Types of bw 486 filters

[eudemian]

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Is there any tangible difference between the various types of 486 filters?

For instance I have a slim 486 slim filter, and another wider 486 filter which is labelled F-Pro. Is the F-Pro significant or are the BW 486 filters basically the same.

I am confused over this issue, please help.

 

Tom

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[ken_tanaka]

The designation of "slim" has no relationship to the type of filter (i.e. a 486, UV, etc.). "Slim" refers to the thinness of the filter's ring. In some applications where two (or more) filters need to be stacked on a wide-angle lens the slim design helps to keep the filter from encroaching into the edges of the image. Slim filters generally must be at the top of such a stack, since they have no top threads.

[LJL]

The designation of "slim" has no relationship to the type of filter (i.e. a 486, UV, etc.). "Slim" refers to the thinness of the filter's ring. In some applications where two (or more) filters need to be stacked on a wide-angle lens the slim design helps to keep the filter from encroaching into the edges of the image. Slim filters generally must be at the top of such a stack, since they have no top threads.

 

 

Additionally, the "slim" filters appear to have a slightly larger outer diameter than the F-Pro models. This is to further help offset the vignetting on very wide angle lenses. The downsides to the "slim" filters (aside from costing a bit more), are that they do not have the front filter thread for any lens hoods or lens caps, and because they are just a bit larger in diameter, they may interfere with attaching lens hoods past them. This is true for my CV 35/1.2 and a B+W "slim" filter. The CV lens hood does not clear the filter for mounting. just my observations.

 

LJ

[eudemian]

Perhaps I should make my confusion a little more precise.

Is there any difference in the UV/ir filtering capability of the different types of 486 bW filters?

My suspicion was raised because the slim variety without the F-Pro stamp seems less effective in filtering ir contamination, I may be wrong here, hence the question

Thanks for the replies, I wasn't aware of these repurcussions with slim filters. Thanks.

 

Tom

[LJL]

Thomas,

There is no difference in the filter performance with respect to eliminating the UV/IR that they are designed for. I have both slim and F-Pro in the exact same size and have tested this a few times myself under heavy IR contaminated light. They performed identically, as best I could tell. Hope that gets more to your specific question.

 

LJ

[albertknappmd]

B+W IR/UV filters are made for Leica. Theoretically, there should be no difference at all in their performance. A slim filter glass thickness is equal to the standard F-Pro thickness.

THE PROBLEM ARISES IN THE USE OF LENS HOODS. As mentionned before, the slim filters are a bit wider than the standard or F-PRO rings and this interferes with the lens hood mounts. I have had this problem with the 24mm f/2.8 where the slim will not allow the lens hood to remain mounted... Luckily you don't need a slim with the M8 as the crop factor makes the 24 into a 30-31mm.

As a general rule, the F-Pro filter rings will not vignette on lenses with a filter length of 30mm or greater. B+W says that the 28mm is also free of vignetting but I have played it safe on my 28-90mm zoomlens for my DMR by using the slim filters. Extra caution never hurts.