Neutral density camera filter B+W 806 MASTER 3.9 cm, Multi Resistant Coating (MRC)

The B+W 806 MASTER Neutral Density camera filter, 3.9 cm diameter, is designed to reduce the amount of light reaching the sensor by six f-stops while preserving neutral color balance. Made from finely ground and polished optical glass, this single-piece filter includes a Multi Resistant Coating (MRC) that minimizes reflections, improves durability, and adds a dirt- and water-repellent outer layer for easier cleaning. By extending exposure times without changing aperture or depth of field, the filter enables long-exposure effects such as smoothing running water and creating motion blur while maintaining image quality with even light attenuation across the visible spectrum.

Advantages

The B+W 806 MASTER ND filter provides a consistent six-stop light reduction with minimal color cast due to its high-quality optical glass and uniform attenuation. Multi-layer anti-reflective coatings on both sides reduce stray reflections and flare, improving contrast and clarity. The outer MRC layer offers protection against dirt and moisture and simplifies maintenance. The thin, optically refined construction preserves the performance of high-quality lenses without introducing mechanical interference.

Suitable for

• Landscape long-exposure photography to smooth water and clouds
• Creating motion blur for moving subjects such as rivers, waterfalls, and traffic
• Situations requiring slower shutter speeds while maintaining aperture and depth of field

Key specifications

• Optical glass: finely ground and polished special glass for high image quality
• Diameter: 3.9 cm
• Light reduction: approximately six f-stops
• Coatings: multi-layer anti-reflective coating on both sides (7 layers per side) plus dirt- and water-repellent outer layer
• Filter type: neutral density (ND)

How to use

Mount the B+W 806 MASTER ND filter securely to a compatible lens using appropriate filter threads or adapter. Use a tripod when employing the extended exposure times that this six-stop ND filter enables. Meter for the desired exposure or use exposure compensation to calculate the longer shutter speed required by the six-stop reduction. Compose and focus before attaching the filter when low-light conditions make autofocus or visibility difficult, then recompose if needed. After shooting, clean the outer coated surface with a soft cloth and recommended lens cleaning fluid to maintain the coating's repellency and optical performance.

Usage recommendations

For best results, use the ND filter combined with a stable tripod and a remote release or self-timer to avoid camera shake. Verify white balance and review test exposures to confirm neutral color rendering; if necessary, apply slight white-balance adjustments in post-processing. Avoid stacking heavy filters to prevent vignetting on wide-angle lenses.