Filter recommendation for XV

[symmetron]

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I know the filter size is 43 mm. B+W 010M seems like a decent UV filter and, according to Amazon, it's a slim line.

 

Just not sure if I should use one (for protection only). What's the current thinking re the XV and filters.

 

Not interested in starting a filter vs. no filter general discussion. Just interested in XV situation.

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[dkCambridgeshire]

If using any camera in an environment which might be or is known to be dusty then a filter makes sense. Some say a filter will degrade the image by virtue of the extra glass/air surfaces but even if this is true the effect's likely to be negligible. I have an X Vario and so far have not fitted a filter - but I have fitted the lens hood. I have a filter to use if the need arises eg if I encounter a dusty environment. Personally I would not use a filter permanently - especially now the lens hood offers protection ie lessens risk of scratches and fingermarks. Lens coatings are usually tough and can withstand cleaning without risk of scratching if the cleaning is done properly. Using a blower bulb can remove dust and moist cleaning (moistening the glass with a 'huff' of moist breath) prevents scratches when applying eg a micro fibre lens cloth or lens tissue. Never use a lens cloth or tissue on dry glass.

 

dunk

[euston]

I reckon the screw-on lens hood provides sufficient protection. I did try a Hoya UV filter but found that vignetting occurred at the wider focal lengths when used with the lens hood. The slim line has no filter thread so is only an option as long as you don’t plan to use the lens hood with it.

 

So it comes down to a choice between lens hood or filter. Or both but not at the same time.

 

My conclusion was that the lens hood is more useful for maintaining decent contrast in images than the filter is for protecting the lens.

[symmetron]

Thanks. My main concern was spurious reflections from the filter (and possible vignetting). I haven't sprung for the Leica lens hood yet.

[dkCambridgeshire]

Thanks. My main concern was spurious reflections from the filter (and possible vignetting). I haven't sprung for the Leica lens hood yet.

 

Good quality coated filters do not usually cause spurious reflections. Vignetting is unlikely unless the hood is screwed onto the filter.

 

Maybe you worry too much about low risk irrelevancies ... e.g you were concerned about the three tiny speaker holes in your X1 recently and the possibility of water ingress so you put tape over them ... it ain't gonna happen!

 

Just use your camera and enjoy it

 

dunk

[symmetron]

dkpeterborough,

 

If you have nothing useful to write then don't. In reference to your last ridiculous and pedantic lecture about water surfactance, I decided not to respond. For you information, I am a working Physicist who has owned a company of forty Physicists and Electrical Engineers; so spare me the lecture. I, and this forum, don't really need or appreciate your comments.

[dkCambridgeshire]

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dkpeterborough,

 

If you have nothing useful to write then don't. In reference to your last ridiculous and pedantic lecture about water surfactance, I decided not to respond. For you information, I am a working Physicist who has owned a company of forty Physicists and Electrical Engineers; so spare me the lecture. I, and this forum, don't really need or appreciate your comments.

 

 

No offence was intended. If you are a professional physicist you should be able to figure out whether or not to use a filter yourself without having to ask. After all, it's not exactly rocket science.

 

dunk

[symmetron]

I've used UV filters on my M series lenses for protection and, in some occasions, it caused spurious secondary reflections when photographing a point light source. Never had issues with my R series. Some Leica lenses, as well as any brand lenses, regardless of coatings, tend to produce secondary reflections primarily due to the shape of the outer element. My inquiry was to whether there have been similar issues on the X Vario, and not the general use of filters.

 

I travel extensively and use my Leicas in somewhat harsh environments. I don't baby my cameras, but, nevertheless, do not want to incur unnecessary damages which can be avoided by simple measures,

[Carduelis]

I have just recently bought a 43 mm B&W 010M UV-Haze filter for my X Vario primarily to protect the front of the lens and I believe it enhances the sky. That is personal preference over buying the lens hood. If you are ever going to buy a graduated filter for the X Vario such as the Lee RF75 system, it appears from the Robert White u-tube video that a filter is useful in counteracting a slight inward retraction of the zoom around 50 mm focal length.

 

[symmetron]

Thanks. It seems the addition of the UV filter has no negative effects.

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dkpeterborough,

If you have nothing useful to write then don't. In reference to your last ridiculous and pedantic lecture about water surfactance, I decided not to respond. For you information, I am a working Physicist who has owned a company of forty Physicists and Electrical Engineers; so spare me the lecture. I, and this forum, don't really need or appreciate your comments.

Joseph,

Please do not presume upon the needs of this forum. Dunk is a respected and knowledgeable member of this forum. It would have been quite sufficient for you to point out that in this particular instance his advice was not well informed. Your response I quoted above is a breach of good manners and not consistent with this forum's rules.