Jump to content

Best Filter for Leica Q?


Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hello! Managed to get myself a wonderful Leica Q in my hands! Beautiful, beautiful camera that take great photos. 

 

I was wondering if you guys could recommend a filter that would work as a great all purpose one. I know people are wary of filters because it can compromise the IQ, but I would like to have one protect this beautiful camera even with a lens hood on. Willing to spend up to ~$100 on the filter--and hopefully through B&H.

 

 

Thoughts be appreciated!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello! Managed to get myself a wonderful Leica Q in my hands! Beautiful, beautiful camera that take great photos. 

 

I was wondering if you guys could recommend a filter that would work as a great all purpose one. I know people are wary of filters because it can compromise the IQ, but I would like to have one protect this beautiful camera even with a lens hood on. Willing to spend up to ~$100 on the filter--and hopefully through B&H.

 

 

Thoughts be appreciated!

 

 

B & W filters from B & H use good quality glass and should be able to be cleaned easily.  It's possibly to get clear glass or some use UV filtering.   Don't compromise on quality because as soon as you do an actual "with and without" test, you'll be able to observe the loss of sharpness.  The hood gives lots of protection but I know the feeling you get if you go naked!   

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

I like the B+W XS-Pro Nano-MRC filters. They are thin and high quality.

 

John.

 

I'm looking at these on E*** UK.  £35.99 seems a not excessive amount to spend.   Have you done the "with and without" examination for sharpness on files from your  Q?

 

Aren't we lucky that we don't have to buy 77mm or larger lens accessories?

 

thanks

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

Another vote for B+W XS-Pro Nano-MRC, have used them for quite a while now on various cameras and been unable to notice any image degradation. Strictly speaking there will always be some since it is another layer of glass but it's never been noticeable for me. I've used Hoya as well and they are pretty good but I did get some very marginal softening with one of my m43 lenses, might just have been a one-off but I'd rather pay a little extra especially to go on the Q.

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

I found a Rodenstock filter already fitted to a leica lens  bought secondhand two years ago.    I Haven't been able to fault it.  However, trying to buy more of the same has been difficult.  The B+W filters are a similar price and readily available so why create problems for yourself?

Link to post
Share on other sites

Check out the filters from Breakthrough Photography out of San Francisco.

BP don't make the glass.  Their glass is sourced from the same German manufacturer as B+W, and they are simply repackaging.    The OP only wants high quality, clear, protective glass.  With B+ W, there's feedback and I would stick with a company that's known and established.  

Edited by lucerne
Link to post
Share on other sites

BP don't make the glass.  Their glass is sourced from the same German manufacturer as B+W, and they are simply repackaging.    The OP only wants high quality, clear, protective glass.  With B+ W, there's feedback and I would stick with a company that's known and established.  

If it's the same glass, then why do the images look different than the side by side images comparing their filter to B+W and others? Nothing against B+W, I use their filters, but they are not the only quality filters on the market...

Link to post
Share on other sites

Ok. With clear glass, there shouldn't be any difference.  But then, they don't offer clear filters.  For the rest of their range Who's glass do they use?  They can't make their own.    If you can notice differences, then it raises the question:  Which one is rendering correctly?

Link to post
Share on other sites

Both the Leica 13328 and 13329 work nicely.  The 13329 is lower profile and does not have front threads for filter stacking, something I would not do with a 28mm anyway.  I see Adorama has the 13328 for under $100, and I found the 13329 NOS through Bel Air Camera for $95.

 

No discernible image quality loss with either under the conditions I shoot.

 

Eric

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Ok. With clear glass, there shouldn't be any difference.  But then, they don't offer clear filters.  For the rest of their range Who's glass do they use?  They can't make their own.    If you can notice differences, then it raises the question:  Which one is rendering correctly?

You're mistaken. They do offer clear filters. Check out their X3 UV. I have not seen any other makers offer anything similar.

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.

×
×
  • Create New...