So up until now I have talked about cameras and lenses, then "accessories" come to mind!
These can be just as numerous, daunting and an impulsive " selection" unless I consider what they would be used for.
So , as a camera operator - cinematographer in the making, I've delved a bit deeper in to what are the most common ones.
There are several types of accessories you can use with film camera lenses, enhancing functionality or protecting the lens. Here are some common ones:
So up first is filters, and not the Instagram ones! These range form UV filters which both protect the lens( to an extent) from dust and scratched but mainly they reduce UV Light. So why is that important.
Well digitally it's less so than with film type media due to film being more sensitive to UV. A UV filter can block incoming ultraviolet light from reaching the camera sensor, removing the unwanted blue colour cast.
Then you have Polarizing Filters which reduce reflections and glare, improve contrast, and darken skies. They can eliminate distracting reflections in busy or dramatic scenes. They can provide enhancements to say the contrast between a sky and cloud, giving a dramatic outdoor sequences. They can increase colour saturation for a richer visual narrative
Next up is they the Neutral Density (ND) Filters which reduce the light entering the lens allowing for longer exposures or wider apertures. You also have Colour Filters which enhance contrast or tone, and then you have the Graduated ND Filter which balance exposure between bright and dark areas in landscapes. I actually noticed in my drone manual that there are a set of ND's available for it
I am not too sure how keen I am on filters, I suppose they have a place but with post production software, and the fact digital media isn't as sensitive as film is I think there is limited uses for them.
Now on to Lens Hoods, which I am definitely more a fan of, they prevent stray light from causing lens flare.( although I am noticing "lens flare" being added to films over the last few years). As with filters they offer a bit of mechanical protection to the lens from physical impacts.
I debated this one a bit, but is a Lens Caps an accessory? I am 50-50 on this, for me its mechanical protection but an accessory if you are ignorant enough to to care about equipment which cost ££££
Adapters, definitely an accessory, I recently hired from Uni a Sony Body with Cannon Lenses, therefore there had to be an adapter. I think these are a benefit as one brand of lens may have a different F-stop that I prefer but with a different body manufacturer. BlackMagic seems to exploit this aspect within their offerings
Matte Boxes also spring to mind, they are great for cinematography as they control light, prevent lens flares more effectively than a hood.
For me accessories are dictated by the panning and preparation of the shoot can greatly enhance your film photography experience, offering more creative control and protection. You don't want to lumping around unnecessary equipment, it's heavy enough as it is, and with post production software you can " be forgiven" easily enough ( to an extent) if there are issues.
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