Jump to content

Lens UVA filter


leica1215

Recommended Posts

Don't forget Leica designed the M8 to be used with filters. They decided that putting a filter on front of the lens would result in better IQ than putting it in front of the sensor.

 

This they did not. They launched the M8, then realised the the IR caused issues, then issued the filters. That's a kludge, not a design decision.

  • Like 4
Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

If you look through previous threads on this subject you will see that this is a contentious issue..

Not sure I'd describe it as 'contentious';). I've yet to see any deleterious effect on the detail/resolution/sharpness/whatever caused by a single UVa filter personally, although some long tele lenses are rumoured to be filter sensitive and I have a friend with one that really does not appear to like filters )I've yet to be convinced about why but one theory is that it needs a very flat filter and perhaps not all filters are as flat as might be expected).

 

However filters can and do cause reflections and contrast loss - generally when used against the light.

 

That said, I've smashed a filter and this undoubtedly save the front element of the lens which it was on, which actually survived unscathed. And I too would rather (and do) clean filters than front elements. So you take you choice. or perhaps simply remove it when conditions suggest that it might cause problems and it is fine to do so.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Not sure I'd describe it as 'contentious';).

 

I've yet to see any deleterious effect on the detail/resolution/sharpness/whatever caused by a single UVa filter personally,

 

However filters can and do cause reflections and contrast loss - generally when used against the light.

 

...I've smashed a filter and this undoubtedly save the front element of the lens which it was on, which actually survived unscathed.

 

...I too would rather (and do) clean filters than front elements...

 

If you read pervious threads on this the topic you would see that it is indeed contentious.

 

We're on the same page here. I like prophylactic protective filters on my lenses and would be hard pressed to see where they have ever compromised IQ, except perhaps for a few reflections at night. Like you they have occasionally saved my lens front elements.

  • Like 2
Link to post
Share on other sites

If you read pervious threads on this the topic you would see that it is indeed contentious.

 

We're on the same page here. I like prophylactic protective filters on my lenses and would be hard pressed to see where they have ever compromised IQ, except perhaps for a few reflections at night. Like you they have occasionally saved my lens front elements.

 

While a case can be made that some degree of cleaning marks do not affect a lens's image quality, they certainly do affect its resale price. A filter can also save the filter threads, something I learned with a 35mm f/2 AiS Nikkor, a lens with a thin protruding filter ring.

 

And, a filter is cheap enough that one can buy one and conduct real empirical tests to settle the image quality question.

 

s-a

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

How many of you guys put Uva filter in front of your lens just to protect your lens?

 

I am thinking to take my filter off the lens.

 

Good idea as discussed on more threads than you can imagine for many years here.

 

Search>Uva filters>show Threads>25 on page 1.

Link to post
Share on other sites

This they did not. They launched the M8, then realised the the IR caused issues, then issued the filters. That's a kludge, not a design decision.

 

True, but the 'kludge' actually turned out to be more effective (in many instances) in eliminating IR issues than the internal design of the M9 or M240. Other threads mention many M9 and M users who still use the cut IR filters, not merely UVA.

 

A fortuitous mistake. And the beginning of a series of PR blunders…but that's another story.

 

Jeff

Link to post
Share on other sites

How many of you guys put Uva filter in front of your lens just to protect your lens?

 

I am thinking to take my filter off the lens.

 

What are your thoughts about removal?

 

This is not a black and white issue, there are shades of gray. I would base the need/benefits on my shooting situation. It would be easy enough to test the filter if image degradation is the primary motivation.

Link to post
Share on other sites

In truth I put a filter in front of every lense I've owned sice 1991, Leicas R fixed, Canon zoom & fixed, and now Leica M fixed. But fussy about it, the good stuff; B&W or Heliopan UV and polarizers. My lenses remain pristine, and so no evidence I've degraded more than a handful of images.because of a filter.

Edited by Berth
  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

I use B+W UV filters on all my lenses except for the 50 cron v.

That one flares to much with the filter.

 

Mine does not flare with the Leica UVa filter attached, but I do not try to induce flare either. If it ever flares, I will do like you and try it without filter.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for all the replays, I think over this filter protection thing, I decide to remove my filter whether it flare or not. it will get minor imperfection over the time, but now I think it over it is the way we should be using it, if not then Leica should including filter in the package in the first place.

 

I think if you always put it on filter then you probably never use it without filter, and you only keep this perfect condition for the next owner.

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...