PolarPro 135 Series Chroma CPL Filter 86C

PolarPro 135 Series Chroma CPL Filter 86C – Reduces reflections for higher contrast and increased color depth

Capture clearer, more contrast-rich images with the PolarPro 135 Series Chroma CPL Filter 86C. This circular polarizing filter removes unwanted reflections and increases color depth, making it a useful tool for both film and digital photographers. Use it when shooting black and white for high contrast looks or when you need to reduce glare on vehicles, buildings, or water.

Filmic design with modern glass technology

The 135 Series blends a retro, film-inspired design with modern optical glass. PolarPro presents this lineup as a throwback to the 70s era of film cameras, while incorporating current glass technology labeled as Chroma. The result is a filter that combines nostalgic aesthetics with up-to-date performance characteristics.

Notably, the filter comes from Peter McKinnon’s ode to film filters, which aims to deliver cinematic looks inspired by classic film grades. The product includes analog-inspired touches, such as a filter canister styled to resemble film reels, and a quick Sunny 16 Rule cheat sheet inside the cap to aid exposure decisions on the go.

How the Chroma CPL affects your images

The Chroma CPL reduces reflections that can wash out colors and lower contrast. After removing reflections, the filter leaves behind higher contrast and increased color depth in the scene. This makes it suitable for outdoor landscapes, architectural work, product shoots with reflective surfaces, and black and white photography that benefits from pronounced contrast.

Key features

• Chroma CPL Filter for classic glare reduction and higher contrast looks
• Includes a retro film canister to hold and protect the filter
• Modern Chroma Glass presented in a throwback design inspired by analog film gear

Materials and construction

The filter uses Chroma glass sourced from Germany. It also features multiple protective coatings and a weather-sealed aluminum frame, and the included canister matches that weather-sealed, anodized aluminum construction. These material choices aim to provide durability while maintaining the retro aesthetic.

Available sizes

The Chroma CPL filters in the 135 Series are available in common photographic thread sizes. Choose the size that fits your lens thread from the following options: 46 mm, 52 mm, 55 mm, 58 mm, 62 mm, 72 mm, 86C and 95C. The model described here is the 86C size.

What’s included

• 1x PolarPro 135 Series CPL Filter
• 1x Retro Film Canister (Protective Case)

Practical notes for photographers

Keep the retro canister in your kit to protect the filter when it’s not mounted on a lens. Inside each canister cap, PolarPro includes a Sunny 16 Rule cheat sheet. Use that quick reference to estimate exposure settings in daylight without a light meter. This feature supports quick decisions in changing light conditions, whether you shoot with film or digital cameras.

FAQ

Question: What does the Chroma CPL do to reflections and colors?

Answer: The Chroma CPL reduces reflections on non-metallic surfaces, which increases contrast and deepens color saturation. This results in images with clearer separation between elements and richer tones, useful for landscapes, architecture, and product shots.

Question: Is the glass quality suitable for modern digital sensors?

Answer: Yes. The filter uses Chroma glass made in Germany and is specified as sharp, resolving up to 8K sensors. It also carries anti-reflective, anti-fingerprint, and anti-scratch coatings to maintain image quality and handling.

Question: What protective options are included with the filter?

Answer: The filter ships with a retro aluminum film canister that is weather sealed and anodized. The canister protects the filter when stored and includes a Sunny 16 Rule cheat sheet inside the cap for quick exposure reference.

Question: Which lenses will this 86C filter fit?

Answer: The 86C designation refers to the filter thread size. Use this size on lenses that accept 86C thread filters. PolarPro also offers the Chroma CPL in other common sizes if you need a different thread diameter.

Question: Who endorses or inspired this series?

Answer: The 135 Series is presented as part of Peter McKinnon’s ode to film filters, combining retro film-inspired design with modern glass technology for cinematic looks inspired by vintage film grades.