Light leak using 21 Summilux filter adapter?

[ymc226]

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I want to get a variable ND filter for the 21 Summilux using the 82mm filter adapter but am concerned about the vents letting in light. I am in the US where Series 8 ND filters are not available in 0.9 and 1.8 and rather not buy internationally.

 

Judging from the pictures of the adapter, it seems very thin between the plane of the front (where the filter screws onto) to the part where the adapter screws onto the lens minimizing effects of light entering the vents from a direct vertical direction.

 

Reading a prior thread, there was mention of possible light impact from the vents but neither confirmation or denial of this issue from the subsequent posts.

 

 

1. will the vents compromise the amount and even distribution of light the ND filter is supposed to cut down on? I would think that since Leica designed this specifically for filters of all sorts, extraneous light would be minimized or would not be an issue.
   
2. with a 82mm adapter, my concern is also, will it obstruct focusing capability with a dark ND filter?
   
3. would using the 82mm adapter result in less vignetting than using a series 8 filter with the supplied lens hood. My 18 SEM vignettes quite a lot with the hood so I bought its filter adapter and put a 72mm UV filter on front for protection.
   

[jaapv]

I am a bit surprised your 18 should vignette with the hood. Mine doesn't.

The vents do not matter as a "light leak" Light does not make 360 degree turns. At worst they could cause reflections in strong light from the back.

Viewfinder obstruction is irrelevant A 21 needs an external viewfinder anyway. I doubt a 82 mm filter would obstruct the RF patch. The rim of an in-hood filter is not in the light path. No extra vignetting possible.

Edited August 28, 2012 by jaapv

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[MarkP]

I don't understand your hesitancy at buying an ND Series VIII filter from whever you can get one.

 

The Australian B+W distributor ordered in one for me last year fro my 21 Summilux (waited 4 months), and he mentioned to me when I came in to pick it up that B+W were planning on discontinuing production if they had not already. I bought the second one that he also had ordered for stock!

 

If this is true I would suggest that you just source one from any reputable dealer who has one in stock, or can source one for you.

 

Regards,

Mark

[Robert_M]

I am also in the US and haven't had any trouble buying from reliable sellers overseas. US customs doesn't even seem to bother with the paperwork for small purchases. And, if they do, the rate is lower than any sales tax in any state. You should find abundant info on reliable sellers on this forum and other forums.

[ymc226]

I've bought internationally many times and have not run into any problems. My problem is I'm pretty spoiled with B&H just an hour away in NYC. Being in New Jersey, I order in the morning and get it the next day shipped UPS with minimum or free shipping, tax free as well.

 

I've also found, that having a hood that must be used to hold the filter in, it is much more likely I'll take advantage of a variable ND filter using the filter adapter rather then changing ND filters multiple times, having to unscrew the hood each time. The variable ND filters can be titrated down to only 1 stop so leaving it on at all times such as on the Noctilux is an option for me.