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Breakthrough Photography Magnetic Filters

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So, I have to chime in on the customer service side to Breakthrough Photography. I bought into their filter system lock stock and barrel. I went full on with the magnetic system and got into it just as the new Magnectic Wheel came out. It is crap. It is a planetary gear setup that is to weak to drive the magnetic filters without the gears crunching and grinding. I contacted BT, I gave them access to a video showing them the issue. They did not understand,Blew me off. I emailed Graham multiple times and only would get someone else using his email contact. The issue went nowhere. I resolved to find fixes for the poor engineering myself. Months go by

Today I get an email from Graham telling me I am one of there favorite customers, and he has started a new company making Ballhead and tripods so here’s a link for Kickstarter.

I was like Grahm? Hmm so I replied, and just said I wish they would finish up the magnectic system and make it a complete system and Said the new Wheel was under engineered. I geuss that got under his skin. ( I work with some pretty sensitive engineers at my work)

In the course of 10 minutes, Grahm sent me four emails, telling me I “just don’t get it” i am not a good photographer for cutting edge and telling me to just send all the magnectic filters back, then 2 minutes later a preprinted return label. Even though I said I Loved the filters.

The snippy employees are only as good as the Boss, and this was rude beyond all rude. You know, one minute your one of thier favorites ( because you spent thousands of dollars there) and the next it’s your not a good photographer . So as much as I love the filters I may just box up all my thousands of dollars of BT and return them based on thier guarantee.

I was hoping they would succeed, but attitudes need to change.

Jon
 
:-| <---- This is my face clearly showing how surprised I am at your experience.
 
Flechtight said:
So, I have to chime in on the customer service side to Breakthrough Photography. I bought into their filter system lock stock and barrel. I went full on with the magnetic system and got into it just as the new Magnectic Wheel came out. It is crap. It is a planetary gear setup that is to weak to drive the magnetic filters without the gears crunching and grinding. I contacted BT, I gave them access to a video showing them the issue. They did not understand,Blew me off. I emailed Graham multiple times and only would get someone else using his email contact. The issue went nowhere. I resolved to find fixes for the poor engineering myself. Months go by

Today I get an email from Graham telling me I am one of there favorite customers, and he has started a new company making Ballhead and tripods so here’s a link for Kickstarter.

I was like Grahm? Hmm so I replied, and just said I wish they would finish up the magnectic system and make it a complete system and Said the new Wheel was under engineered. I geuss that got under his skin. ( I work with some pretty sensitive engineers at my work)

In the course of 10 minutes, Grahm sent me four emails, telling me I “just don’t get it” i am not a good photographer for cutting edge and telling me to just send all the magnectic filters back, then 2 minutes later a preprinted return label. Even though I said I Loved the filters.

The snippy employees are only as good as the Boss, and this was rude beyond all rude. You know, one minute your one of thier favorites ( because you spent thousands of dollars there) and the next it’s your not a good photographer . So as much as I love the filters I may just box up all my thousands of dollars of BT and return them based on thier guarantee.

I was hoping they would succeed, but attitudes need to change.

Jon
Click to expand...
BT has great glass and some excellent products such as their screw-on filters, step up rings and GND's.

But Graham is so busy creating products and traveling around the world checking things out and in his haste and obsession he gets the cart in front of the horse at times. He is over sensitive to criticism but at the same time quite open to suggestions as he really does care.

Some of his stuff misses the mark like his filter wheels which he admits is a flawed design but he has such a high regard for his products along with everyone else in the company. They treat me great after much initial rudeness early on they are a funny bunch when it comes to customer service for sure.

I sent all the magnetic filters and crazy large adapter rings back you need a separate camera bag to carry them. I found that with all the hype I dislike magnetic filters greatly, the idea sounds nice but I much prefer a screw-on filter with step up rings instead.

Installing and removing the magnetic filters is more cumbersome and time consuming than too easy to get fingerprints on them than screw-on filters. You still have to screw on an oversized adapter and then line up the magnetic filter which takes as long as screwing a regular filter in. Even if it were quicker who is swapping filters back and forth quickly?

I like their glass and step up rings so I use all their filters and am happy with them but I use a Kase GND holder instead because I prefer it.

As far as the tripod heads I think they are super well designed and if I did not already have several Gitzo and a large Arca Swiss I would buy one. I still might get the one that pivots more than 90 degree although I don't know when or why I would need that other than maybe product photography which I seldom do.

