CPL, how to use

[ash_scotland88]

I know this is a very silly and amateur advice but how can you tell how much a CPL is turned on (ooh matron) without looking through the view finder?

I've just received a hoya pro1 digital. It has a small white arrow just before the writing and a twice indentations on the outside of the frame, both to me could be a clue to the "all off/all on" position.

Anybody able to shed some light on it?

 

[413x]

I think you have the same cpl as me! And exactly what I thought.
I have a hoya HD (apparently HD isn't just a gimmick!)

I don't know why but my white arrow doesn't even line up with anything. Maybe all thread depths aren't the same. But basically I now remember what full on and full of are

 

[D.P.]

Really, the only way to use a CPL is to look through the viewfinder because the effect is highly dependable o the polarization of light Tou will get wildlify different results in the middle of the day in the desert than an overcast gloomy day in the jungle.

Simply rotate the out ring until you get your desired result and click the shutter. Job done.
If you want you can check the image review, scan the sky to make sure it is even and not too dark.

 

[ash_scotland88]

Really, the only way to use a CPL is to look through the viewfinder because the effect is highly dependable o the polarization of light Tou will get wildlify different results in the middle of the day in the desert than an overcast gloomy day in the jungle.

Simply rotate the out ring until you get your desired result and click the shutter. Job done.
If you want you can check the image review, scan the sky to make sure it is even and not too dark.

Thanks,
I thought this was the case as al4x said nothing seems to line up with anything.
Just reading before guides to CPL were talking about quarter turns, half turns or 30%, 60% etc so thought there might have been something to indicate when things were off.

 

[D.P.]

A 90 degree turn will change the polarization from minimal,to maximal effect but it is just something you do,looking through th viewfinder, take the photo when you get the desired effect.

With an optical viewfinder if is easy, with a electronic VF it is harder because it will adjust exposure so the dark sky won't be so obvious.

 

[Steve M]

Since i learned how to use the Polariser Filter tool in Lightroom, i've never used my real polarising filter on my lenses. Much easier to do it in post imo.

 

[D.P.]

Since i learned how to use the Polariser Filter tool in Lightroom, i've never used my real polarising filter on my lenses. Much easier to do it in post imo.

Ridiculous, you can't replicate what a CPL does in software, it is that simple.
f the camera doesn't record the data it doesn't record the data, you can't magic information out of thin air. CSI is a work of fiction.

 

[Steve M]

How is it ridiculous?

I find that tool much easier than an actual filter. It does exactly what i need it to do, darken the sky. Simple as.

EDIT: Sorry, im talking about the graduated filter tool in LR, not a Polariser Filter tool. Not even sure such a thing exists in LR?!

 

[ajf]

A CPL is not just used for darkening the sky either. Extremely useful for managing reflections on water or other non metal reflective surfaces. I used one recently indoors to cut down the glare on a glass cover on a clock for instance.

 

[Scam]

A CPL is not just used for darkening the sky either. Extremely useful for managing reflections on water or other non metal reflective surfaces. I used one recently indoors to cut down the glare on a glass cover on a clock for instance.

This. Point a CPL at a car in daylight for example and see what it really does. You can't replicate that in PS, nor can you replace a blown out sky if you neglected to use a CPL when shooting.

At the OP, as said it's easiest just to look through the viewfinder and experiment. The difference should be fairly obvious. If not then the arrows on the filter are supposed to be turned towards the sun.

 

[D.P.]

A CPL is not just used for darkening the sky either. Extremely useful for managing reflections on water or other non metal reflective surfaces. I used one recently indoors to cut down the glare on a glass cover on a clock for instance.

Not only on glass or anything like that, a CPL will cut specular reflection and off things like leaves and rocks so plants actually look green. It also cuts out atmospheric haze, increasing contrast and color details at distance.