B+W 106 Gray filter ND 1.8 (E/F-Pro)

Gray Filter – Creative Through Less Light

Gray filters, also known as ND filters (Neutral Density), block the entire visible spectrum evenly, resulting in a reduction of light without affecting colors and contrast. Since they also block UV radiation, there is no need for an additional UV filter. Additionally, to reduce depth of field – with a wide-open aperture – a gray filter is often necessary. However, the strength of the effect in this application depends on the focal length of the lens. Furthermore, they allow for "normal" shutter speeds and aperture values when the film sensitivity is too high for the prevailing brightness.

Gray Filter:
Filter Factor: 64
Stops: 6
Density (ND): 1.8

B+W Gray Filter 106:

This B+W gray filter, which reduces light by six stops, is considered an extreme filter in pictorial photography. It allows for an exposure time of one second from 1/60 s without changing the aperture (and depth of field), which requires a tripod. Flowing water appears smooth in the photo, and moving people on streets and squares blur into indistinctness or become invisible. Due to higher transmission in the red spectrum starting at 660 nm, a slight warm tone is produced in color images. If this is bothersome, a B+W UV/IR interference filter 486 placed in front of the gray filter (not behind!) can help.