Scratchability of Lee ND Grad Filters?

scuby

scuby

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David
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Possibly a silly question, but how scratchable are the Lee ND grad filters? Or, to put it another way, how gentle do I need to be with them to keep them in top condition?

Particularly, i'm thinking about the pouch it came in, the padded one. The filter comes wrapped in tissue paper, and to me the inside of the pouch doesn't feel as smooth as i'd expect. Presumably i'm just being paranoid, because why would they sell filters in pouches that would scratch them, but at the same time i'm reluctant to use a £70+ filter as a test to see if it really is a problem.

If someone can reassure me (or not?) that i can safely keep my filter in its pouch, without the tissue paper, and they've been happily sliding it in and out of that pouch for years without any signs of scratching or damage to the filter, i'd be very grateful!

Cheers,

David
 
I use the Lee filter holder with other 100mm grads and ND's (not Lee's) and I haven't had a problem yet.

If you are worried about preserving them, you could always buy some chamois or a couple of dusters and cut some 'lining' for the sections in the pouch :shrug:
 
The tissue is more a factory issue, when they are packing them rather than protective. The filter cases are designed for the purpose, so unless there is a bit of grit or something else that shouldnt be there, they will be fine.

Mine are scratched a bit on the side where they have been in and out of the holder but not anywhere else and Im not overly carefull with them.
 
Don't worry, they will have very minor signs of use after about a year or so regardless. I would suggest keeping them well away from rocks, brick walls, sand as these will get them really badly.
 
I have had no issues with the filters getting scratched from the pouch. I have scratches at the edges where the filter has been in the holder which isnt visible when it is in the holder so not much of an issue.
 
Excellent, sounds good. What i thought, but worth asking I think before scratching an expensive filter.

Only problem now is that i've realised that the lens cap would have been a good option too, but can't find anywhere that sells Lee stuff where the postage doesn't double the price. And I don't think any major high street shops sell Lee stuff do they? :o(

David
 
Are you talking about the nylon pouch or the soft cream folding pouch?

I keep my grads in the soft cream pouch, and then the soft cream pouch goes in the black nylon pouch along with the big stopper in it's pouch.

I wouldn't dream of leaving the grads loose in the black nylon pouch.
 
That's what Lee seemed to suggest was OK...
 
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