New safety label on B+W filters
Schneider-Kreuznach has extended the function of its safety labels on B+W filters. Each hologram label has an individual QR numerical code, which can be read using a conventional QR app to verify the authenticity of the product. The numerical structure comprises a highly secure encryption to reliably eliminate the risk of the code being copied or decrypted. The hologram label has also been made more secure and can no longer be removed or reattached unnoticed. The adhesion and structure of the material are designed to ensure that the label self-destructs if an attempt is made to remove it. The numerical code is positioned inaccessibly between the material layers. By registering the product and retrieving the numerical code, users can determine whether their B+W filter is an original product. The new safety label will be introduced gradually over the coming months. As a brand manufacturer, Schneider-Kreuznach is committed to protecting its end customers and sales partners from increasing product piracy.
B+W SELECT quality package
The new B+W SELECT filter series encompasses all B+W filters that require intensive consulting for creative effects and special purposes. They include gray and graduated filters as well as infrared filters. It is highly recommended to consult a specialized photography retailer when buying these filters. For this reason, the B+W SELECT filter series for professionals and ambitious photographers will only be available from authorized specialist photography stores. The sophisticated SELECT series is recognizable by its unique silver-gray sales packaging.
Käsemann circular polarizing filter series XS-Pro Digital and F-Pro have been converted to high-transmission polarizing foil
Due to their improved light transmission, the new Käsemann high-transmission polarizing filters HTC absorb less light to achieve a brighter viewfinder image. As less light is lost, faster shutter speeds are possible. Circular polarizing filters increase the purity of colors and improve color saturation. They can be rotated in the mount so that the polarization effect can be visibly controlled in the viewfinder or on the display. Polarizing filters usually have a filter factor of between 4 and 8, equivalent to 3 f-stops. The B+W Käsemann high-transmission polarizing filters have a filter factor of 2 to 3, equivalent to 1 to 1.5 f-stops. The new polarizing filters have a circular design, making them suitable for all camera systems with a built-in light meter and AF systems.
MPTV filters for professional film and TV productions
The sheet filters in Schneider-Kreuznach’s MPTV filter range are suitable for use with matte boxes measuring 4 x 4, 4 x 4.65 and 6 x 6 inches. The filter effect is achieved using a high-quality, homogeneous foil material (except for Clear and UV). This is vacuum laminated between two layers of crystal clear, optically pure glass. The glass is ground and finely polished on both sides to ensure exact flatness of the glass surface and plane parallelism. To guarantee consistent high quality in all products, the density of the filters is controlled with a densitometer and the specified light transmission analyzed with a spectrophotometer. Schneider-Kreuznach MPTV filters offer uncompromising optical performance to achieve optimal results.
Schneider Kreuznach MPTV filter types:
Polarizing filters: Circular and linear
ND filters: ND 0.3, ND 0.6, ND 0.9 and ND 1.2
Neutral gray filters with +1, +2, +3 und +4 f-stops.
IR ND filters: IR ND 0.3, IR ND 0.6, IR ND 0.9 and IR ND 1.2
Neutral gray filters with IR Cut +1, +2, +3 and +4 f-stops.
HD Classic Soft: Graduations: 1/16, 1/8, ¼, ½, 1
Softening effect with varying degrees of intensity. A carefully calculated number of precisely positioned microlenses ensures a controlled soft image.
Hollywood Black Magic: 1/8, ¼, ½, 1 and 2
Combines the features of HD Classic Soft and Black Magic. The filter removes unsightly skin blemishes and wrinkles, while giving the photographs an airbrush effect. In varying degrees of intensity from a subtle to a strong effect.
ND Grad Soft: 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2
Graduated filter with a soft transition.
With f-stop of +1, +2, +3 and +4.
ND Grad Hard: 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2
Graduated filter with a hard transition.
With f-stop of +1, +2, +3 and +4.
Clear, UV
ND Vario ø 95: Filter for professional videographers
Schneider-Kreuznach has introduced the ND Vario filter with a 95mm diameter especially for DSLR video technology and its own FF Prime video lenses. The density of the filter can be continually adjusted and corresponds to a reduction in the f-stop of +1 to +5 f-stops. This means it is now possible to handle changing light conditions and meet the specific requirements of videography with just one filter.
The ND Vario ø 95 features an MRC nano coating. MRC stands for Multi Resistant Coating. It comprises a 7+1 layer on both sides of the filter. The MRC antireflection eliminates disturbing scattered light to achieve brighter colors and higher contrasts. Due to the low reflection loss (below 0.5 %), it reliably prevents double or ghost images. The increased hardness of the MRC nano coating provides protection against scratches, thus guaranteeing high optical quality. Due to the extremely smooth surface, the filter is dirt and water-repellent. When moving from a cold to a warm environment, the hydrophobic surface also prevents the lens from fogging up and eliminates condensation within a very short time.
Facts:
Diameter: 95 mm
F-stops: +1 to +5
Coating: MRC nano
XS-Pro Digital ND Vario series expanded
Schneider-Kreuznach has expanded the range of XS-Pro Digital ND Vario filters. In addition to the existing diameters, variants with 40.5 mm, 46 mm, 49 mm and 55 mm diameters are now available to enable the ambitious user of mirrorless system cameras to use high quality B+W filters. Their main feature is the continuous adjustment of the filter’s optical density. The XS-Pro Digital ND Vario is an all-round tool that can be used with variable f-stops. The filter is colorless and without aberrations. It has a front thread for further accessories.
The XS-Pro Digital ND Vario adapts to different subjects and photographic requirements to achieve the right effect. The use of an ND filter is indispensable in many situations: Portrait photographers, for example, usually need a large aperture even in a bright environment to make their subject stand out against the background. In landscape photography, the filters help to make flowing water or the surface of the sea look soft even in bright daylight. ND Vario filters have an oversized mount to prevent vignetting, even with shorter focal lengths.
MRC nano coating
All XS-Pro Digital filters have an MRC nano coating. The hydrophobic coating also prevents the lens from fogging up when going from a cold to a warm environment. Within a very short time, the condensation disappears from the surface of the filter.
Facts:
Diameters: 40.5 mm, 46 mm, 49 mm, 55 mm, 58 mm, 62 mm, 67 mm, 72 mm, 77 mm, 82 mm and 95 mm
F-stops: +1 to +5
Coating: MRC nano
For more information on all new Schneider-Kreuznach products, visit us at photokina 2014 from 11 September in hall 4.2, booth D.026.