendy bits of plastic that push up against the filter to hold it had just gone weak and flimsey and that was on both sides!

I had to take it down to one filter and force the screws as they needed to go straight through for just the one slot which has completely obliterated the screw heads. I was left with this for the rest of the week and was forced to accept some shots would have to be digitally blended instead.

Believe it or not by the end of the week I am sure the single slots was getting weaker and weaker and on one shoot my expensive circ polariser nearly fell out on to the rocks!

I was shocked these things would happen with what is considered the best 35mm filter system on the market. I spent a lot on the holder and 2 ring adapters (one being the more expensive wide adapter) and it's really quite p1$$ed me off!

I am now in 2 minds. Should I risk getting another holder or should I dump it and get the Cokin Z-pro system with the attractive reverse for wide option?


If I were you, I'd contact Lee UK and explain the problems you've had. I've found their customer service to be excellent and I'm sure they'll help you out. The phone number is 01264 366245
HTH

[jdizzle]

That's really wierd Simon. I haven't had issues with my filter holder. I would probably say it's a manufacturers defect when it was made. Maybe it passed QC but, who knows right? I would definitely contact Lee and make sure you get a replacement. I've never had a problem with filters falling out like that.

[siejones]

If I were you, I'd contact Lee UK and explain the problems you've had. I've found their customer service to be excellent and I'm sure they'll help you out. The phone number is 01264 366245
HTH

Thanks for the number I think your right.

That' really wierd Simon. I haven't had issues with my filter holder. I would probably say it's a manufacturers defect when it was made. Maybe it passed QC but, who knows right? I would definitely contact Lee and make sure you get a replacement. I've never had a problem with filters falling out like that.

Yeah it's just odd isn't it!

What really niggles me is that the screw problem was on all 4 sides and the plastic on the slot failed on both sides. I would expect to have an odd one screw thread defect and maybe one side on the slot fail but not all of them. On top of this I am convinsed the one slot is weaking now.

[Jim G]

Actually - I tried to change my slots from 3 to 2 the other day and found that the screws bit in real hard once they got to a point and I stopped for fear of stripping them. I'm just putting up with having an excess slot for now.

I think the recommendation to contact Lee themselves is a good one, especially since you're domestic.

[argyle]

...While trying to setup to slots I found that if I had to use the longer screws (supplied) that the one screw would go all the way through and poke out the other end and tighten up nicely but the other one wouldn't and became tight at the end. Odd I thought. Maybe it's just a factory flaw on this holder but to my dismay it happened on all four sides. Eh? surely this can't be by design it doesn't make sence! Anyway after finding 3 slots vignetted I accepted I would settle with just 2 instead which was convient because the screws tightned before the ends met the ends of the screw hole threads.

You don't say what camera/lens combination that you were using. I can use the Lee holder with all three slots in place on my 5D/17-40L and not get any vignetting, even at 17. Are you using the wide angle adapter ring, or the standard ring? If not, that could be your problem for the vignetting.

As far as the slots themselves go, I've adjusted mine to a single slot, two slots, etc. with the furnished screws and have not had any issues. Granted, when you get down to a single slot, the screws protrude out the rear a bit, but nothing that interferes with anything. Also, when you've reduced the number of slots, were you certain to get the pieces back in the proper order and orientation when re-assembling? You probably did, but I had to ask...its easy to get something out of whack.

Beyond saying that I don't have any problems with mine or my Hitech filters slipping out, its best for you to check with Lee as others have recommended.

Just a note: the Hitech filters are a wee bit thinner than others...if slipping is a problem, Lee has shims available that slide over the edges of the Hitech filters to increase the thickness. I've never had the need to use them, however. Maybe Lee makes these available due to variations in their specs? Don't know, but here's a link to the shims:

Lee shims for Hitech filters (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/87163-REG/LEE_Filters_SLIDES_Extension_Slides_for_Hitech.htm l)

[siejones]

You don't say what camera/lens combination that you were using. I can use the Lee holder with all three slots in place on my 5D/17-40L and not get any vignetting, even at 17. Are you using the wide angle adapter ring, or the standard ring? If not, that could be your problem for the vignetting.

The vignetting I accept and not really an issue for me and I am quite happy to go with 2 slots. I too am using a 5D and 17-40 but I am also use the 24-105 and it's worse on that. It's not a huge amount but I do see little bits of the holder on the edges of the frame. I am using the wide angle version of the 77mm adapter as well. Like I said I am not really moaning about that.


