Linear or circular

Asha

Asha

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Asha
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I have always used a linear Polarizer with film.

As my filter is well past it’s best condition I’m considering a new one.

Cokin do both the P160 linear and P164 circular.

I understand the need to use a circular with digital kit but am unsure wether it is imperative that linear is used for film or does it not matter which type?
 
I think it was more to do with autofocus and metering, rather than film/digi Asha, but open to correction on that. I've got both types and have used linear on AF without a problem, but not on a particularly complex AF system.
 
I believe either will work on film, however, linear can cause problems to split beam metering systems and on some mirrors, where the image can go dark/black when turning the polarising filter. Also, a circular polariser will apparently only work one way round! If so, this shouldn't be a problem with screw on filters, but for drop in ones (that don't have some sort of one-way slot/key to prevent this) it could be an issue.
 
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The original issue was to do with autofocus - there should be no functional difference for the image.
 
I think my wording was unclear Peter.....sorry!.

Basically I want to know if circular will work with film or do I have to stay with linear?
 
Asha said:
I think my wording was unclear Peter.....sorry!.

Basically I want to know if circular will work with film or do I have to stay with linear?
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Yes, a circular polarizer will work fine on film. As stated above, the problems CAN arise when using linear pols on AF/AE cameras, whether the medium is d*gital or film.
 
Just a factoid that can help if you don't have a label on your filter . You can tell the difference if you hold your polariser against a mirror. Linear polarisers just look grey whichever face you place against the mirror. Circular polarisers front (outer) surface against mirror looks grey, back surface to mirror it goes black (or with some cheepo ones purple).
 
Thanks for the input everyone..... being able to use either with film offers me much more scope in finding a decent deal ;)
 
Asha said:
Thanks for the input everyone..... being able to use either with film offers me much more scope in finding a decent deal ;)
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Unless you see the light (through an SLR viewfinder) and go 35mm AF at some time in the future, instead of those big wooden concertina contraptions you keep buying. ;)
 
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Mr Badger said:
Unless you see the light (through an SLR viewfinder) and go 35mm AF at some time in the future, instead of those big wooden concertina contraptions you keep buying. ;)
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Some are plastic ( ABS/3D ) ..... and they are all AF....AshaFocus !! Pmsl [emoji23]
 
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