sml_photo Posted May 12, 2015 Share #1 Posted May 12, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) Just wondering.... As I posted here the other day, I just got a silver 50mm Summilux ASPH. I've been using it without a filter and I don't feel comfortable.....I've been using filters on all the lenses on all my cameras for 45 years! So, I went to buy the E46 silver Leica Uva filter, but they are out of stock everywhere. With no estimated time of availability. So, I figured I may as well get a black one...after all, the cap is black anyways, and with the hood pulled out, what's the difference. And, for that matter, what's the difference anyways! haha But...I am wondering about how the filter works with the cap and hood. With the filter in place, does the cap still go on while the hood is not being used? And, if I decide to go with a B+W instead of a Leica filter, does the cap fit on those, too? I'd hate to get a filter and then find out that the cap doesn't fit! Any experience with filters on this lens? (And...why is the silver lens not available? Seems weird to me.) One more question: Since I've been shooting without a filter, the lens is getting dust, etc. What is the recommended material to use for cleaning the lens...a lens pen? (I read that the eyeglass cloths are NOT recommended.) Thanks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 12, 2015 Posted May 12, 2015 Hi sml_photo, Take a look here E46 filter on the 50mm Summilux ASPH. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
cbretteville Posted May 12, 2015 Share #2 Posted May 12, 2015 You could just get a silver B+W filter. By many considered to be on par with Leica's or better. The cap still works as before. To clean a lens I use a lens brush from a lens pen for the loose stuff like dust. This takes care of 98% of my needs, then I use the other end of the lens pen for the rest. Best, Carl Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sml_photo Posted May 12, 2015 Author Share #3 Posted May 12, 2015 I can't seem to find a new silver B+W filter, either. But, I'll keep looking. I don't "need" it right away...obviously. Thanks for the cleaning suggestion. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
microview Posted May 13, 2015 Share #4 Posted May 13, 2015 I'd suggest a blower for the front of the lens. I recall that a lens brush I had, that came free with a magazine, was fine but, after a while, when used left a greasy mark across the lens. Resorted to disposable Zeiss impregnated lens cleaning 'tissue' for that occasion. I guess a brush needs to be stored in an impermeable container when not in use, and not left lying around somewhere. BTW interesting pics on your web pages. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted May 13, 2015 Share #5 Posted May 13, 2015 I went to buy the E46 silver Leica Uva filter, but they are out of stock everywhere Did you try there? http://leicastoremiami.com/products/leica-e46-uva-ir-filter-silver Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sml_photo Posted May 13, 2015 Author Share #6 Posted May 13, 2015 BTW interesting pics on your web pages. Thanks SO much! Appreciated. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sml_photo Posted May 13, 2015 Author Share #7 Posted May 13, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) Did you try there? http://leicastoremiami.com/products/leica-e46-uva-ir-filter-silver Yes...that is the IR filter, though. Thanks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
erl Posted May 13, 2015 Share #8 Posted May 13, 2015 You don't say which camera(s) you are using the lens on. This, IMO, does/can have an effect. Any of the digital Leica M's may benefit from an IR cut filter instead of a UV filter. Re cleaning your lens element. I am against brushes. I prefer lens cleaning tissues because you use a new/clean tool each time. ie no carried over dirrt from previous cleaning. Pre emt this always with a blower brush to dislodge larger dirt that can work like sandpaper under the tissue. Leica boast that their lenses and coatings are adequately tough to handle reasonably vigorous cleaning. Personally I don't like to test the statement. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted May 13, 2015 Share #9 Posted May 13, 2015 But...I am wondering about how the filter works with the cap and hood. With the filter in place, does the cap still go on while the hood is not being used? In my experience the cap doesn't fit as well because the filter threads aren't as deep as the threads on the lens, so the cap has less to grip on to, it still fits though. But Leica caps are pretty useless anyway so with a filter on you can leave the cap at home and it's one thing less to lose. Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
james.liam Posted May 13, 2015 Share #10 Posted May 13, 2015 Adorama has them in stock AND at a 29% discount off list: http://www.adorama.com/LC46UVS.html Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sml_photo Posted May 14, 2015 Author Share #11 Posted May 14, 2015 On backorder at most or all US dealers. Strange. Thanks much, james.liam. Appreciated. (I did find them on eBay from an overseas source...) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sml_photo Posted May 17, 2015 Author Share #12 Posted May 17, 2015 So here's what I did: Turns out the silver filter is not available at stores in the US...as far as I can tell. I did find a used one at a local store.... The black Leica E46 is apparently also not in great supply. I wrote to Leica in Germany and apparently they are simply not available and they don't anticipate them soon. The advice they offered was to consider black B+W or Heliopan, but to first make sure they fit inside the sliding lens hood of the lens. It's really NOT a big deal (silver versus black) but if I had my druthers, I'd prefer silver... So, I found a dealer on eBay with a top rating in Seoul, South Korea who is selling them for about the same price (including the shipping from South Korea!) as B&H. Full return available, full guarantee, new/unused. I ordered it Thursday and it is being delivered tomorrow (Monday)! (It's actually at the local FedEx sorting facility since yesterday.) Wow. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sml_photo Posted May 22, 2015 Author Share #13 Posted May 22, 2015 What a riot! I checked all over and no one had the filter. I was told they were on backorder with an indefinite delivery. After getting a message from Leica last week that said, "Unfortunately we do not provide this filter size any longer" I ordered it from a dealer from South Korea that I found on eBay (Shinsedae Camera) and it came on Monday. Today, I got an e-mail from B&H saying they are back in stock. Not a big deal...effectively the same price. I just don't understand why someone in the pipeline couldn't have said they'd be coming in a week...especially in light of the opposite message I got! I needed/wanted it before a trip and it would have been nice to know it was coming soon. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hiepphotog Posted May 22, 2015 Share #14 Posted May 22, 2015 FWIW, the Hoya HD2 UV filter fits perfectly on this lens if you don't care about the color. It's supposed to have better coatings than the Leica's. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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