Landscape filters obligatory?

I have a Pentax 67ii medium format film camera system that I want to use more, mainly for landscape photography. I know that many landscape photographers use both polarizers and ND graduated filters. I have not invested into any filters for my 67ii system, mainly because of the high costs involved. My 67 zoom, for instance, takes 95mm filters, and filters cost a small fortune.

Are polarizers and ND graduated filters absolutely necessary for landscape photography? Is there also a difference for requirements between film and digital?

I am grateful for any advice!

Regards
Bjørn

Not absolutely necessary at all.

Many filters can be added afterwards in Photoshop, so digital means that probably only a polariser is needed, but it's optional not necessary.

ND Grad filters might be desired by some.

I use a polariser Bjorn, but know that others do use ND Grads.

Personally - for landscape I find a cpl is essential. I am also a fan of ND grads and solid NDs. Yes - to some extent you can add ND and grad effects pp but in my experience the results are much more pleasing actually using filters and I have no desire to waste my time on pp work that I could have avoided with the right equipment.

Carl

Photoshop cannot recover detail that just isn't there in a blown out sky - so, for scenes with excessive contrast, you have the option of either using a ND grad or reducing exposure so that the sky doesn't clip. For the latter, you can correct in post processing, but will increase noise in the darker tones.

Andrew

Thanks everyone! It is interesting to read about your experience with landscape filters.

I have been looking at Heliopan CPLs and the HiTech square filter system for the Pentax 67ii system, but have been put off by the price. But I am starting to realize, also based on your comments above, that I probably will have to save up money for some filters. I guess that for film photography filters are an even more important part of the set-up than with digital (where you can add filters in PP).

Bjørn

For film I think ND grads are essential. For digital I think they are essential too. You have to expose for highlights and low light noise performance is just not yet good enough to cope in many situations you might find yourself in.

Exposure blending is a processing option. If you look at the colour balance in the landscape article on the front page then it links to a gallery of beautiful landscapes by a Canon photographer with examples of exposure blending. That of course is less of an option if you have elements of the scene in motion.

Thank you DrO! It seems like I have to start saving for filters then. Maybe HiTech ND grads will come first.

Thank you for the link to landscapes by Canon photographer, I will check it out!

Bjørn

BTW: "Essential" is a better word for my query than "obligatory". Pentaxuser.co.uk (also) provides useful English language training for us Norwegians

Bjorn - the hitech ND grads are very good - I never go anywhere without them.

However - I would suggest that a CPL should be your first purchase. This is the most useful filter of all to the landscape and Seascape photographer. You will not always need your grads - but there are very few shots that include sky,water or reflections that can not be enhanced by using a CPL. I find the Kenko digital Pro 1 CPLs to be the best balance of price and quality. In case you didn't know - these are actually made by Hoya and are generally available cheaper than Hoya.

If money is no object - skip the hitechs - go straight to Lee and use the Lee CPL

Carl

Thanks for your advice Carl! I have ruled out the Lee system, due to the high pricing (and reported lack of availability of some filters). I also find the HiTech aluminum modular square filter holder more attractive than the Lee holder. I will have to start saving for a CPL and the HiTech square filter system for my Pentax 67ii system.

Bjørn