KALIMAR K-1196 Coated Glass Filter Minolta Matic Camera 43MM 80B 7S

( Brand: Kalimar ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: K-1196 ), ( Part Type: Glass Filter Camera ), ( Filter Shape: Circular ), ( Filter Color: Blue ), ( Mount Fitting: Threaded ), ( Filter Effects: Color Correction ), ( To Fit: Camera Lens ), ( Country Of Origin: Japan ), ( Item Weight: 1 Oz. ), ( Filter Size: 43 Mm )

Review KALIMAR 43mm Coated Glass 80b Blue Filter Minolta Hi matic 7s Camera

The **Kalamazoo (KaliMar) K-1196 43mm Coated Glass 80B Filter** is a meticulously crafted photographic accessory designed specifically for the iconic **Minolta Hi-Matic 7S**, a classic SLR camera renowned for its versatility and timeless appeal. This filter represents a blend of precision engineering and optical excellence, tailored to enhance the photographic experience for both enthusiasts and professionals working with this beloved system. The **80B** designation indicates its primary function as a **medium-density yellow filter**, which serves multiple critical roles in photography. At its core, this filter is engineered to mitigate the adverse effects of **blue light dominance** in daylight scenes, particularly in overcast conditions or when shooting under fluorescent lighting, where excessive blue tones can dominate the frame. By selectively absorbing these unwanted wavelengths, the K-1196 allows photographers to achieve a more balanced color rendition, particularly in skin tones and foliage, which naturally benefit from the filter s warm, yellow hue. This effect is especially useful in portraiture, where a subtle enhancement of warmth can create a more flattering and professional appearance.

Beyond its color-correcting properties, the **80B filter** is also a versatile tool for creative control. It can be employed to **increase contrast** in scenes with high blue content, such as skies or water, by darkening the blue tones while preserving the natural colors of other elements in the composition. This makes it an invaluable asset for landscape photographers aiming to emphasize the vibrancy of greens and reds against a softer, less harsh blue backdrop. The filter s **coated glass construction** ensures optimal light transmission with minimal loss, maintaining the camera s native performance while delivering sharp, distortion-free images. Each piece of glass is precision-ground to the **43mm thread standard**, ensuring a secure and leak-proof fit on the Minolta Hi-Matic 7S s lens mount, a detail that underscores KaliMar s commitment to compatibility and durability.

Constructed with **high-quality optical glass**, the K-1196 is designed to resist scratching and maintain clarity over extended use, making it a long-term investment for photographers who demand reliability. The filter s **multi-coated surface** further enhances its performance by reducing internal reflections and flare, which is particularly beneficial when shooting in bright conditions or against strong backlighting. This attention to optical refinement ensures that the filter does not introduce any unwanted artifacts, allowing the photographer to focus solely on composition and exposure. Whether used for subtle color correction, creative contrast manipulation, or simply to achieve a specific aesthetic, the KaliMar K-1196 80B filter stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of analog photography where precision, craftsmanship, and artistic intent converge to produce images of enduring quality. Ideal for both vintage enthusiasts and modern practitioners seeking to bridge the gap between classic and contemporary techniques, this filter embodies the spirit of the Minolta Hi-Matic 7S itself: a marriage of innovation and timeless elegance.

The **Kalamar K-1196 43mm coated glass 80B filter** is a neutral density (ND) filter designed for the Minolta Hi-Matic 7S, a classic SLR camera from the 1970s. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.

---

### **Pros of the Kalamar K-1196 80B Filter**

1. **Effective Neutral Density Functionality**

The 80B filter is a true neutral density filter, meaning it reduces light exposure evenly across the entire spectrum without altering color balance. This makes it ideal for long-exposure photography, such as smooth water effects, light trails, or slow shutter speeds in bright conditions. For the Hi-Matic 7S, which lacks built-in ND capabilities, this filter extends creative possibilities.

2. **High-Quality Coating**

Kalamar filters are known for their multi-layer anti-reflective coatings, which minimize ghosting, flare, and internal reflections. This ensures sharper images and better contrast, especially in backlit or high-contrast scenes. The coating also helps maintain image clarity when shooting through glass or other transparent surfaces.

3. **Durable and Weather-Sealed**

Kalamar filters are typically made from high-quality optical glass and are often treated for durability. The 43mm size fits standard screw-in filter holders, and the glass is less prone to scratching compared to plastic or cheaper alternatives. The metal frame provides stability and longevity.

4. **Compatibility with Minolta Hi-Matic 7S**

The Hi-Matic 7S uses a 43mm lens mount, so this filter fits directly onto the lens without requiring adapters. This makes it a straightforward and practical addition for photographers working with this camera.

5. **Versatile for Various Shooting Conditions**

Beyond long exposures, the 80B filter can be used to simulate slower shutter speeds in bright daylight, allowing for creative effects like motion blur in landscapes or cityscapes. It s also useful for reducing overexposure in high-contrast scenes without relying on aperture adjustments.

6. **Affordable for a High-Quality Filter**

Compared to premium brands like B W or Hoya, Kalamar offers a good balance between cost and performance. For a classic camera like the Hi-Matic 7S, this filter provides professional-grade results without breaking the bank.