What I am longing for if possible is a CPL that does not cause the top left or top right sky to be over darkened or if there is such a thing a 50% polarization effect. Presently I just turn mine about half way for my desired effect.

I read and agree that taking the all the reflections out of rivers and other water kind of ruins the shot and after looking at many A B comparisons fully agree.

In the end I spent about $2,000 and really all I use is the CPL and GND's so the whole thing is pretty expensive.

I highly endorse their screw on and GND's and the people and service is very iffy one day they could not be more helpful the next day??? You get the idea they are doing it for good press not because they genuinely care about you as a customer.

They are also way too sensitive and believe their stuff is perfect and Graham is a perfectionist. Who ever heard of machining a titanium ball out of a sold block of billet titanium for a ball head? It is the ultimate but even as anal as I am that is a little over the top and cool at the same time for people like me who enjoy over engineered high quality stuff but is it needed, of course not.

I think he is so proud of his products and his employees are as well that they are over sensitive to any criticism and it shows. He is an ex Apple designer and not really a people person or perhaps manager but he can design good products and has.

I am very glad that Breakthrough exists I like companies that push the limits and produce quality products. He has some misses though and he realizes it he admitted that he does not like his magnetic adapter rings but he will end up with something down the road unless he is too busy off on his next project.

If you have room in your bag for an extra a7rIII, 100-400GM and a smaller lens their magnetic filter system might appeal to you. In contrast their screw-on filters with step up rings take about a 1/3 the space.
If you have room in your bag for an extra a7rIII, 100-400GM and a smaller lens their magnetic filter system might appeal to you. In contrast their screw-on filters with step up rings take about a 1/3 the space.

My smaller bag with a Kase GND holder and BT's GND's inside and a foldable screw-on filter holder.
My smaller bag with a Kase GND holder and BT's GND's inside and a foldable screw-on filter holder.

--
-Terry
https://you pic.com/photographer/TerryRStahly/?mode=portfolio
https://trstahly.format.com/work#
https://500px.com/trstahly
 
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I have quite a few of their filters (all round screw-on types), each were purchased from either B&H or Adorama.

Sounds like they should just resell through those channels (big retailers and Amazon) and not try and directly deal with the consumers. They seem to lack the CS to handle it and don't like it so why bother.

As far as I can tell the price is the same buying direct at Breakthrough or from one of major retailers I mentioned. The retailers are much closer to me so I get the same item faster.
 
mreynolds767 said:
I have quite a few of their filters (all round screw-on types), each were purchased from either B&H or Adorama.

Sounds like they should just resell through those channels (big retailers and Amazon) and not try and directly deal with the consumers. They seem to lack the CS to handle it and don't like it so why bother.

As far as I can tell the price is the same buying direct at Breakthrough or from one of major retailers I mentioned. The retailers are much closer to me so I get the same item faster.
Click to expand...
I have ordered quite a bit of stuff from the retailers you mention and BT direct and they get it right out. You don't get the impression that they will but they do ship same day from my experience. Frankly I like to give the profit to the mfg not Amazon or BH etc.

They do not send an invoice though. I asked Kathy about it and she got a little huffy and said I was the first customer who ever asked for a receipt???

I keep receipts in a folder on my Mac for insurance purposes in case of burglary or fire like most people.
 
Are links available for their tripod and ballhead Kickstarters? I'm mostly just curious to see what they've come up with as I'm happy with my current stuff (Gitzo & Markins).
 
greynolds said:
terryreid said:
greynolds said:
Are links available for their tripod and ballhead Kickstarters? I'm mostly just curious to see what they've come up with as I'm happy with my current stuff (Gitzo & Markins).
Click to expand...
www.coloradotripod.com
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Thanks for the link - looks like some potentially interesting products, but I would want to see some real world reviews before making a purchase.
Click to expand...
Yeah ; thanks for the link. Does look interesting, I personally do not see the appeal in any of these Kickstarter type things though. I would need a much higher than 20% discount off proposed retail to ever consider backing anything like this.

Buyer is taking on way too much risk IMO.

Saying this not specific to this offer but most everything I have ever seen camera related on KickStarter.

