I know that there are those who like to electronically generate their filters in post production or even shoot bracketed images to achieve their goal but I have always enjoyed balancing out the image in camera as best as I could using graduated filters. It is just the way I work. Thank goodness for choices ha ha…!
Originally coming from a film background, I learnt how to process my images in the darkroom using dodging and burning. Whilst filters have been around for along time, the the advent of ‘proper grads’ certainly made life easier.
When I eventually bought a set, in days when I still had some hair, they instantly became an essential part of my kit bag. Although I had dabbled with various versions and makes over the years, I settled upon Lee. I recall going to ‘Hargreaves’ (some of you will remember that name) and buying them. The build quality was in a different league to the ones I had been using.
It was the 100’s that I purchased and I really couldn’t fault them. Ok, I will admit that changing the little brass screws whilst adding filter slots could be a pain but that apart, there were no complaints from me.
Thats how it went for years and they served me well.
Over time and from a personal perspective, physical issues dictated that I needed to rethink my equipment as heavy glass and full frame cameras, coupled with all the days essential requirements for the mountains, meant that my bag weighed a ton!
My original Fujifilm X Pro1 and the XF 18-55 lens. I still use them today
To alleviate the problem, I bought a mirrorless camera.
My concept was simple: use the heavier full frame on the lower fells and the mirrorless higher up. The day’s shoot would dictate what kit I would take out with me.
However, for me to successfully work that way meant I would need to supplement my kit with the LEE’s Sev5n system.
It worked. It worked very well! So much so, that I actually ditched and sold the full frame, going entirely mirrorless.
However, my wide angle lens still needed to to use the 100 system as the Sev5n didn't ‘stretch’ that far which meant I had to carry two systems. Not the best situation but needs must. I juggled the two and made it work.
In recent times and after a fantastic run, LEE decided to upgrade the 100’s. The change was dramatic but what a difference! You would expect them to be well engineered and they are. Much sleeker and tactile, it was hard to think that they could better the originals but they did. Substantially.
The new free moving holder with its ability to swivel, fix and lock are great additions. Using the Polariser is so much easier as it simply clips into the front. Ergonomically better and intuitive to use.
The new LEE85 holder. A ‘mini me’ version of the ‘100’
Towards the tail end of 2019, LEE invited me to a meeting where they introduced the prototype of their new ‘85’ system. I knew as soon as I saw it that, like the Sev5n’s, it would be perfect for mirrorless cameras with Landscape and Travel to the fore. Whilst the 100’s had undergone a total revamp, this new, upgraded 85 kit was a mini version of it. Not only does it look completely different from the original Sev5n, it works exactly as the ‘100’. I like the uniformity.
However, one big difference from its bigger brother are the grads themselves with the top of the filter having a tab that allows you to place it easily into the holder. The rating is marked on the tab too.
One of my students Bob Preston using the new system displaying the ‘tab.’
Maybe a future upgrade for the 100’s?
It is always difficult in any industry when you bring a new product to the market but when replacing one that is so well respected that is even more of a gamble. The 100’s have proved a big hit and I see no reason to doubt that these will be too..
We were told that the intended launch would be at the Photography show in March 2020 but of course we now know that the pandemic scuppered that.
When the lockdown restrictions began to ease, I was delighted to get my hands on the new LEE85 kit which would be launched on 1st August this year.
You can buy the system in various forms. Sets come in different guises and are beautifully packaged as you would expect. I was sent the Develop Kit along with a couple of extra stoppers and polariser. It comprised of :
One 0.6 medium grad
Three lens adaptor rings
One Big Stopper
One ‘85’ holder with the 1,2,3 slot kit and removal tool
One ‘85’ soft case
I have been using them for a month now and they perform exactly as I knew they would.
Whilst my initial usage will be for landscape, I look forward to returning abroad for my travel work when things are easier and more conducive.
A further update will be posted when I have used them more extensively and I look forward to sharing my images with you. I know LEE will be using several of my images during the campaign.
If the opportunity arises to try the system out, I know you wont be disappointed.