Polarizing Filter - Film Leica

[B-A-C]

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Dumb question - is there any way to effectively use a circular polarizer on a film M?  I'm thinking not.  Thanks

[FrozenInTime]

It's easy if you have a meter in the camera - M5,M6,M7,MP :

Just spin the polarizer for minimum light reading ( I often use this method in A mode on the M9 )

 

If you don't have a meter there is the Leica flip polarizer #13359 - but it's pricy and does not fit all lenses.

 

It's also possible to add a calibration mark on the polarizer and orientate that towards the sun - see Kenko 

 

( just found this useful page - http://lavidaleica.com/content/polarizers-and-m-system )

[B-A-C]

Thank you

[jaapv]

The above method will not allow you to vary the effect in a controlled manner. With this solution you will be able to see the effect through the viewfinder.

The most elegant and expensive solution is the Leica swing-out linear polfilter. There is no reason at all to use a circular polfilter on a Leica M.

 

 

http://www.leicagoodies.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can make this yourself as well from a cheap aluminium step-up ring using a Dremel.

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[250swb]

You can buy a filter and add marks around the edge (different coloured paint is a good idea), hold it in front of your eye to get the effect you want then note the position of the top paint mark, screw it on the lens and align the mark in the same place. But all methods on a film rangefinder are a bit clunky.

[wattsy]

There is no reason at all to use a circular polfilter on a Leica M.

 

 

Other than it might be what somebody already owns but i take your point.

[Mark II]

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The above method will not allow you to vary the effect in a controlled manner. With this solution you will be able to see the effect through the viewfinder.

The most elegant and expensive solution is the Leica swing-out linear polfilter. There is no reason at all to use a circular polfilter on a Leica M.

 

http://www.leicagoodies.com/

 

You can make this yourself as well from a cheap aluminium step-up ring using a Dremel.

 

 

I am not sure that I would recommend the STEPS type polarising solution. With 35mm or wider lenses and strong sunlight it is possible to get light reflected from the camera body to the filter and then in to the image. For example, this is an image taken using the 21mm SEM and the Leica E67/E49 adapter (which, to be fair, is intended to be used with the Tri Elmar):

 

 

Those pink things that you can see are light being reflected off my fingers (holding the focusing ring). Obviously this is going to be worse with wider angles, but I mainly use this filter with the ZM 1,4/35, and even there I get occasional shots where there are scattered light artefacts.

 

FWIW, this only happens with extremely bright sunlight, but it is still annoying nonetheless.

 

I have yet to find an ideal solution for polarising filters on the Leica, digital or film. I suspect that the flip-up type solution offered by Leica themselves is probably the best option, but 500€ for what seems to be a very awkward mechanical contraption means that I am unlikely to try it...

[wlaidlaw]

Compared with a linear polariser, I never find rotating a circular polariser makes a huge amount of difference. When I am taking a very carefully composed photo on a tripod, with digital and a multi filter frame, I use a Cokin linear polariser (often along with other filters such as a graduated ND or colour and stopper), where rotating the polariser makes a big difference but it is a bit trial and error getting the exposure correct, where the preview facility really comes into play. I regularly use a Rodenstock circular polariser on the 24-90 on the SL and although I have the 12 o'clock sun position marked on the filter with a dab of paint, rotating it really only makes a marginal difference, so generally I just leave it at 12.

 

For film rangefinder, the Leica flip up is by far the best solution I have come across. I did have a different system with a slide on viewfinder, which had a numbered rotating front on it. You found the optimal position, read the number off the viewfinder and then transferred the number to a matching polarising filter over the lens. I found it totally useless and returned it for the Leica flip up. 

 

Wilson

[jaapv]

I am not sure that I would recommend the STEPS type polarising solution. With 35mm or wider lenses and strong sunlight it is possible to get light reflected from the camera body to the filter and then in to the image. For example, this is an image taken using the 21mm SEM and the Leica E67/E49 adapter (which, to be fair, is intended to be used with the Tri Elmar):

 

 

Those pink things that you can see are light being reflected off my fingers (holding the focusing ring). Obviously this is going to be worse with wider angles, but I mainly use this filter with the ZM 1,4/35, and even there I get occasional shots where there are scattered light artefacts.

 

FWIW, this only happens with extremely bright sunlight, but it is still annoying nonetheless.

 

I have yet to find an ideal solution for polarising filters on the Leica, dThanks; this igital or film. I suspect that the flip-up type solution offered by Leica themselves is probably the best option, but 500€ for what seems to be a very awkward mechanical contraption means that I am unlikely to try it...

Thanks; this is the first time I have seen this, a serious consideration and an argument for the Leica swing-out filter. As Wilson  says, linear or circular makes no difference whatever for a rangefinder camera.

[michaelwj]

The easiest way is with a series 7 filter in the 12504 hood (for the summilux pre-asph). Just take the hood off and look through it, then replace it in the same orientation. The hood will fit all A42 lenses.

Works for other good/filter setups that can be rotated I'd imagine.