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Source for secure 39mm lens caps


FredR

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When I hike, I walk with my M6TTL hanging against my side on a Leicagoodies loop strap.  I've used aftermarket plastic lens caps that have a pair of retractable tangs to catch the inside threads of the front of the lens or filter, but they've disappeared just from rubbing against my clothing.

 

Is there a source for 39mm lens caps with a good solid grip?  They should be deep enough to slide over a filter while gripping the lens.  I don't care about originality, Leica script or collectible value.

 

Thanks.

 

Fred

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Having mentioned it before, Heavystar.  You can get ten 39 mm spring loaded caps for ten USD.  They hold well and if you loose one it's not a tragedy.

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Thanks, guys.  Those spring-type caps are the ones I knock off.  

 

I searched for the metal screw-in caps on eBay, but I've decided to try the screw-in plastic caps that also came up in the search.  Why plastic?  To make it less likely that I'll damage threads on the lens or filter.  If they're a hassle, I'll try the metal.

 

Fred

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Is there a source for 39mm lens caps with a good solid grip?  They should be deep enough to slide over a filter while gripping the lens.  I don't care about originality, Leica script or collectible value.

 

 

You've got two solutions, a clip on cap or a slide on cap, and two consequent problems.

 

Clip on caps usually work OK if you don't have a filter on the lens, in which case the threads are too shallow to allow the cap to grab enough filter thread, so the cap falls off. The slide on caps can be OK directly on the lens, but if you have a filter and it's a fraction smaller in diameter it holds the cap too far away from the front ring and so it doesn't get a good grip, so the cap falls off. I'd say don't bother with a cap at all and just use a B+W MRC UV filter that can be cleaned on a sweaty tee-shirt with no ill effect.

 

Steve

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I buy locally cheap knock off lens caps for any lens I like to use a plastic cap which I can replace easily when lost.

 

There are basically two different types:

 

- flat, compact with two outer push buttons

- thicker style - knock off from original late "Nikon" style cap opening from the side AND from the front

 

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=E39+lens+cap&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.XE39+lens+cap+plastic.TRS1&_nkw=E39+lens+cap+plastic&_sacat=0

 

I prefer the "Nikon" style caps, as you can easily use them with most lens hoods on.

 

When using filters, the flat style mostly sits more secure and is not as easily lost.

 

This is how the "Nikon" style looks like (also available without the funky rubber strap:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/39mm-Front-Lens-Cap-Hood-Cover-Snap-on-For-Canon-Nikon-Pentax-Fuji-Sony-Leica-/261742971229?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cf118c95d

 

This is how the generic flat style looks like:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5pcs-Lens-Cap-25mm-27mm-28mm-30mm-30-5mm-34mm-37mm-39mm-40-5mm-43mm-46mm-49mm-/391154486035?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5b129fcb13

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Is that 42mm spec the outside diameter where inside threads are 39mm?  My four lenses take 39mm filters.

 

Fred

Yes, most 39 mm threaded lenses have 42 mm outside diameter - except for those with special hood attachment, like the 2.5 Summarits.

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You've got two solutions, a clip on cap or a slide on cap, and two consequent problems.

 

Clip on caps usually work OK if you don't have a filter on the lens, in which case the threads are too shallow to allow the cap to grab enough filter thread, so the cap falls off. The slide on caps can be OK directly on the lens, but if you have a filter and it's a fraction smaller in diameter it holds the cap too far away from the front ring and so it doesn't get a good grip, so the cap falls off. I'd say don't bother with a cap at all and just use a B+W MRC UV filter that can be cleaned on a sweaty tee-shirt with no ill effect.

 

Steve

If the slide on metal caps are a bit on the loose side I simply push the edges a bit oval.
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I searched for the metal screw-in caps on eBay, but I've decided to try the screw-in plastic caps that also came up in the search.  Why plastic?  To make it less likely that I'll damage threads on the lens or filter. 

 

Verdict on the plastic:  The threads on the plastic screw-on caps are too coarse, and do not engage the threads on the lens.  Rather than catching at all, the cap just falls off.  Forget trying to screw them onto the filter!

 

Fred

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I use lens caps only for storage. No danger of loosing them since they are left in the bag. In my early Leica days (switching from DSLR), too many a times I pressed shutter only to realize that I have lens cap on. My solution now is not to have lens cap and rely on hood and filter (optional) alone.

 

But if you have to then it's better to go with cheaper caps and keep extra ones in the bag. However secure they are, all have tendency to disappear.

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