WATE adapter

[AlanJW]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I have now received my WATE filter adapter from John Milich, who is wonderfully responsive. But can someone post (and maybe sticky) the exact procedure for getting the filter/glass into the adapter? I can't seem to find either a diagram or directions. I also understand that the procedure is different for a B+W than for a Leica 49mm filter, and since I am waiting for the Leica, it would be helpful to understand what I am going to need to do to get it assembled once it arrives (hopefully next week). Thanks.

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[ho_co]

Alan--

I hope I can be of help. I haven't done it yet but can list what others have said.

 

1) Recommendation is to use only the Leica filter on the WATE.

 

2) Trouble with that is that the Leica filter is differently assembled from the B+W filter, and the WATE adapter needs the retaining ring from the B+W filter.

 

3) Upshot: You need both a Leica and a B+W E49 UV/IR-cut filter.

 

4) Disassemble both filters. Put the glass from the Leica filter into John's adapter. Put the glass from the B+W filter into the Leica filter mount, holding it in place with the Leica filter retaining spring.

 

4a) How to disassemble the Leica filter: http://www.leica-camera-user.com/digital-forum/19863-need-help-wate-4.html#post233836

4b) How to disassemble the B+W filter: use the Lens Ring Tool Set - Part #: LRSET

 

5) Secure the glass in the WATE adapter by using the B+W retaining ring and the lens-ring removal set.

 

Best bet is to see that the IR-cut side of the filter is mounted on the lens side, the AR coated side to the outside. Reason: AR side is more resilient. How to tell which side is which: gently touch the corner of a piece of paper to the filter. If the paper looks as if it touches the filter surface, it is touching the IR-cut side. If the paper looks as if it is slightly out of contact with the filter surface, it is touching the anti-reflective side.

 

Experiments by Sean and Guy and others (subjected also to my interpretation) have indicated that B+W, Heliopan, Schneider, Edmund and Leica filters are all about equally useful on lenses longer than about 21mm. For the M8's firmware to correct the WATE properly, the Leica filter is by far the best and the only recommended one.

 

I hope this helps.

 

--HC

[sean_reid]

Alan--

I hope I can be of help. I haven't done it yet but can list what others have said.

 

1) Recommendation is to use only the Leica filter on the WATE.

 

2) Trouble with that is that the Leica filter is differently assembled from the B+W filter, and the WATE adapter needs the retaining ring from the B+W filter.

 

3) Upshot: You need both a Leica and a B+W E49 UV/IR-cut filter.

 

4) Disassemble both filters. Put the glass from the Leica filter into John's adapter. Put the glass from the B+W filter into the Leica filter mount, holding it in place with the Leica filter retaining spring.

 

4a) How to disassemble the Leica filter: http://www.leica-camera-user.com/digital-forum/19863-need-help-wate-4.html#post233836

4b) How to disassemble the B+W filter: use the Lens Ring Tool Set - Part #: LRSET

 

5) Secure the glass in the WATE adapter by using the B+W retaining ring and the lens-ring removal set.

 

Best bet is to see that the IR-cut side of the filter is mounted on the lens side, the AR coated side to the outside. Reason: AR side is more resilient. How to tell which side is which: gently touch the corner of a piece of paper to the filter. If the paper looks as if it touches the filter surface, it is touching the IR-cut side. If the paper looks as if it is slightly out of contact with the filter surface, it is touching the anti-reflective side.

 

Experiments by Sean and Guy and others (subjected also to my interpretation) have indicated that B+W, Heliopan, Schneider, Edmund and Leica filters are all about equally useful on lenses longer than about 21mm. For the M8's firmware to correct the WATE properly, the Leica filter is by far the best and the only recommended one.

 

I hope this helps.

 

--HC

 

Hi Howard,

 

Thanks for the tips. Just a clarification. My tests are showing that the 486 and Leica filters are both working well, with the new firmware, on the two current Leica 28s and 35 cron. Have not yet tested the 24 (need a 55 Leica filter) but expect 486 to be OK there as well. At 21 and wider the Leica filter seems to be the best choice.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

[Guest guy_mancuso]

Now if I may ad something, you really want the Leica filter in the Wate adapter so if your willing to wait than you don't need the B+W IR filter but you need the retaining ring from B+W and you can steal one of those from any cheaper 49mm filter and maybe Tiffen or Hoya uses a screw in retaining ring.

 

 

Bottom line is the leica filter works on all settings perfectly on this lens is a must . But you can also cheat here if you want to use the B+W for now at 21mm focal length set lens option for 18mm and at 18mm focal length set lens menu at 16mm but 16mm there is no hope for until you get the leica filter.

 

This is just one of those must have Leica filters to get so if any forum member happens to see Leica 49mm IR cut filters buy them for the WATE users, WE WANT THOSE FILTERS. LOL

 

I need one to return to back to a forum member so I am on the hunt myself for actually 2 of them. I mentioned this to Tony at Pop Flash that LUF members need these for the WATE

 

Howard that is twice today you have written so perfectly to describe a process, your a machine . This forum owes you big time. LOL

[jlm]

later this week I will have made a pile of retaining rings that fit the adapter. e-mail me if you need one.

you only need one if you do/will not use the B+W filter glass.

jm@milich.com

[bradhusick]

Hi Howard,

 

Thanks for the tips. Just a clarification. My tests are showing that the 486 and Leica filters are both working well, with the new firmware, on the two current Leica 28s and 35 cron. Have not yet tested the 24 (need a 55 Leica filter) but expect 486 to be OK there as well. At 21 and wider the Leica filter seems to be the best choice.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

 

Sean is right. In addition, I have tested the B+W 489 filter in the WATE adapter and I have found it to be an excellent solution with no cyan corner problems whatsoever. You can see my test results in the "WATE filtered" thread.

-Brad