Invention Idea

[O|||||||O]

OK... I have pretty much figured out that there is no way I'll ever be able to make one of these, so I thought I'd throw the idea out here.


CPL...

I frequently switch between portrait & landscape orientation...

WHAT IF...

The CPL didn't need adjusting?

What if the front part (that rotates) had very little resistance (like, ball bearings). What if there was also a movable weight...
You could set it up the way you want, put the weight at the bottom, then whenever you change the orientation, the filter would rotate the same amount.

This would also be great for people that have lenses with rotating front elements..


Thoughts? Ideas?

[Overread]

I like the idea, but considering the size in width of a CPL and also the fact that many people try to keep them as flat as possible to limit vignetting (especailly on wide angle lenses on fullframe (or larger) cameras); I get the feeling that there just might not be space for what you envision. Further cost is another factor - such a setup I would expect to double the base price of a CPL at least which is going to throw the big debate in - do you go for better glass or better features - and I think for most glass would will out over the feature.

Its that or we shift to using more in lens filters - then something could be setup within the lens itself to rotate the filter when the lens changes its orientation - it would also counter any lens front element rotation.

[Alex]

neat idea.

but i see a problem when you shoot images with your lens pointing not parallel to the ground. To compensate, the weight would have to be rather large.

what about friction ? you need some to get it stable and not swinging like a pendulum. but friction on the other hand hinders switching forth and back from landscape to portrait quickly - which might be essential in some shooting situations.


But you are right, i myself feel adjusting the cpl as you rotate your camera as a real pain and I sometimes simply forget! ;)

[mitica100]

Or we could tie some helium balloons to the upper part of the CPL's rim. That ought to make the entire thing lighter. :lol:

Seriously... It's a neat idea. The only problem to solve is adding weight to the equipment, or simply put, is it worth adding the extra weight to make up for our forgetfulness? I'd think about taking memory pills first.

[O|||||||O]

or simply put, is it worth adding the extra weight to make up for our forgetfulness?

Yes?