Jump to content

Recommended Posts

  • 2 weeks later...

FWIW I have just picked up a Leica M lens very cheaply because someone has 'scrubbed' the front element until the coating has come off. My initial tests suggest that despite this the lens still delivers very decent images, although I suspect it will flare and have other problems in bright light. Leica can fit a new front element, which I will have done in due course, but not until I have thoroughly tested the lens against another pristine copy which I own. Its worth the very low price to satisfy my interest in perfect versus damaged glass in all honesty. Watch this space as they say.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't understand how it is possible to buy 5K$ Leica lens and not get 50$ MC modern clean protective filter for it

 

$5,000 is exactly what I would NOT stick a filter in front of it. I bought my 35mm f1.4 FLE for it can do without an additional piece of glass stuck in front of it. Protection is what I use the hood for. If I'm still an idiot and damage the front element of the lens, well, stupid me.

Edited by Gregm61
Link to post
Share on other sites

$5,000 is exactly what I would NOT stick a filter in front of it. I bought my 35mm f1.4 FLE for it can do without an additional piece of glass stuck in front of it. Protection is what I use the hood for. If I'm still an idiot and damage the front element of the lens, well, stupid me.

 

But the glass itself isn't worth 5K, that's the sum of all the parts. Each element within your lens - each piece of glass - will have a relatively low value. And it's still glass, essentially not that different from the glass they make filters from.

 

Choosing to use a filter or not is up to you of course but don't think that it's insulting your lens to use one. Leica even designed the M8 to use UVIR filters in front of the lens instead of behind it!

Link to post
Share on other sites

FWIW I have just picked up a Leica M lens very cheaply because someone has 'scrubbed' the front element until the coating has come off. My initial tests suggest that despite this the lens still delivers very decent images, although I suspect it will flare and have other problems in bright light. Leica can fit a new front element, which I will have done in due course, but not until I have thoroughly tested the lens against another pristine copy which I own. Its worth the very low price to satisfy my interest in perfect versus damaged glass in all honesty. Watch this space as they say.

 

I'd suggest a chat with Malcolm Tayler (Herefordshire!) and see if he thinks coating is all that front element needs, rather than replacement by Leica.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

$5,000 is exactly what I would NOT stick a filter in front of it. I bought my 35mm f1.4 FLE for it can do without an additional piece of glass stuck in front of it. Protection is what I use the hood for. If I'm still an idiot and damage the front element of the lens, well, stupid me.

Modern B+W clear milticoated filter is not exactly old UV junk. It is made not to affect image at all. I don't have single reflection, flaring problem with this filter comparing to cheap ones.

 

Hood protects only from direct impact. Filter protects from spills and heavy dust.

And my famous story is how I get bird poop on new Leica lens despite Leica non vented hood. Well, it was not on the lens but on B+W filter.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I'd suggest a chat with Malcolm Tayler (Herefordshire!) and see if he thinks coating is all that front element needs, rather than replacement by Leica.

 

Its too damaged/scratched I think though I might have a chat with Malcolm. New front element and service should bring it up to 'as new' specification at well under the cost of a new Summarit so I'm happy to do this sometime. See https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/281477-lenses-and-odd-performance/

Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...