Protection filter or not?

[ola.fiske]

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So far I have been using UVa filters on my lenses for protection of the glas.

Is it good practice? And does it have any negativ influence on the photographic result?

Are there many of you using filter for protection?

 

Ola

[andybarton]

Do a search here for UV filters.

 

I have had a lens ruined by having the front element exposed and now all my lenses are filtered. If you use a good brand, such as Leica or B+W, you will not notice any loss of image quality.

[Yogibear]

As long as many professional (studio-) photographers use filters, I'm not getting too worried about the image quality.

[therefromhere]

I use B&W filters just for protection and haven't had a problem except under one specific situation: in available light, night time exposures where the lens is wide open, I've had problems with flaring (more like reflection honestly) if there is a neon light or other similar type light source in the area (not necessarily in the image). I've switched to digital (M8 and Oly EP2) so it's easy to check quickly if I've had the problem and simply remove the filter for that shot. But if you're using film, this might be something to consider if you like available light photography...

 

Of course, if there is better filter for these types of shots... I'd love to know! I pick the UV because of the M8 and the B&W because it seems the same as Leica but cheaper. :-)

[erl]

Ola, it depends on what you wish to protect against!

 

Sand,seawater, wind-born dirt particles etc. Yes, use a filter. I very frequently use my Leicas at the beach (I walk there daily) and only occasionally wear a filter. Leica lenses are tough in that regard, but don't drop them!

 

Filters can (but not necessarily) degrade your image quality, mainly through reflections from/on the filter surface of light sources etc. During the uv/IR filter period necessary for the M8, I (and many others) experienced damned annoying flare from light sources finding the filter surface and spoiling an otherwise good image. With the advent of the M9, the filter is not necessary. Flare gone! (Well nearly gone). Currently, I am forced to work with my M8's again (M9 in hospital) and last week I shot three stage performances with "wild light". Some images were ruined because I was forced to use the UV/IR filers on all lenses, so I got some flare and reflections.

 

It's a personal choice of risk in the end.

[erl]

....snipped.....

Of course, if there is better filter for these types of shots... I'd love to know! I pick the UV because of the M8 and the B&W because it seems the same as Leica but cheaper. :-)

 

Do you mean the "UV/IR" because of the M8? ...... I suspect.

[masjah]

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I use UV filters to protect my expensive glass. Others have already pointed out particular circumstances when they might give rise to a problem.

 

In case anyone is interested, I think I have found that there is one other very specialised set of circumstances where I have found performance is adversely affected by such a filter, so I tend to avoid one. I use a 28/2.8 PC Super Anglulon R shift lens quite a lot for architectural photography. It has an oversized lens hood, and a plain glass disc UV filter can be screwed into the hood. But at maximum shift some of the light rays come in at a very extreme angle indeed, and I do believe that the presence of a parallel sided sheet of glass, with the slight lateral displacement of the oblique light rays, can affect the image quality. So I avoid the filter when safe to do so. (I've got two hoods, one with a filter and one without.)

[stunsworth]

I'd use a filter if I was shooting b&w film, shooting in a hazardous environment, or shooting with an M8.

 

Other than that I wouldn't use them, and the day I get an M9 and no longer have to use them is a day I'm looking forward to.

[budrichard]

Use the specific filter (they have a Model #) that Leica recommends for your specific lens. Other makes may have different dimensions that don't work in some cases. Don't worry about all the filter 'hype' from other manufactures, they are all basically the same if new and modern.-Dick

[Jaybob]

Since my beginnings in photography over 15 years ago, I have ALWAYS used a protective UV filter on the front my lenses. On the Nikkors, b+w and heliopan (nice!), and leitz on the leitz. I'd rather wipe a finger print off of a front of 90 to 150 dollar filter than the much more expensive front element of the lens itself. I would contend there's no difference in image quality if a high quality UV filter is in place or not in place, but I don't have any graphs or charts to back that up. But, every photo that I've ever taken, except for the ones with my 300 AF f2.8 Nikkor (no threads and enough of a extension hood to keep my hands away), has been front filtered with UV protection.

 

Have you ever emptied you camera bag of all its contents, and then flipped it over to clean it out? You'd be amazed at what comes out of that bad boy, lint, dirt, granola...plenty of stuff that I don't want anywhere near my optical surfaces. I'm also a big believer in the back and front lens cap, as well.

 

I would also much prefer the protective filter shatter upon a drop, than the front element get ruined. Hoods can help, too serving as first line of defense on a drop or a door frame collision, not to mention making your lens less prone to flare.

[aesop]

...no filters - protection for the len is always provided by the hood. Oh, I shoot strictly B&W.

[h_A_Z]

None for me. I feel that putting a "cheap" filter in front on an expensive lens is silly but that is just me

[maurometallo]

I have always had a Leica filter in front of my Leica glass.

There is no loss of detail whatsoever, and the peace of mind I get in return is priceless.

[jplomley]

Is there a difference in quality between the Leica UVa filters and the B+W 010 MRC? Does Leica actually manufacture the glass for their filters, or are they rebranded from another manufacturer?

[masjah]

Is there a difference in quality between the Leica UVa filters and the B+W 010 MRC? Does Leica actually manufacture the glass for their filters, or are they rebranded from another manufacturer?

 

I think the B+W 010 MRC are every bit as good as the Leica ones. Conventional folklore has it that Leica get their filters from B+W on an OEM basis. Some say that the Leica filters are "only" single coated, others say they are multi-coated. The glass in the Leica filters appears to be compliantly mounted, with some sort of spring holding it flat agains the inner rim, presumably to relieve any stresses.

 

I got a couple of Leica ones bought with my first two new R lenses, but I've been more than happy with the top range B+W since then.

[Jaybob]

It's kind of narrow in scope, but...

I use a remarkably pristine 5cm Summitar, a lens that has a pretty funky filter thread. It was VERY difficult to find that particular Wetzlar Leitz UV filter. I actually used a B+W for Summitar, but the barn door hood doesn't fit on when using that filter

[wildlightphoto]

I don't use protective filters.

[StS]

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[jplomley]

Damn! Thats nasty.

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Hallo,

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[andym911]

I never use filters except the IR Cut for the M8.

Never scratched a lens either....on my other cameras

 

No need unless you're careless or a collector in my opinion.

 

best

andy