It does seem like this one will be successfully funded so I guess there are enough risk takers out there.
 
greynolds said:
terryreid said:
greynolds said:
Are links available for their tripod and ballhead Kickstarters? I'm mostly just curious to see what they've come up with as I'm happy with my current stuff (Gitzo & Markins).
Click to expand...
www.coloradotripod.com
Click to expand...
Thanks for the link - looks like some potentially interesting products, but I would want to see some real world reviews before making a purchase.
Click to expand...
I agree but I keep asking myself what does the ball head versions do that my Gitzo's or Arca Swiss Z1+ do not do?

And as far as the tripods I like my Gitzo GT4525G's and Manfrotto 57 with Arca Swiss Z1+

My issue with the lightweight tripods is how to anchor them in any kind of wind with a 100-400 zoom up top. So you trek around with a lightweight tripod but have to have something that weighs 8-12lbs or a camera bag which I seldom carry to have a stable and safe place for your gear that will not tip over.
 
terryreid said:
I agree but I keep asking myself what does the ball head versions do that my Gitzo's or Arca Swiss Z1+ do not do?
Click to expand...
I initially had gone with some older Gitzo ball heads and switched to Markins, which I feel are FAR better than the older Gitzo heads. They're more stable, more adjustable, operate more smoothly, work far better with Arca Swiss quick release plates, etc. The newer Gitzo heads may be better, but I'm still inclined to go elsewhere for heads. No experience with the Arca Swiss heads, but I've heard they're pretty good.
terryreid said:
And as far as the tripods I like my Gitzo GT4525G's and Manfrotto 57 with Arca Swiss Z1+
Click to expand...
Yeah, the Gitzo tripods are extremely good. Pricey, but very good.
terryreid said:
My issue with the lightweight tripods is how to anchor them in any kind of wind with a 100-400 zoom up top. So you trek around with a lightweight tripod but have to have something that weighs 8-12lbs or a camera bag which I seldom carry to have a stable and safe place for your gear that will not tip over.
Click to expand...
Lots of options, such as carry a lightweight bag with a loop and fill it with rocks or other objects that have some weight. A tripod definitely doesn't have to be heavy to be stable and I've got no interest hiking with a 4 series Gitzo tripod. :)
 
terryreid said:
greynolds said:
terryreid said:
greynolds said:
Are links available for their tripod and ballhead Kickstarters? I'm mostly just curious to see what they've come up with as I'm happy with my current stuff (Gitzo & Markins).
Click to expand...
www.coloradotripod.com
Click to expand...
Thanks for the link - looks like some potentially interesting products, but I would want to see some real world reviews before making a purchase.
Click to expand...
I agree but I keep asking myself what does the ball head versions do that my Gitzo's or Arca Swiss Z1+ do not do?

And as far as the tripods I like my Gitzo GT4525G's and Manfrotto 57 with Arca Swiss Z1+

My issue with the lightweight tripods is how to anchor them in any kind of wind with a 100-400 zoom up top. So you trek around with a lightweight tripod but have to have something that weighs 8-12lbs or a camera bag which I seldom carry to have a stable and safe place for your gear that will not tip over.
Click to expand...
A piece of elastic bungy cord with a foot loop works a treat. Personally though, tripods are a PITA. If I take one at all, it's usually a super light 2Lb $600 Gitzo. ~Chris
 
i don't see much of an advantage in terms of weight. You can get a gitzo traveler that weights 2.5 pounds and my head weights < 1 pound already.
 
quitecwappy said:
If you have the Sony 16-35 f/2.8 GM and you try to use the new Breakthrough Photography magnetic filter system, you will find vignetting issues on the widest end. I just received mine today and was disappointed to find this problem despite the declaration on their website that it was designed to eliminate vignetting down to 16mm. I emailed their support asking them about it and am waiting on a response.

In other respects I actually would like the system. I think it has a lot going for it. Maybe they will find a way to fix this in future versions of the magnetic filter adapters or CPLs.
Click to expand...
Try your 24-70GM @ f/2.8 with the new magnetic holder.
 
I am still digesting the experience. I had the square glass and was happy with it, it is good glass and worked with my workflow. They sold me on the magnetic system. The system actually work fine, but as a complete system it was not there.

It needed a rubber grip to turn the ring, I fixed that on mine, it needed a cap to cover the system so you did not have to remove the filter or the adapter from the lens while moving around composing a shot.

