Twelve months ago, I purchased a Tiffen Pro Mist filter 1/8 [Ad] for my Fujifilm X100VI. The Pro Mist filter produces a softer, more cinematic look, reminiscent of Cinestill film stock. It adds a dynamic quality to images, particularly when shooting at night in high-contrast environments, where highlights bloom and shadows take on a more atmospheric character.
This shoot marked my first proper outing with the filter. I approached it with a very “point-and-shoot” mindset, making only one deliberate adjustment: underexposing by one stop in an attempt to achieve solid, inky blacks.
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What is a Pro Mist Filter?
The Tiffen Pro Mist filter is designed to soften digital sharpness and introduce a subtle, cinematic character to images. By gently blooming highlights and reducing contrast. The Pro Mist filter creates a look reminiscent of classic film stocks such as Cinestill, particularly effective in high-contrast or low-light scenes.
While the filter softens the overall image, it does so in a controlled way that enhances mood and atmosphere rather than overpowering detail. Available in varying strengths, the Pro Mist works especially well at night or in reflective conditions, making it a popular choice for both still photography and video when used with restraint.
Fujifilm X100 Settings
I chose to stick with the native 3:2 aspect ratio rather than pushing the images into a more overtly cinematic 16:9 format. It’s worth noting that the 49mm Tiffen Pro Mist fits all Fujifilm X100 series cameras (with the filter adapter) as well as the Zeiss 55mm Sony lens, which is slightly faster at f/1.8. That extra speed may make it even better suited to this style of photography.
Pro Mist Filter: Line of Duty’s AC-12 Headquarters
On previous trips to Belfast, I’ve often relied on long exposure photography to create a similar nocturnal mood. I also tend to revisit a few familiar locations at Christmas, including the famous Christmas Helter Skelter. One of the images in this set was taken from a narrow lane beside Belfast City Hall remarkable for having the tightest yellow lines I’ve ever seen (click the first image in the gallery).
In hindsight, there was little need to underexpose the images. The ambient darkness, combined with selecting a strong light source as the focal point, naturally created sufficient contrast. Exposure, after all, is often more about managing available light than forcing an effect. (For a deeper explanation, see Understanding Depth of Field.)
Locations: Belfast City Hall, The Albert Clock, The Duke of York, Lagan Bridge, Belfast.
I opted for the 1/8 Pro Mist filter.[Ad]. A 1/4 version is also available, but I suspect the effect might be a little too heavy-handed. The gentle blooming of light sources is pleasing, although the filter inevitably softens the entire image, something not everyone will appreciate. I can see this effect working particularly well on wet evenings, where reflections on pavements and streets amplify the atmosphere. I also plan to experiment with the filter for video, though very much in moderation.
Overall, the Pro Mist filter is great fun to work with. All photos were taken using the Fujifilm X100VI. or Fujifilm X100F If you’ve used a Pro Mist filter yourself, feel free to share your experiences or links to your images in the comments below.
Links
Tiffen Pro Mist Filter [Ad]
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Five Essential Accessories for the Fujifilm X100VI
FlixelPix Photography
FlixelPix is a photography brand and blog showcasing diverse work from landscape and documentary projects to music and portrait photography. Images are primarily captured and created with Fujifilm X-series cameras. It reflects a passion for emotive imagery, long exposures, and creative exploration, with guides, exhibitions, and visual storytelling at its core. The post discusses the creative use of the Fujifilm X100VI with a Pro Mist filter in Belfast.
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