As far as the slots themselves go, I've adjusted mine to a single slot, two slots, etc. with the furnished screws and have not had any issues. Granted, when you get down to a single slot, the screws protrude out the rear a bit, but nothing that interferes with anything. Also, when you've reduced the number of slots, were you certain to get the pieces back in the proper order and orientation when re-assembling? You probably did, but I had to ask...its easy to get something out of whack.

Yeah I know what you mean they are a bit fiddly but I used the other side as reference as I did one side at a time so I am pretty sure that I got it right.

Your screws protude out the rear with no problems? This is the problem for me you see. It's weird but one screw goes through but the other screw (same side) becomes tight and will not protrude unless you give it lots of force as if it's not supposed to. This is the same if I use any of the screws on the same thread and on any of the four sides of the adapter. So you are saying this doesn't happen to yours? This is just getting weirder! How can it be a factory fault on all 4 threads? Do you see what I am saying?


Beyond saying that I don't have any problems with mine or my Hitech filters slipping out, its best for you to check with Lee as others have recommended.

Just a note: the Hitech filters are a wee bit thinner than others...if slipping is a problem, Lee has shims available that slide over the edges of the Hitech filters to increase the thickness. I've never had the need to use them, however. Maybe Lee makes these available due to variations in their specs? Don't know, but here's a link to the shims:

Lee shims for Hitech filters (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/87163-REG/LEE_Filters_SLIDES_Extension_Slides_for_Hitech.htm l)

Interesting thanks :) I really didn't think this would be necessary though. My circ pol is the Lee square version which should be the same thickness and I really don't feel safe trusting any of the slots to hold it securely.

What about the slot failing completely after only 4 shoots or so and the plastic bendy bits weakening to the point of being useless. That worries me about trusting a new one in the future.

[argyle]

Interesting thanks :) I really didn't think this would be necessary though. My circ pol is the Lee square version which should be the same thickness and I really don't feel safe trusting any of the slots to hold it securely.

IIRC, the Lee filters are slightly thicker than the Hitechs, which is why Lee makes the shims available for non-Lee filters. You should be okay with your Lee square polarizer. BTW, I'm not familiar with the square polarizer...how do you rotate that thing to get the desired effect? Or is it a one-size fits all type of thing?

[siejones]

IIRC, the Lee filters are slightly thicker than the Hitechs, which is why Lee makes the shims available for non-Lee filters. You should be okay with your Lee square polarizer. BTW, I'm not familiar with the square polarizer...how do you rotate that thing to get the desired effect? Or is it a one-size fits all type of thing?

Yeah that's what I mean I should be ok with the lee circ pol but it's not a tight fit and a small jolt can move it in the slots.

You just rotate the whole adapter. If you have a gnd on as well then you can pull out the polariser and turn it 90 degrees (proper square) until you get the desired effect. Of coarse you can't make any smaller adjustments when twinned with a gnd but it's 90 degrees gives you the choice between half and full polarisation and thats good enough for me.

[Macro]

...
Your screws protude out the rear with no problems? This is the problem for me you see. It's weird but one screw goes through but the other screw (same side) becomes tight and will not protrude unless you give it lots of force as if it's not supposed to. This is the same if I use any of the screws on the same thread and on any of the four sides of the adapter. So you are saying this doesn't happen to yours? This is just getting weirder! How can it be a factory fault on all 4 threads? Do you see what I am saying?

Lee sells several screw lengths in sets of 4. The proper length depends on how many slots are being used.

Check Lee site here (http://www.leefiltersusa.com/camera/products/show/ref:C47BE9767113BE/).
The Filter Connection has a nice chart and sells them here (http://www.2filter.com/Leefilters/LeeFilterSideGuides.html).

[siejones]

Lee sells several screw lengths in sets of 4. The proper length depends on how many slots are being used.

Check Lee site here (http://www.leefiltersusa.com/camera/products/show/ref:C47BE9767113BE/).
The Filter Connection has a nice chart and sells them here (http://www.2filter.com/Leefilters/LeeFilterSideGuides.html).

Thanks :)

I ended up buying another holder and although the screw problem went away again after a small amount of usage filters started dropping through again.

A few months back now I contacted Lee telling them of my woes. They told me they had had a bad batch of holders due to molding and asked me to return both holders. They returned me a new holder and a gift of equal value of the second holder. Excellent customer service!