---

### **Cons of the Kalamar K-1196 80B Filter**

1. **Limited ND Strength**

The 80B filter is a **stop 3 (ND3) filter**, which reduces light by one full stop (equivalent to f/2.8 to f/4). While this is useful for some scenarios, it may not be sufficient for very long exposures in bright sunlight. Photographers needing stronger ND effects (e.g., ND100 or ND1000) may require additional filters or a graduated ND.

2. **No Polarizing or Color Effects**

This is a neutral density filter only, meaning it does not polarize light (reduce reflections or enhance skies) or add color effects (e.g., warming or cooling tones). If these features are desired, a separate polarizing filter or color filter would be needed.

3. **Potential for Vignetting**

While high-quality filters like Kalamar s minimize vignetting, some older or lower-quality filters can cause slight darkening at the edges of the frame. This is more noticeable on wide-angle lenses or when using multiple filters. The Hi-Matic 7S s lens selection may vary in sensitivity to this issue.

4. **Requires Manual Focus Adjustment**

ND filters can slightly reduce contrast and sharpness, which may make autofocus (if available on the Hi-Matic 7S) less reliable. While the Hi-Matic 7S is a manual-focus camera, photographers using it with modern adapters or digital backs may need to account for this.

5. **Thread Size Compatibility**

The 43mm thread is standard, but if the photographer uses step-up rings or adapters for other lens sizes, the filter may not fit directly. However, this is a minor issue for the Hi-Matic 7S, which primarily uses 43mm lenses.

6. **No UV Protection**

The 80B filter does not include UV protection, which could be beneficial for outdoor shooting where haze or atmospheric particles may affect image clarity. A UV filter would need to be added separately if desired.

---

### **Conclusion**

The **Kalamar K-1196 43mm 80B filter** is a well-made, functional neutral density filter that addresses a key limitation of the Minolta Hi-Matic 7S: the inability to achieve long exposures or control light in bright conditions without additional equipment. Its high-quality coating, durability, and compatibility make it a practical choice for photographers working with this classic camera. However, its limited ND strength and lack of polarizing or color effects mean it may not be sufficient for all creative needs.

For photographers primarily interested in long exposures, motion blur, or reducing overexposure in daylight, this filter is a solid investment. Those requiring stronger ND effects or additional filter functions (like polarization) may need to supplement it with other filters. The filter s affordability and performance make it a worthwhile addition for enthusiasts of the Hi-Matic 7S.

---

### **Recommendation**

- You shoot long exposures or need to slow down your shutter speed in bright conditions.

- You prioritize image clarity and contrast with minimal flare or ghosting.

- You want a durable, high-quality filter that fits seamlessly with your Minolta Hi-Matic 7S setup.

- You are on a budget but still want professional-grade results.

- You need stronger ND effects (e.g., ND100 or ND1000) for very long exposures.

- You want to enhance skies or reduce reflections, in which case a polarizing filter would be beneficial.

- You frequently shoot in hazy or UV-rich environments, where a UV filter could improve image quality.

**Final Verdict:** The Kalamar K-1196 80B filter is a **strong, practical choice** for the Minolta Hi-Matic 7S, particularly for photographers exploring creative long-exposure techniques. It strikes a good balance between quality and affordability, making it a recommended accessory for this camera.

Details:

This listing is for a Kalimar 43mm Coated Optical Glass 80B Blue Filter.

part #: k1196 price

• $15.55

specifications filtecam:

• brand: Kalimar
• mpn: K-1196
• part type: Glass Filter Camera
• filter shape: Circular
• filter color: Blue
• mount fitting: Threaded
• filter effects: Color Correction
• to fit: Camera Lens
• country of origin: Japan
• item weight: 1 Oz.
• filter size: 43 Mm

general filtecam:

• Cameras Photo > Lenses Filters > Filters
• condition: Used

payments filtecam:

• wallet: Paypal
• other
• credit card: Diners-club

seller filtecam:

• rating: 100.0%
• # reviews: 535
• city: Wayne, New Jersey

returns filtecam:

• policy: No Returns

shipping filtecam:

• type: Fixed
• cost: $5.95
• class: Standard
• carrier: USPS
• service: USPS Ground Advantage
• transit: 5-12 Days

offer filtecam:

• options: Ship-to-home
• quantity: 1
• started: May 29, 2026
• availability: In Stock
• best offers: True
• sold: 0

Kalimar K-1196 Is Similar To:

• 0993 Kodak Camera Supplies Gray Cards Kalimar Ultra Violet Filter (26.8% similar) Camera supplies Kodak gray cards Kalimar ultra violet filter w case condition: see pics the is in original box and does not have any signs of wear - I might been used, package has opened but they are great condition...(April 25th, 2018)
• K1018m Kalimar Uv Ultraviolet Lens Filter Mm Complete (39.4% similar) Very good condition...(September 22nd, 2018)
• Kalimar K-1050 Pl Nos Perfect Polarizing Lens Filter 49mm Japan With Case (41.5% similar) New old stock nos - vintage, never used mint, highly regarded Kalimar 49MM polarizing lens filter, made in japan, model K-1050, comes with original box, case padding instructions...(October 3rd, 2023)
• As Listed 794764045000 Filter Kalimar K-1346 X-1 Series V Fully Coated (26% similar) Bid or before its gone. So its best that you take advantage of the price and lock it in now by buying or buying. Everything ships from within the USA. Be safe and be well. The price can go up if the item gets popular and has no bids but a lot of eyes. Everything comes from a smoke-free and pet-free ...(November 30th, 2025)