Most of all the new Magnetic wheel was under engineered by trying to use Pocket Watch size gearing to turn the filter against too much friction caused by the design of the magnets residing on the stationary component resulting in jerky, crunching sounds coming from the Wheel, and if you do not tighten the adapter on good and turn it CCW it will start unscrewing from the lens.

I have disassembled multiple Wheels and have applied my own fixes, but in the end, they should have known that it was under engineered from the first prototype.

Over the many emails I sent the company over this past year, I had nothing but praise for the products and the care they put into packaging and guarantee, I showed off their products at Monthly photography meets very excited about the products until the Wheel and did not share my experiences hoping something would be done. That does not look to be the case. I will share the video of the Wheel just so anyone else knows what they are getting. Cutting edge Technology or Cutting edge Crap.

Their quote “We are an American company based in San Fransico and we LOVE our customers”

should probably read, we LOVE our customers as long as they spend their money and don’t complain!

I would also like to add for anyone thinking of adding the GND’s while using a Lee filter holder....I wouldn’t. Because of the coatings on the glass filters the GND’s, gravity will pull them down and out slowly. they know this, they have their own holder, but again it is a work in progress and has its own issues.
 
That was very interesting Chris. I had not tried the magnetic on my Sony 24-70 2.8, that was really disappointing. The vignetting at 24mm did not go away until 35mm. But on my 16-35 the slight vignette goes away around 17mm

Jon
 
Flechtight said:
That was very interesting Chris. I had not tried the magnetic on my Sony 24-70 2.8, that was really disappointing. The vignetting at 24mm did not go away until 35mm. But on my 16-35 the slight vignette goes away around 17mm

Jon
Click to expand...
Graham told me straight out that the magnetic filters are not meant to be a replacement for screw-on filters and the advantages of screw on filters like no vignetting or light leak with ND's.

He admitted his adapters were too large and ill thought out and the wheels were not up to par. With their lifetime guarantee I would recommend doing what I did and sending them back along with all the silly adapters and get a 77 or 82mm screw on CPL, ND's and Night Sky of so inclined. Sometimes I wonder if i made a mistake going with the 82mm and not 77 and just using one of my old 82mm CPL's to keep the size down but most lenses are 3.2" in diameter or 82mm so they do not end up sticking out except the Loxia's which I bought BT screw on 6 stop and CPL for just for the heck of it.

Takes up a 1/3 the space in my bag and is faster to mount since you have to screw the adapter in anyway. The magnetic filters are so flipping thick and prone to get fingerprints on them when removing and installing the whole idea is a sounds good works bad situation in my book.

BT has excellent brass with knurled edges step up rings which I highly endorse but you have to be very careful with the CPL not to lock it up tight which requires two filter wrenched and possibly some rubberized cheese clothes to separate. I make it a point with the CPL to only lightly finger tighten the CPL.

I only use GND's in the 100mm format with a holder.
 
Flechtight said:
That was very interesting Chris. I had not tried the magnetic on my Sony 24-70 2.8, that was really disappointing. The vignetting at 24mm did not go away until 35mm. But on my 16-35 the slight vignette goes away around 17mm

Jon
Click to expand...
The 24-70GM was the first lens I shot the magnetic set-up on, its my go-to video lens, and this'd have been a great video (easy on & off) ND filter set-up as most all variable ND's I've tried are crap. Oh well, upward and onward right, take a look at these guys if you want a primo screw-on ND!

www.winecountry.camera

Wine Country Camera

Wine Country Camera manufactures the world's most advanced photographic filter holder system.
www.winecountry.camera www.winecountry.camera
 
Can any of the original commenters post a summary? :-) I think I read about 50 comments, and gave up realizing I wasn't even halfway through.

Who won, Kase or Breakthrough? Also, 2 years have passed and perhaps there've been some changes to both product lines.
 
abhijitsarkar said:
Can any of the original commenters post a summary? :-) I think I read about 50 comments, and gave up realizing I wasn't even halfway through.
Who won, Kase or Breakthrough? Also, 2 years have passed and perhaps there've been some changes to both product lines.
Click to expand...
I bought Kase K8 thin holder and BT 82mm X4 ND filters (3-stop and 6-stop that can stack together). They can use together (by mounting K8 on top of the ND filter thru 82-86mm magnetic adapter). Also the K8's built-in CPL can be used with or without the holder self, very flexible.



I like Kase K8 holder system but I prefer BT filters (ND filters).

--
https://www.flickr.com/photos/55485085@N04/albums
 
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