Leica M and Lee Filter Seven5 system

[Tmuussoni]

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Hi.

I have used SEM 21 and Lee Seven5 with up to 3 filters stacked for couple of years now. And I never considered vignetting to be that problematic even if you stack up to 3 filters. And slight vignetting can be easily fixed at base ISO anyway. Note that I never tried together with B+W CPL however. I think it's worth investing in Lee CPL. Main weakness of Lee CPL is it's price and I think I hear it's only single coated.

Couple of examples with Big stopper, gradient filter and CPL:

[stephengv]

Great shots! 

 

 

When you stated, ""and I never considered vignetting to be that problematic even if you stack up to 3 filters. And slight vignetting can be easily fixed at base ISO anyway"  you meant that there is vignetting but manageable? 

 

Hi.

I have used SEM 21 and Lee Seven5 with up to 3 filters stacked for couple of years now. And I never considered vignetting to be that problematic even if you stack up to 3 filters. And slight vignetting can be easily fixed at base ISO anyway. Note that I never tried together with B+W CPL however. I think it's worth investing in Lee CPL. Main weakness of Lee CPL is it's price and I think I hear it's only single coated.

Couple of examples with Big stopper, gradient filter and CPL:

[pedaes]

Thanks for the reply. So your saying my 21CV or my "future lens" 21 SEM haha, won't vignette? 

 

You can check, but according to Lee, 21 SEM won't vignette with any of their filters. You need to check a screw in CPL though, as it is a thick mount.

[stephengv]

I have a friend, he told me that I can use the 100mm Filter instead of the Seven5 to prevent any vignetting. I will just need to buy step up rings (39mm to 58mm) . Anyone tried this? 

[Tmuussoni]

Great shots! 

 

 

When you stated, ""and I never considered vignetting to be that problematic even if you stack up to 3 filters. And slight vignetting can be easily fixed at base ISO anyway"  you meant that there is vignetting but manageable? 

 

It is my understanding that once you start stacking up filters it might cause more vignetting. So yes, there is some vignetting if I have 3 filters stacked. But like I said it's really not bad and Photoshop fixes this easily. And there is no vignetting with if only one or two filters are used.  Filter holder systems such as Lee Seven5 and 100mm system always have less vignetting than using threaded filters.  Especially when stacking them. So it's a good investment. If you are going for the 100mm system I would recommended other brands than Lee though. Like Formatt Hitech, because they are much cheaper than Lee. You can use both Lee and Formatt Hitech filters with both system. The filters are same thickness as far as I know. 100mm systems might have slightly less vignetting than smaller systems (Seven5) when using UWAs. I bought the Lee Seven5 because it's simply smaller and easier to carry when hiking. The downside is maximum filter size is only 72mm and it's very expensive system. If you are also using lenses with bigger than 72mm thread then definitely would buy the 100mm system. Anyway, since Leica M is a rangefinder system, and I'm sure you are aware of this, but using the filter holders is only usable when using EVF or Live View. They are not really designed for using with the optical viewfinder. Blockage is just too severe. Awesome in landscape use with Live View, though.

 

Good luck in your decision!

[stephengv]

Again thank you for the reply. Your right vignetting can be fix in post.

 

I got confused, what I really meant was, will stacking three filters amount to let say, the filter holder will be visible in the image?  That's what I meant

 

 

Still not sure whether to get the Seven5 or the 100m, considering that I also have my Canon system. However, the reason I mainly use the Leica system is for the compactness of the system. So adding a 100mm filter will add to the bulk. 

 

 

It is my understanding that once you start stacking up filters it might cause more vignetting. So yes, there is some vignetting if I have 3 filters stacked. But like I said it's really not bad and Photoshop fixes this easily. And there is no vignetting with if only one or two filters are used.  Filter holder systems such as Lee Seven5 and 100mm system always have less vignetting than using threaded filters.  Especially when stacking them. So it's a good investment. If you are going for the 100mm system I would recommended other brands than Lee though. Like Formatt Hitech, because they are much cheaper than Lee. You can use both Lee and Formatt Hitech filters with both system. The filters are same thickness as far as I know. 100mm systems might have slightly less vignetting than smaller systems (Seven5) when using UWAs. I bought the Lee Seven5 because it's simply smaller and easier to carry when hiking. The downside is maximum filter size is only 72mm and it's very expensive system. If you are also using lenses with bigger than 72mm thread then definitely would buy the 100mm system. Anyway, since Leica M is a rangefinder system, and I'm sure you are aware of this, but using the filter holders is only usable when using EVF or Live View. They are not really designed for using with the optical viewfinder. Blockage is just too severe. Awesome in landscape use with Live View, though.

Good luck in your decision!

[djmay]

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I have a friend, he told me that I can use the 100mm Filter instead of the Seven5 to prevent any vignetting. I will just need to buy step up rings (39mm to 58mm) . Anyone tried this?

Yes. I have used M9, with step up rings, with 28, 50 and 90mm lenses.

Jesse

 

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[jlindstrom]

Couple of examples with Big stopper, gradient filter and CPL:

 

 

These images blow my mind.. each time I check this thread I'll check these again and again. Simply outstanding photos with great athmosphere. Well done!

 

 

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