Has anyone tried the ACMAXX Lens Armor Multi-Coated UV FILTER

[simonpg]

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Has any X1 (or DLux4/LX3) user tried the ACMAXX Lens Armor Multi-Coated UV filter, which is available for all 3 cameras' lenses - a "stick-on" crystal type device?

 

Because of the design of the DLux4 and LX3 lens, conventional protection filters are not feasible. The special adapter tube to overcome the physical constraints makes the camera cumbersome - a self-defeating solution. It is also made for the X1

 

So, I discovered this product made by the company that makes the excellent LCD screen protectors. I have 3 and they are superbly made, so I wondered if trying the "lens armor" is worth risking the spend.

 

I'd never put anything in front of the lens (especially Leica glass) except my camera is a real "work-horse".

 

Thanks for your time and help.

[paradimage]

Hi Simon

Just placed it on my X1 and it fits perfectly, I feel a little bit calmer when having something in front of the first lens, I usually do protect all my lenses. Since there is no way to screw the filter, it is glued onto the frame and allows to manage as before.

Takes a while to arrive...

Have a nice day,

Thomas

[damnsharp]

Does the lens cap still fit with the Lens Armor?

How do you fit the Lens Armor?

[simonpg]

Yes the lens cap fit is fine - all lenses these are made for still get normal fitting of the cap. The clever thing is that their technical info says that UNLIKE traditional filters, this device sits maybe 1mm or less from the lens surface in many cases. That has ovbious optical benefits too.

 

If you go to their technical web site info via their eBay stote the information given is very good indeed.

 

Thomas, Thanks! I expected the fit to be very exact. I now have 6 of their LCD panel protectors and their pricision fit is AMAZINGLY exact!

 

Many users of alternatives comment about size / fit issues. These are 100% perfect on my and family cameras - M8, 50D, 450D, 400D and Lumix LX3. The optical qualities are great.

 

Thanks Thomas.

 

BUT, what I am keen to know is how you find the optics of the lens protector. While, like you I want that Leica lens protected, I do not want to degrade the image quality.

 

So, I suppose many of us will be keen to hear how well it handles: resolution; sharpness; flare etc..

 

Please let us know although I have a geeling it will be excellent.

 

Cheers.

[Mark2]

I would suggest u to remove it as soon as u can. I used to have it but I remove it because if u leave it long enough it will damage the white color wordings in front of the lens. Next time when u decide to sell the camera ur value will be affected.

[h00ligan]

Wow, in the photos it dissent even look to make contact with it...

 

Second thought, better some lifted lettering than scratched lens?

 

My main concern is sticking a piece of plexiglass in front of a lens one paid quite a bit for.

[piersgibbon]

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yes i'd be very interested to get some knowledgeable feedback on whether these things affect the photos in any way.

 

If they don't (or only minimally) then I would definitely get one!

 

The X1 lens feels very vulnerable to me..and I'm heading into the steamy jungles of Papua New Guinea for July...

 

Talking of which I'm also a bit worried about those three little holes next to the shutter speed ring on the top..are they microphone holes or what?

[simonpg]

Yes, I am not concerned about any cosmetic damage the adhesive may cause. I am ONLY concerned about the optical performance.

 

Certainly the company stands by its products and is excellent to deal with. And the lens protector and their LCD panel protectors are precision made and can be quite easily removed (see their web site for instructions) by warming the adhesive with a hairdryer.

 

BUT I will not put anything in front of Leica glass (or any good glass) that degrades its performance. A particular issue is: :will it induce flare?"

 

So, if anyone has tried one please let us know.

 

Cheers.

[paul6001]

Just got one. Haven't noticed any image problems, and I feel a helluva lot better with that filter in front of my lens.

[shard]

Your lens is only as good as the piece of plastic or glass you put over it. So $1000 lens with $15 plastic over it, is just that, a $15 lens.

 

I understand the need for protection but sometimes there are some products that work well to protect but at a huge hit to the IQ.

[nickma]

I believe from other feedback I have seen and a couple of example photos that it may increase flare and ghost spots. This is an area of great strength of the X1, so I'd be wary of something that could introduce those artefacts.

 

If protection is paramount, buy Leica part # 12460 (round screw-in hood and branded cap), which is an accessory for the 75mm f/2.5 & 90mm f/2.5 Summarit-M Lenses, but fits the Leica X1 like a glove. You can then screw in a Leica filter into the internal thread of the hood if you want to additionally protect the lens (although the Leica coating is very hard).

 

This accessory is quite cheap for a Leica part at $85, sits just proud of the extended lens, allows the lens to extend and contract freely, and provides a bit of added protection and another handling option with the left hand cupped underneath. If using a VF, you do see the very edge of the hood, but it doesn't have an affect on one's ability to compose.

 

Finally, to prevent any risk of binding (alloy on alloy surfaces), I have slipped on a 2mm rubber seal (automative supplies: 2 inch circumference), but that's just me and a $.99 precaution.

 

Oh, and it looks fantastic.

[symmetron]

Rainbow Imaging sells a 49mm tube, lens cap, and with vented hood for about $26. There's an option to include a cheap filter as well. I purchased it and the tube and hood fit perfectly. However, there's some flare and internal reflection with the filter. I suspect any filter would produce similar results.

 

See link: http://www.amazon.com/RainbowImaging-Filter-Adapter-Vented-Hood/dp/B005FUDZYS

 

Regardless, the tube is a nice option to protect the lens from physical damage, weather, etc. and it's significantly cheaper than the Leica option.

[Anouk]

 

If protection is paramount, buy Leica part # 12460 (round screw-in hood and branded cap), which is an accessory for the 75mm f/2.5 & 90mm f/2.5 Summarit-M Lenses, but fits the Leica X1 like a glove. You can then screw in a Leica filter into the internal thread of the hood if you want to additionally protect the lens (although the Leica coating is very hard).

 

Finally, to prevent any risk of binding (alloy on alloy surfaces), I have slipped on a 2mm rubber seal (automative supplies: 2 inch circumference), but that's just me and a $.99 precaution.

 

Oh, and it looks fantastic.

 

Could you post a picture of the X1 with the 12460 hood? I's like to order one too, since I don't really like how my X1 looks at the moment with the Kiwitube AND vented hood. It's way too bulky.

[bill]

I have one on my GRDIII; it does the job admirably and does not degrade the image in any visible way or increase propensity to flare in my experience.

 

Regards,

 

Bill