ND Filters & Protectors

[juju01]

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Are front end lens protectors a must? Been thinking about getting a clear protector for my Summilux 35 FLE but got a few questions:

 

Does the use of the filter negate the use of the hood of the 35 FLE?

What about if I use a variable ND filter? Will that double as a front end protector as well? Is that something you have on the lens permanently or just for situations when you need it? ( the ND filter I mean)

 

Thx

[Bill W]

I always use a uv filter as well as the provided hood on all my lens. An ND filter is usually for certain lighting situations and not an every day use item at least for me.

[IWC Doppel]

I only use ND filters when I want to use lenses wide open in bright lighti conditions 3 stop ND filters are for me a good compromise in the UK

 

I never use protective filters, walk with my M in hand and usually with a protective hood, but not always. I am quite clumsy, but glad to say all lenses are perfect. I know some will disagree but why add a flare prone lump of glass and compromise the lens performance ?

 

Okay I might exaggerate with lens performance but if youve ever seen shots from a camera with a stack if filters on you know it has some impact

[stevesurf]

With the 35mm FLE using the very popular 46mm size, it's like an investment of protection to put a decent, thin ring filter on it, like the B+W 66-030559 or the more advanced B+W 66-1073872 which beads up water better.

 

I live in Phoenix, so I do my best to remember an ND filter when I want to use a larger aperture, again, the 46mm is a popular size I use with multiple lenses.

[M9reno]

For whatever it's worth this is my current 'uv filter policy':

 

Take one along in its case.

 

Put it on the lens if there are conditions that concern you. This is subjective. Iin my case it is conditions that might damage or soil the front element (rain, sand...).

 

Keep it off otherwise.

[250swb]

Use an ND filter to reduce the amount of light, but use a good quality UV filter to stop dust getting on the lens and if you don't use lens caps. Don't stack them though.

 

As image quality seems to be high on the agenda people who want the best will of course always be using a tripod ( yeah) to achieve ultimate image quality, otherwise there is little point in piffling about worrying if a UV filter will degrade the image when using the camera hand held. You won't notice the difference in image quality, a UV instead of a lens cap may even mean you don't miss a great picture, and being able to clean it quickly without going through a ritualistic routine is a definite bonus when out and about.

 

Steve

[StephenPatterson]

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The only time I take the UVa filter off is at night, as I have had problems with "green ghost" internal reflections from strong point light sources.

[mirekti]

I have two 46mm, and two 49mm lenses.

I use UV/IR cut as a protection filter on all lenses except the 21mm. It reduces the IR contamination too. I also remove these filters at night. Apart from it, I have a 46mm 3 stop ND which is very useful during the day for 35 FLE.

As I wanted to reduce the total number of filters I have bought a B+W 49->46mm adapter and 49mm 6 stops, 10 stops, and Linear polarizer filters, which makes my bag contain only four filters in a pocket at the time.

All filters are B+W.

[algrove]

The only time I take the UVa filter off is at night, as I have had problems with "green ghost" internal reflections from strong point light sources.

 

+1

 

I would imagine a variable ND filter could be a bit much with hood attached. I find ND filters and filter changes much easier to use with lenses that have retractable lens hoods.

[Jeff S]

This fun demo from lensrentals shows that stacking high quality filters can be less problematic than using 'bad' filters.

 

If you're going to use filters, use good ones.

 

Jeff

[juju01]

So what are some of the best 43mm UV fillers out there? @Stevesurf mentioned one that beads better in rain. What should I be looking for? Thank you all for wonderful suggestions.

[mirekti]

This fun demo

 

 

 

 

In one of the comments someone claimed a Canon front element for 70-200 cost $70ish. I wonder what is Leica price range for a front element.

Had there be no IR contamination I wouldn't use any filter at all.

[Jeff S]

So what are some of the best 43mm UV fillers out there? @Stevesurf mentioned one that beads better in rain. What should I be looking for? Thank you all for wonderful suggestions.

 

Basically ones with quality glass and effective coatings. B&W (Schneider) or Heliopan are generally well regarded brands.

 

I prefer a hood with no filter unless there's a specific reason, like with my M8.2.

 

Jeff

[MarkP]

I always use protective B+W MRC (multi resistant coating) filters except sometimes at night.

[MarkP]

In one of the comments someone claimed a Canon front element for 70-200 cost $70ish. I wonder what is Leica price range for a front element.

 

You can't buy a Leica filter for $70

[Mrclubike]

What about the ones mark "E Leitz NY SL" Is this a Skylight filter that can be used for protection

I see these on the Bay

[stevesurf]

So what are some of the best 43mm UV fillers out there? @Stevesurf mentioned one that beads better in rain. What should I be looking for? Thank you all for wonderful suggestions.

 

Hi Jeff, that type of B+W that I've been using has the "Nano" coating, an additional treatment that allows water to bead. Here's a video that shows an example:

 

[keithlaban.co.uk]

I've never used a lens without a UV filter.

 

Actually, I lie, my box brownie never had a filter on the lens

[Tonki-M]

If i know i would be using other filters like ND filter, Lee filter, or color filters, i leave UV at home, but if i go shoot street with my M for example, i put on the UV and shoot away without any worries.

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[jankap]

I have to. Sorry.

Hopefully, all lens protecting people also wear specs to protect the eyes.

Jan

PS

I only use polafilters, but I am thinking of a 3ND for my Lux.