H&Y Filters:

the review of 100 system

Well, especially this last years, I've had the opportunity to try a "some" holder but I have to admit it: I have never had the opportunity to try and have the same incredible experience and freedom of use since the holder KH100 of H&Y .
The point is that I have never been attracted by that "big fuss" that the marketing proposes as "buy this! It's the best! Is the legendary! Is the most this and that!" and three months later you start seeing clones or you start to realize that this innovation was smoke in the eyes.
What most attracted me, in addition to the structure and then the options that the holder offers regarding the use and performance of filters, is the patent: this holder, like all the K-Series®, is patently registered H&Y.
I thought: "yeaaah that's the way I like it..."

So what are the peculiarities that make this holder as "one of a kind"?

Well first of all H&Y is the only manufacturer to offer a plate system with fixing on magnetic frames (and here I anticipate a gem, because now I can: in the future it will also be MARUMI holding, however, the brand H&Y remain on these products. (yes that MARUMI, this already makes you understand what level we are in. H&Y produces ALSO for MARUMI). This means that the assembly - control - disassembly of the slabs can be combined with any filter that complies with the standard 100*100 and 100*150 2mm thickness measurements. In practice they provide you with the necessary to keep your filters usable on the KH100 with both the classic slot system and the new magnetic system. THAT'S AWESOME!
 

But ... will it be safe?
 

I had my doubts, I confess. That plates held by magnets reminds me of the magnetic support for phones that makes the smartphone on the dashboard here and there: not the perfection.

So, two months and passes from the first experience of use with H&Y, after spending my time photographing and even move with tripod and camera on my shoulder without disassembling the holder and plates (as I usually do and many persons have already seen) I can deny what is seen on the web about the fact that the plates fly away just touching them: it is more dangerous and unstable a holder with tongue hook or a holder that can not hold all the plates in the same way for leverage - force on the slots. The KH100 is very safe, but if receive a violent hurt, it is not excluded that the filters come off to the holder (but this happens, unexpectedly, even with other holders especially if you loose some slots lives or if the slot system itself is made "bad" or again, for bad luck, if the filter does not reflect the minimum 1.9mm thickness standard), also remember that: if unfortunately falls, the filter will be protected by the frame ... but we will see in the appropriate section.
 

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The polarization system.
 

Well this is the biggest innovation that could ever happen in my hands, at least for the holders: the H&Y system is the first one that allows you to have an installed polarizer - adjustable - replaceable at any time thanks to a new innovative way which is practical and safe: the system, as shown by this video to the side, is of an incredible immediacy and ease. In addition, the structure of the polarizer (to be clear: that aluminum which surrounds the glass) in addition to protecting the glass itself, allows you to handle the filter as if it were a slide, much easier and safer than any circular or square starting from the moment of extraction from the case, passing through the installation, continuing with the polarization always precise and smooth thanks to the clearly visible wheel that you soon learn to make it become a grip point for installation and removal of the same.
The polarizer (I will write later in detail in the appropriate section) is from 95mm but considering the glass diameter, not the possible thread just because it does not have, is a patented system that works ONLY on the KH100. Question: but when the pola is not in place? It remains a big window: in fact, for this reason the holder is equipped with a special aluminum cover. Another question: but if I rotate the holder, what's happen to the CPL? Falls from holder?? Absolutely not: the system is equipped with interlocking balls that constrain the polarizer. Photographically there is not the reason to flip the holder but, if happens, do not worry: nothing will fall (later videos will be made).

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The magnetic system.
 

And oooh yeah, this is the other huge innovation proposed by H&Y, as I wrote above. But how is it structured? It is very simple: on the holder we have some metal plates on which the magnetic frame will be bound. You can also switch the following 100 holders tomagnetic system: Kase, NiSi, Lee, Cokin and Formatt Hitech. That's another great advantage of this system: with specific kit you can use the magnetic system without changing your holder.
And if one wants to use more plates one on top of the other?

Of course, it can be! It can also be controlled autonomously thanks to the constraining knob, so that one plate remains constrained and the other slides over it. WARNING: obviously the magnetic frames have a polarity recognizable by the "stars" placed on the frame and also by a little adhesive label that H&Y give to write the type of filter that has been "transforming" into magnetic: always put it in remember that this is the right part for installation. In addition, when used with the wrong polarization, you will notice immediately because the plate will be bad-bound (rejected) to the previous one.

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Kit supplied.

 

The kit includes: cover for CPL slot, 95mm CPL, 1 Magnetic Frame, a simply bag for holder and 1 filter, normal slot pair (with minikit for installation and pins for plate fixing), 4 rings 67-72- 77-82 inclusive of dedicated trick.