Mark Cargill puts the new LEE RF75 filter kit through its paces.
LEE have recently launched their much talked about RF75 filter system. Owners of Leica M8 cameras will no doubt be grinning broadly as this new system opens up a new range of creative options that previously were the staple diet of DSLR users.
Rightly the first choice for many shooting professionals, LEE clearly recognised a niche in the market place for those who either shoot exclusively with rangefinder cameras, or those who wish to travel light and are unwilling to lose the flexibility shooting with filters provides.
The first thing that strikes you with the new kit is just how small it is compared to the normal filter system. The filter holder is an all metal affair and simply oozes quality as we have come to expect from all LEE products.
We were writing a review on the new Sigma DP1 and took the opportunity to test the RF75 kit on this new camera. We suspect that this is the first in a new line of compact fully functional digital cameras, offering both the image quality we have come to expect from large sensor DSLR cameras in the body of a compact - the RF75 dovetails perfectly with cameras like this and clearly the market for this system is only going to grow as people realise the benefits of expanded dynamic range a good ND grad can provide.
The DP1 takes a 46mm filter ring and beyond using a circular ND or polariser there were no ND grad options available until now.
With a digital compact where framing is done using the live view function, positioning the grad is very easy, however for a more traditional film based rangefinder set up, Lee have cleverly provided a set of index marks on the filter holder to provide accurate placement of the grad itself.
The RF75 System includes a full range of filters sized 75mm x 90mm. These filters are hand made to the same exacting quality standards of colour and optical flatness found in the renowned LEE 100mm System. In keeping with the smaller size, the filter graduation zones have been adjusted to suit the smaller system. These changes have been made through extensive testing and in conjunction with top landscape photographers. This means in real terms that the grad is 'harder' than normal.
The filters need careful handling and being smaller, those with large hands may find them a little tricky to work with.
What is without doubt is the quality of the results and in that regard, the LEE RF75 system is frankly without peer. It is not the cheapest, but the best never is.
If you simply must have the best and want to explore the creative potential of your digital compact system or rangefinder - the holy grail is now available!
Sigma DP1 with RF75 0.9 ND grad.