Ricoh GRD III Neutral Density (ND) Filter

Duane Pandorf

Top Veteran
Location
Western NC
On my airline flight across the pond last night, I was rereading some portions of my GRD III's manual and came across something I missed during my first read.

On page 20 in the notes section of the page (US manual version) it says:

"In AUTO mode, a built-in neutral density (ND) filter is used for between f/8.0 and f/11. The smallest aperture available in AUTO mode is f/11."

I don't see anyway to force the camera into those F stop ranges to see how this ND works. Anybody else question this feature? Why can't I turn the ND on in other modes?

:confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:
 
From what I've heard, the nd filter isn't big enough to use wide open at F1.9. The aperture hole has to be tiny for it to be of use. Anyway, as you say how do you even get the camera to use such apertures to try it? You should never need to go that small. I think past F5.6 the quality of photos gets worse with a sensor that size.

It would be interesting to hear someone else's take on this.

James
 
Thanks James. All that makes sense but why have a ND filter to begin with? Oh well. I'm about to venture from the Luton, UK area down to the city for some exercise and photo ops.
 
This seems counter-intuitive - surely one use of ND filter is for large apertures (small f number) to give longer exposure times or allow slower shutter speeds.

I agree and it makes no sense. There's not even a reference to the ND function in the Index at the end of the manual. To find the note again I had downloaded the PDF version of the manual and searched for Neutral Density and found the note again that way.

Really enjoying the camera though. I'm beginning to get that GAS feeling for a rangefinder type camera now. I can see my D200 hitting a famous online auction site or another camera related website's for sale section I used to spend time on. Its just that my wife wants me to keep it. I have a couple nice lenses that won't be hard to unload for close to what I paid for them. Of course the body is a different story.
 
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