So, who wants to share their experience with filters?

[n8]

I decided to borrow my dad's box of filters while he's gone in an effort to break my mentality of "it can probably be done in photoshop, so why do it in camera." Except when it comes to my lensbaby of course...it's great. Anyway, he's got a ridiculous amount of cokin square filters of every color, a polarizer, gradual ND, double masking, some prism thing, circular hoya filters...just about everything, and I'm guessing it's good stuff. Some gels too.
I'm sure I'll never use or need most of it, and while some certainly intrigue me, I just don't know what to do with many of them, or if I should even bother. Many of them make my shots look very 80's advertisement like, but there's certainly an excitement about learning about old equipment.

[n8]

Perhaps I will ask this: are there any benefits to using the old square filters over circular ones, or does the fact that they're obsolete speak for it's self?

[OldClicker]

The only reason I know of for using the square filters with the adapter is that you can raise and lower the graduated neutral density filter to match the horizon. - TF

[drg]

Perhaps I will ask this: are there any benefits to using the old square filters over circular ones, or does the fact that they're obsolete speak for it's self?

Originally they were thought easier to handle as you can change them more quickly than a threaded filter. In a studio setting with color matching filters or when using one special effect after another, it was a lot easier to swap them in and out from the tray.

They also could be used (or the identical material in different sizes) to color/tint light sources. Current/modern flashes and strobes now often have gel filter holders built in to tint or alter the light source.

Filters aren't obsolete if you are using film, even with digital processing. Users need to be aware that all filters of the resin type (big plastic or filter material) degrade with time even if not used. If used as light filters in front of a hot light, they don't last more than a few hours or even minutes!

For digital photography most filters are a waste of time and degrade the image unnecessarily. In fact, better effects are available digitally than with mechanical filters with 'most' sensors.

Some of the large square filters still make wonderfully coasters for the canned beverage of your choice.

[Greg McCary]

The ND grads and polarizer is really all you probably need. But you can put the colored filters on to change the color of sunsets. I think you should have fun with them. Maybe get out an old SLR and some Reala and do it up right.