Is an upgraded AF drive unit a must when buying Leica S lenses?

[Stuart Richardson]

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If you were considering a UV filter, you might consider passing on it. The front element of the S70mm is actually a flat glass protection filter itself, not part of the optical system. I believe Leica did that to enhance the weather sealing... I could be wrong about that, but I remember hearing about it from either David Farkas/Josh or Peter Karbe. It makes sense when you look at the lens...it is just a flat piece of glass. If you want other filter, then by all means. These days much can be done without filters due to the more sophisticated processing, but they can still be very useful in certain circumstances...particularly polarizers, ND filters and infrared filters. 

[AHPZuazua]

11 minutes ago, Stuart Richardson said:

If you were considering a UV filter, you might consider passing on it. The front element of the S70mm is actually a flat glass protection filter itself, not part of the optical system. I believe Leica did that to enhance the weather sealing... I could be wrong about that, but I remember hearing about it from either David Farkas/Josh or Peter Karbe. It makes sense when you look at the lens...it is just a flat piece of glass. If you want other filter, then by all means. These days much can be done without filters due to the more sophisticated processing, but they can still be very useful in certain circumstances...particularly polarizers, ND filters and infrared filters. 

Thank you for your advice. I do notice the flat glass. Pretty cool idea. 

Yeah I am looking at ND/CP and a graduate filter for proper landscape photography. 

I was hoping to confirm that an 82mm is the proper thread. As I would be adapting to a Cokin Z Pro system with 100x100 glass filters 

[davidmknoble]

On 9/18/2021 at 9:57 AM, AHPZuazua said:

Thank you for your advice. I do notice the flat glass. Pretty cool idea. 

Yeah I am looking at ND/CP and a graduate filter for proper landscape photography. 

I was hoping to confirm that an 82mm is the proper thread. As I would be adapting to a Cokin Z Pro system with 100x100 glass filters 

Most of the S glass is 82mm.  The 24mm and 30-90 zoom are both 95, and the 120 and 180 are both 72mm.  I’m not sure what the 100mm takes…

[helged]

6 hours ago, davidmknoble said:

Most of the S glass is 82mm.  The 24mm and 30-90 zoom are both 95, and the 120 and 180 are both 72mm.  I’m not sure what the 100mm takes…

S100 = 82mm