Helping to selectively reduce exposure in certain areas, while allowing for a normal, unaffected exposure in other regions, the 77 Formatt Hitech 77mm 2-Stop Graduated ND Filteris ideally suited to controlling bright skies without underexposing the foreground. The filter is densest at the edge and tapers to clear by the middle, with a soft-edged line of transition between the density and clear areas. The filter is mounted within a rotating frame, and allows for greater control over the orientation of the density to match certain subject types. Neutral density filters do not affect the coloration of the image and the 0.6 density provides a 2 stop reduction in light from entering the lens.

The design of this filter has been optimized for use with digital sensors and promote nearly flat attenuation of visible, UV, and infrared light. Due to imaging sensors' greater susceptibility to infrared light, compared to traditional film, color casts can occur when photographing darker subjects that require increased exposure times. This filter provides a high level of neutrality across all three spectrums in order to eliminate color casts and ensure cleaner, truer blacks.

Applied to the outside of the Schott Superwite glass construction is a 15-layer Firecrest multi-coating, which helps to minimize reflections and flare in order maintain truer colors and contrast. The multi-coating is also scratch-resistant and hydrophobic to benefit the overall durability of the filter. The filter is set within a 7.5mm-thick SuperSlim aluminum filter ring, which features front threads for stacking additional filters or attaching a lens cap.

0.6 Optical Density    15-Layer Coating on Outside of Filter    Schott Superwite Glass    Rotating and Stackable 7.5mm-Thick Ring    Reduce Exposure in Selective Areas    Soft-Edge Graduation    Neutral Results Across All Spectrums    Hydrophobic and Scratch-Resistant

Graduated ND 0.6 filter for darkening skies and other bright areas of the image.

Provides a 2 stop reduction in light in selective areas.

Soft-edge transition is ideal for circumstances there is not a distinct line of separation between the bright and dark zones of the image.

Rotating mount enables control over the orientation of the density for matching to specific subject shapes and compositions.

Attenuates infrared light, as well as visible and UV wavelengths, to maintain color neutrality and suppress color casts due to increased exposure lengths.

The 15-layer Firecrest coating has been applied directly to the outside of the filter glass by way of a vacuum-formed, hard-coated, electrolytic process. The multi-coating is water- and scratch-resistance for greater overall durability.

Schott Superwite glass promotes maintained image clarity and is set within a 7.5mm-thick SuperSlim aluminum filter ring.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Will this work properly on a Leica 50mm Noctilux f/0.95?

A: Yes, the 60mm Heliopan variable ND filter attaches directly to the Leica 50mm Noctilux f/0.95. It is a great quality filter and easy to use. It is good not to need a step up ring and you can extend the built in Noctilux lens hood over the filter. However, same as BW filter, you can't use the Leica noctilux lens cap directly on it.

Q: 2. What if live view is used?

A: To my original answer, I should add that on a Leica M, the EXIF data will probably show a different aperture to the one on the lens.The Ms have no electrical connection between camera body and lens, so the camera infers aperture for EXIF by comparing light intensity metered at the shutter compared to the ambient light on the body. (That's what the small light meter hole on the front top of the body is for.)

Q: 3. Mine has developed a haze between the two filters. Is there a way to take it apart and clean it?

A: I have exactly the same issue, haze inside the filter. I live in Thailand and after contacting Heliopan there seems to be no support whatsoever outside USA. It's a hugely expensive filter that basically for me is unusable. I asked for instructions to open it but they gave me none. Many ppl have the same issue with this vnd but there is no solution anywhere if you live outside US. I saved a long time to get this and am hugely disappointed.

Q: 4. Does this filter have hard stops? Will it be OK for video use?

A: This filter does not have hard stops but turns smoothly. I have not tried it for video but believe it would apply appropriately.

Q: 5. What's the diameter of the lens cap to buy for the Heliopan 46mm variable ND filter? Trying not to remove the filter each time the camera is kept in the bag, thus a lens cap would be useful.

A: The filter can only be used with a push on lens cap. There are none that are specific for that filter. This one is very close but can at times slip off.

Q: 6. Hi, do you know if I could couple this filter on the Freewell quick swap system? I have the Freewell magnetic filter kit but they discontinued their revers grad filter.

A: Although both systems are magnetic, they have not been tested with one another to our knowledge. Your results may vary.

Q: 7. How do I take apart the heliopan to clean?

A: Unfortunately, this filter cannot be disassembled.

Q: 8. Is this kit compatible with the Firecrest 100 mm Holder from Formatt Hitech?

A: The Firecrest filter holder will hold these filters.

Q: 9. What are the meaning of the numbers from 1 to 12 on the filter? Can I use it to adjust an exact ND stop like ND8 or ND16?

A: The 1-12 scale is a half-stop scale that allows you to more precisely set the filter to 0.3 (1-stop) through 1.8 (6 stop) increments, as well as halfway in between any of those stops. It is not exactly related to ND8 or ND16 stops as those would be 0.9 (3-stops) and 1.2 (4-stops), though you could use this 1-12 scale to set those at numbers 6 and 8.

Q: 10. I'm confused. The pictures and specifications indicate these are 100mm X 150mm filters. The answer for, "What comes in the box by 'Manzell L. (Staff) states they are 100mm square. Are they 3 square or rectangular filters?

A: The filters are rectangular. This is common with most graduated neutral density filters since you sometimes need to raise or lower the line where the density changes.