Initially all seemed fine and filters held just right. That is until I tried using the Lee square polariser (desgined to be used in this holder) in anger again. Everytime I use it the holder bendy bits that hold the filter weaken and eventually after a small time it falls through. After this if I use the same slot for a normal filter it falls right through. If however I leave that slot for a while and come back to it it will hold my normal filters again. Madness!

The holder is supposed to hold that polariser without issue!

I gave up on it and found myself just accepting it in the end.

[Macro]

Are your filters and polarizer all the standard 2mm thick?

[siejones]

Are your filters and polarizer all the standard 2mm thick?

This is my LEE square polariser. Yes it is 2mm.

http://www.teamworkphoto.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=10700

Disregarding my other filters the polariser it's self will not hold and is the cause of the loosening of the slot's.

[jdizzle]

^That's the same one I use and I love it!

[siejones]

^That's the same one I use and I love it!

I take it that means you don't suffer the same issues?

[jdizzle]

I take it that means you don't suffer the same issues?
Nope. I own two Lee holders and haven't had issues. I bought these holders back in 2006.

[siejones]

Nope. I own two Lee holders and haven't had issues. I bought these holders back in 2006.

It's a count of 3 holders for me now and all did the same thing. Hard to believe they are all a bad batch. Ah well never mind eh

[jdizzle]

Sori to hear that Simon. The only thing is to go back to Lee I'm afraid.

[jcothron]

It's a count of 3 holders for me now and all did the same thing. Hard to believe they are all a bad batch. Ah well never mind eh

It might be worth your while to measure the thickness of your particular CPL very accurately. Perhaps it's a little thicker than it should be as opposed to the holders being weaker.

I DID get a GND from Lee once that was thinner than it should be, and got it replaced.

[Macro]

Why is it that there seems to be a grab bag of filter thicknesses?

I have several Singh-Rays. Some are 1.5mm, others are 2.0mm. When I asked Singh-Ray about it, they said it depends on which filter type. When I told them I have two identical ND-3G-SS filters, one is 1.5mm, the other 2.0mm, the line went dead on the other end.

[jcothron]

Why is it that there seems to be a grab bag of filter thicknesses?

I have several Singh-Rays. Some are 1.5mm, others are 2.0mm. When I asked Singh-Ray about it, they said it depends on which filter type. When I told them I have two identical ND-3G-SS filters, one is 1.5mm, the other 2.0mm, the line went dead on the other end.

Good question, and I think the answer lies in the manufacturing process. Most of the polycarbonate filters anyway, are cast moldings...the polymer is poured into a mold and allowed to cool. Inherently thickness control would be a little harder in this process vs. injection molding.. but it should be easier to control.

The other thought I've had is that they probably pre-test a batch of colored compound before molding. I wonder if they don't adjust the thickness some to compensate for a stronger and/or weaker batch instead of adding more of the needed component (either resin or colorant) to the batch itself.

It's hard to say without knowing exactly what they do, but I agree with you.. should be more consistent. 2.0 vs. 1.5 is a 25% difference in thickness.

[Macro]

Interesting about the molding.

My Lee grads look like they were cut with a band saw. Rough edges and irregular corners. One had three chips on a single side, sent it back.

[jcothron]

Interesting about the molding.

My Lee grads look like they were cut with a band saw. Rough edges and irregular corners. One had three chips on a single side, sent it back.


They are cut with a saw (mine are as well). When they cast mold it they would do it in a very large sheet. I'm not sure how they deal with the graduation line in cast molding..haven't thought about that too much.

[siejones]

It might be worth your while to measure the thickness of your particular CPL very accurately. Perhaps it's a little thicker than it should be as opposed to the holders being weaker.

I DID get a GND from Lee once that was thinner than it should be, and got it replaced.

Maybe you are right and mine is a little thicker than it should be but what an irritation if it is! The lee Square CPL is not cheap and I would expect better from Lee.

If I use the holder without using the CPL I can get through a whole shoot without issue. Even when I first put the CPL in it is a good enough hold but if I leave the CPL in for a small amount of time then the bendy bits get weak eventually giving way to the weight of the CPL. If I then put another filter in the same slot they drop straight through.

Weird thing is if I leave the holder for a long time and come back to it then it will hold the ND filters without issue again.

To me it just says the holder was never meant to deal with the weight of the CPL which is ridiculas.