How should I store NDF?

[Morlow]

I just received my HiTech Gradual Kit from 2filter.com a couple days ago. The filters came in little plastic holders that don't offer much protection. I was wondering if there is a better way to protect them in my bag. How do you keep yours?

[chris maddock]

I use both Lee and Hitech filters, and what I usually use is the Lee Filter Wrap - just a microfibre sheet with three pockets sewn in - since I use both Lee and Hitech filters (for hard and soft grad), I've cut the insides out of the original Lee packaging to act as spacers in the pouches so I can keep 2 filters in each pocket, one pocket for both ND2s, one for the ND4s, etc.

I carry this in one of the Lowepro accessory pouches, the Sliplock 30. I can clip that to my belt or use the neckstrap so I don't have to find somewhere to put it down. The pouch will also take the Lee filter holder so I have it all in one handy unit. Dunno if the Hitech holder would be too bulky to fit in or not.

KRs
Chris

[Lowner]

I keep my three Cokin filters in the hard plastic cases they came in. All I've done is label up each case so that I know what lives where and elastic banded the three together. I've also resewn both my LowePro bags so that one compartment in each is a snug fit.

Of course non of this helps if your HiTech cases are as flimsy as you say. I'd personally want a hard case solution rather than a soft pouch arrangement for two reasons. First to keep the filters clean and second for physical protection. Surely any photo shop should be able to offer something suitable?

[timeasterday]

Adorama sells a padded soft case that holds five 4x6 filters. Works great for my Hitechs, which also remain in their plastic sleeve while in the case.

[Wilt]

Are your filters resin, like Cokin? If they are, I adamantly advise to NOT put them into any type of filter wallet without protecting the surfaces of the filter with very soft material. Decades ago I purchased a number of Cokins, bought a filter wallet with flexible plastic slots, put the filters in, then went hiking around. Discovered all of the filters had the two surfaces abraided by simply being in the wallet and having the small movements of simply being in my bag on my shoulder!

[chris maddock]

I used to keep Cokins in the boxes supplied - until I found I had marks across them half-way along from the join in the two halves of the boxes :-(

[Lowner]

Chris,

My Cokin boxes are made with a groove on either side to keep the filter away from any surface, only the very edges touch anything. Were yours different?

But I do know the problem. Years ago I had a hard plastic racing dinghy cover, and the combination of salt crystals and the hard plastic destroyed the high gloss varnishwork in one week! As soon as I could afford a proper canvas cover I dumped the plastic rubbish.

[homersapien]

I keep mine in their plasic, in a Lowepro filter holder. It's just big enough to also hold my Chinese-branded Cokin holder too. If I need something sturdier, I have a small plastic box (from Container Store) that fits the filters/holder perfectly.

[chris maddock]

Chris,

My Cokin boxes are made with a groove on either side to keep the filter away from any surface, only the very edges touch anything. Were yours different?



They must have been - but the marks were definitely there. I don't use Cokins any more anyway so it's not a problem for me any more ;-)

[Morlow]

One more question: Should I treat my ND filters the same as lenses as far as cleaning? I'm just not sure how fragile they are to scratches and the like.

[Anke]

I'll second the Lee Microfibre Wallet, handy for cleaning them too :)

[Morlow]

My Cokin boxes are made with a groove on either side to keep the filter away from any surface, only the very edges touch anything. Were yours different?

Is this the same thing you are using? http://www.amazon.com/Cokin-P305-Empty-Storage-Hold/dp/B0006ZSQEQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1234168765&sr=1-1

[Lowner]

Morlow,

No, but it appears that the box you have shown has the same grooves, just ten of them instead of the individual case that Cokin provide.

My problem with storing them all together would be finding the right filter. I can be pretty daft at times!