Chroma filter advice

I use chroma filters, purchased in early 2022. I put these filters into a filter wheel, and the edges are covered, so if i detach the camera i cant see the edges. I didnt notice any degradation so far. What i noticed though, was the central transmission wavelength (CWL) has been off in one of my filters. So it didnt match the requirements i had given with respect to f-ratio. I have access to a laboratory with some fancy spectrometers… So i returned the filter and got replacement.
Exactly at that time, Antlia entered the marked, and they do cherry pick their filters, to match the CWL to the customer’s need. I think every brand should have adopted to this practise since, because it makes a lot of sense. I had some discussions about this with Chroma, but i dont know for sure if they do it today.

Before i had these filters, i used other filters in filter drawers. And since i was a bit short of these drawers, a lot of handling was involved. Especially when handling in the dark and in a hurry, this can quickly result in some fingerprints. And if these fingerprints aren’t removed instantly and properly, thery might become permanent.
So, my recommendation would be, to not only look for degradation, especially at the edges, but also for finger prints, dots (from droplets), scratches or smearing from improper cleaning. Knowing how the filters have been used before, can help.

HR_Maurer · May 29, 2026, 05:56 PM

I use chroma filters, purchased in early 2022. I put these filters into a filter wheel, and the edges are covered, so if i detach the camera i cant see the edges. I didnt notice any degradation so far. What i noticed though, was the central transmission wavelength (CWL) has been off in one of my filters. So it didnt match the requirements i had given with respect to f-ratio. I have access to a laboratory with some fancy spectrometers… So i returned the filter and got replacement.
Exactly at that time, Antlia entered the marked, and they do cherry pick their filters, to match the CWL to the customer’s need. I think every brand should have adopted to this practise since, because it makes a lot of sense. I had some discussions about this with Chroma, but i dont know for sure if they do it today.

Before i had these filters, i used other filters in filter drawers. And since i was a bit short of these drawers, a lot of handling was involved. Especially when handling in the dark and in a hurry, this can quickly result in some fingerprints. And if these fingerprints aren’t removed instantly and properly, thery might become permanent.
So, my recommendation would be, to not only look for degradation, especially at the edges, but also for finger prints, dots (from droplets), scratches or smearing from improper cleaning. Knowing how the filters have been used before, can help.

i have heard some bad things about antlias halo performance, and had a really bad experience. One of their filters i recieved was defective, had some halo issues.. antlia responded in a week and said it is within factory tolerances.. thank god the retailer offered me a replacement

HR_Maurer · May 29, 2026, 06:52 PM

Jan Hlavačka · May 29, 2026, 06:35 PM

A wrong CWL is pretty insane, i have never heard about that yet, and definitely wouldnt expect it from chroma

it wasnt exactly wrong. The line emission was within transmission maximum, when measured at 90° incidence angle. That’s the transmission spectrum manufacturers typically show. However, it was closer to the blue end of it. At a smaller incidence angle, the CWL shifts towards the blues, so the filter would effectively reduced my f-ratio by some stops. Indeed, from a brand like Chroma i would expect this to be spot-on.

What do you think about the condition of the filters i sent a few messages above?