UV (not IR) Filter Use

[gib_robinson]

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I have a set of UV filters which usually sits at home because I have always been reluctant to put anything over a Leica lens. However, I have been photographing regularly near the ocean. Should I use them there? Is salt corrosive enough to warrant that? And, even more to the point, do people routinely use UV filters for protection on their M9s?

 

I did try to do a search to find threads on this topic but the ones I found all had to do with using IR filters, not just plain UVa's. I suspect there ARE threads on this topic but I couldn't find them. Apologies to those who search more creatively. By all means, point me to the threads but please also give me your opinions.

 

Thanks,

 

--Gib

[msteber]

Gib

 

There was a "bareback" thread the other day that I responded to. I would say for sand and surf you definitely want to use some protection. I use B+W 007s, as many others here do. Many others eschew filter use in general.

 

After some serious pixel peeping I came to the conclusion that keeping them on all the time was best for me. Good luck figuring it out.

 

Mark

[hoppyman]

Gib, I do recommend a good quality UV for general impact and cleaning protection in addition to its optical properties. I use the BW ones others have mentioned. Do keep in mind that blown sand and corrosive salt atmosphere are very bad for camera electronics and mechnisms as well as optical surfaces.

[gib_robinson]

Thanks for the replies.

 

This forum does seem to be agnostic about regular filter use. For me the filter-use issue I am most likely to deal with is ocean spray, not sand. I'm generally above the water by 10-20 meters. I guess salt can be corrosive even if its cleaned off after each day's use.

 

--Gib

[FredSF]

I personally use a Leica UV filter at all times. I've heard I should take it out when shooting stuff like northern lights... however for practical reasons, I always leave it on, and it doesn't seem to alter the lens performance whatsoever.

[Xmas]

I personally use a Leica UV filter at all times. I've heard I should take it out when shooting stuff like northern lights... however for practical reasons, I always leave it on, and it doesn't seem to alter the lens performance whatsoever.

Hi Fred

 

The UV filter should be ok for Northern lights, diffuse glow is not like sun or street light.

 

But you should use a lens hood in case there was a steet light just out of frame, last thing you need is an iris image...

 

But the key thing is impact damage, Leica lens filter rings are difficult to straighten, not imposible. but...

 

Hoods and filters cheaper than rebuild at Solms, or loss of 2nd hand value.

 

If you have a cron or lux with built on hood then a Heave star screw in hood (Google) may look horrible but they work ok as hoods and will also absorb a real hard knock, filter rings may not be enough.

 

Sea gull adverse 'comment' on hard coating is not nice.

 

Noel..

[pico]

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A UV filter is basically a protective window. No significant Ultra Violet penetrates a lens anyway.

 

A Skylight filter helps defeat haze. IOW, it looks almost clear but it is not.

 

IR filters are from deep red to almost opaque and useful only with infrared film.

[earleygallery]

Leica Rules & Regulations No.3

 

"The Leica photographer must not under any circumstances degrade the quality of their Leica lenses by the use of filters, never, ever".

 

The rule was rewritten a few years ago....

 

"The Leica (M8) photographer may use UVIR filters at any time, and all the time. It results in better image quality, a clever design by Leica to minimise the sensor filtration and allow you to use a filter in front of your lens, with the additional benefits of protecting the front lens element".

 

Since the M9 was released the latest rule book has reverted to version 1.