Linear Polarizing Filter Question

[Robbie McCord]

I have a Tiffen 4 x 5.65 linear polarizing filter that I'm wanting to use in a Bright Tangerine Misfit Matte Box. This seems crazy, but my question is when using a linear polarizer do I have to turn the matte box vertically to get the benefit of the polarizer? Just looking through the polarizer at water in the pool, I only see the filter work if it's vertical. I can't say I've ever seen a matte box turned vertically. If that is the case, why would anyone in video or cinema use a linear polarizer?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Robbie McCord]

Never mind, after some test shooting it seems to be working.

 

[Scot Yount]

I have the Misfit matte box. The filter stages do not rotate, so you cannot use a 4x5.65 filter unless you rotate the box, which isn't what it is designed for. The Viv matte box from Bright Tangerine has rotating filter stages and is the kind that your 4x5.65 filter is designed for. Additionally, a linear polarizer does not refer to its shape. A round shaped polarizer is not a circular polarizer by the same token. Linear vs. Circular refers to the kind of polarizer you have. Linear polarizers are more effective and less expensive than circular ones. But circular polarizers are needed with just about any camera that has a through-the-lens metering system, or autofocus.
To be clear, a linear polarizer can be round, like this, for example. Polarizer. I hope that helps.

 

[Robbie McCord]

Thanks for the reply Scot!