UV filter or not on R series

[leica dream]

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What is the latest thinking about whether an R series Sumicron 50mm F2 lens should, or should not, have a UV filter please?

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[Shac]

In the 1950's Leitz developed a replacement lens cement that absorbs UV - I believe it's called Absorban. Any lens (e.g. the 2nd version 90 elmarit) without cemented elements wonl;t have absorban but Leica takes other measures to absorb UV (see Putz's Leica lens compendium)

 

The usual argument for filters is to protect the lens and/or reduce the possibility of cleaning marks. The front element of the current 50mm Sumicron R is deeply recessed - also the coatings are hard.

 

Personally I never use them unless I'm in a lens-hostile environment (e.e.g sea-spray, flying grit, etc.)

 

The choice is yours of course. Hope this is of some use

Edited November 26, 2017 by Shac

[jaapv]

Not to filter UV, at any rate...

[masjah]

Yes, it's purely a matter of how cautious a person you are, and if so whether you think the added protection of a filter is worthwhile. Personally I've got a filter on all of my lenses except my 28/2.8 PC Super Angulon, but that's just me.

[jaapv]

For protection I use protective (B+W 007) filters. Stronger, thinner, fewer aberrations, easy to keep clean.

[pgk]

For protection I use protective (B+W 007) filters. Stronger, thinner, fewer aberrations, easy to keep clean.

 

Whenever I have dust, fingermarks, raindrops or whatever on a filter, I never seem to have a blower brush or lens cleaning cloth with me so I end up wiping it with a shirtsleeve or part of whatever fleece I'm wearing. Bad practice I know but ..... well filters are easily replaceable, front elements rather less so.

[jaapv]

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Yep, I share that technique - but with these nano-coated filters fingerprints and dust virtually fall off by themselves. A quick wipe with just about anything - and sparkling clean.

[jankap]

What is the resale value of a Summicron R?

A good filter costs around 70 Euro. A repair perhaps 600 Euros.

 

By the way I wear no glasses. Shouldn't I wear zero glasses to protect my eyes?

 

An Elmarit 280mm 2.8 has a gigantic filter outside and a small filter inside.

Both filters bounce the light to each other, the flat sensor plays its role too, so there are plenty reflections possible.

I have put the outside filter into my cupboard. Never had a front lens smashed since 1957.

Jan

 

60 years Leica, I realize now.

[pgk]

Yep, I share that technique - but with these nano-coated filters fingerprints and dust virtually fall off by themselves. A quick wipe with just about anything - and sparkling clean.

 

Unfortunately I must be heavier handed - I have a few well marked filters and whilst it may be heinous to say it, despite their marks I don't think that they have much effect on image quality .....

[leica dream]

Thank you for that, guys, I thought it would be a pretty consistent reply. B&W ordered.

[pridbor]

It may be a dumb question but how do I find out which size filter for which lens?

[spydrxx]

Read the lens specs...they invariably show the filter size.  There are also numerous sites on the web indicating the proper filter size for a specific lens. The trick with R lenses is to make sure you know which version of a lens you are dealing with, as some change filter sizes as well as other design changes.

[jankap]

I would look in Leica Wiki (eng). to find technical data.

Jan

[albertknappmd]

It is always better to have a filter that protects your front element. The Nano B+W with MRC are the best.

Albert     

[Michiel Fokkema]

Never a filter for me, but always a lenshood!