Silly question about IR filters

[animefx]

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Hello, my name is Bryan and I'm new to the forums here and Leica cameras in general. I first became interested in range finders last year. I've been shooting DSLRs for quite awhile though, so I'm a fairly experienced photographer at this point.

 

Anyway, this might sound like a silly question, but I usually don't use filters on any of my lenses. However, I have considered buy an m8.2 and I know I would need IR filters for the lenses...

 

Do the IR filters thread onto the lens (do you need to twist them on)? or do you just "push" the filter directly onto the lens?

 

I haven't seen IR filters advertised for sale on B&H or Adorama... I see plenty of UV filters but those aren't the same. How hard is to to get IR filters whenever I buy a lens? The IR filters are actually red tinted right?

 

Also is there a list of IR filter sizes I would need for each lens? Some of the lens specs I see online neglect to mention the size.

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[Nicoleica]

Hi,

 

Welcome to the forum, and to RF photography.

 

Your questions aren't silly at all, and I'll do my best to answer them.

 

Most filters are screw on. The same as for most SLR lenses. They screw onto the front of the lens, which is threaded to accept them. There are a few exceptions to this rule, but unless you are going to buy some of the more exotic glass available, you probably won't need to worry.

 

The filters are called UV/IR-cut filters, as they block IR radiation. You can obtain them from Leica, B&W, Heliopan and other makes. The B&W filters are cheaper than the Leica ones (Not really a surprise I expect.), and they are designated as type 486 filters. Most Leica dealers either have, or can quickly obtain them.

 

As for sizes, well that all depends upon which lenses you are going to buy. Leica list the filter size in the online specs of all of their lenses. A very common Leica size is 39mm. 46mm is also popular.

 

I hope this of help, and I wish you lots of success and enjoyment with your camera.

[animefx]

Thanks for the information Nicole. I am still researching lenses, but one day I hope to be a proud Leica m8.2 owner.

[Dougg]

The IR filters are actually red tinted right?.

Careful, as Nicole says, to get UV/IR Cut filters, not regular IR Pass filters. The cut filter works by reflecting IR rather that absorbing it, so you may see a reddish reflection off the front surface of the filter. Some object to this as drawing attention to themselves, in the same way you may see reflections off the binoculars of someone using them to watch you...

[farnz]

Marumi UV/IR filters are also available cheaply on online auction sites and I haven't noticed a difference in performance from my Leica UV/IR filters.

 

Pete.