In today’s digital age, images often appear overly sharp and clinical. For years, photographers and cinematographers have used filters to counteract this effect, creating a more cinematic or artistic feel in their work. Among the many filters available, black mist filters have gained popularity for their ability to soften highlights, reduce contrast, and maintain black detail. They come in various strengths, starting from 1/8 and increasing in increments (1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, and 3), allowing photographers to achieve anything from subtle to more pronounced effects. Investing in these filters doesn’t have to be expensive, as many companies offer a range of options for all budgets. You can purchase individual filters or a complete kit with multiple strengths to fine-tune your look. Filters can even be stacked for enhanced effects.
In this review, I tested a 1/8 strength filter because I wanted to add a subtle enhancement to my images, mainly affecting the highlights without drastically altering the overall look. I purchased the K&F Nano-X 40.5mm 1/8 for my Fuji XF10, K&F Nano-X 58mm for the Zeiss 35mm Distagon f/1.4 for the Leica M3, and the Camdiox PRO Black Mist 1/8 77mm for the Zeiss Planar 50mm f/1.4 ZA on my Sony full-frame camera.
The Overall Effect of Black Pro-Mist FIlter
Based on research and other reviews, these filters are often used in nighttime photography, particularly for cityscapes and street scenes illuminated by artificial light. The resulting diffused light and soft, misty glow can add a dreamy quality to the scene, working particularly well with light sources like street lamps and neon signs. I’ve been using these filters for daytime shots and portraits, where they excel at softening harsh backlighting from the sun, creating a more flattering, diffused effect on skin tones. While the 1/8 strength may be subtle in these scenarios, a 1/4 or 1/2 strength filter might provide a more noticeable effect.
My Personal Experience So Far
The Black Pro-Mist Filter is likely to stay on my Fuji XF10 permanently. In a previous post, I mentioned that the Fuji XF10 is my go-to camera for everyday snapshots, allowing me to capture images on the go without the burden of carrying heavy gear. Drawn to the various film recipes the camera offers, I wanted a filter that could complement these looks by softening images and adding character. Since the images are primarily for personal use, I’m open to experimenting with different effects. So far, I’ve noticed the filter slightly amplifies highlights, adding a unique touch without drastically affecting sharpness. The effect creates an organic feel, reminiscent of film but not quite identical.
The Camdiox PRO Black Mist 1/8 77mm on my Zeiss Planar 50mm f/1.4 ZA for my Sony full-frame camera delivered a noticeably different effect compared to the K&F Black Pro Mist Filter. When shooting wide open, the Camdiox significantly softens the image, reducing sharpness and contrast. Stopping down to around f/2 improves sharpness, but it still doesn’t reach the level of clarity seen without the filter. To me, this compromises the image quality too much, and I’d only consider using it if I were specifically aiming for a heavily graded, grainy look. I’m now considering trying a Tiffen filter or returning to K&F, as their filter retains more sharpness while still delivering the desired effect.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add atmosphere to your photography, especially in night or street scenes, or to achieve a soft, cinematic, or analog look, black mist filters are a worthwhile investment. They offer excellent value and produce beautiful, unique effects when used in the right conditions. Capturing your desired aesthetic in-camera reduces post-production work and often results in more authentic images. Using a black mist filter allows you to achieve these effects as you shoot, enhancing your creative process and elevating your photography to new heights.