M8 and unfiltered lenses

[Piers]

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I've been following various threads relating to members' preferred UV filters and internal reflections/flare, and this gives rise to 2 questions, following difficulty in finding a 55mm UV filter at short notice for the new 24mm lens I bought (thanks to those who helped advise on this a couple of weeks ago!):

 

1. given the issues over UV/IR, I'm guessing the M8 sensor/software was evolved using non-filtered lenses as baseline? (And presumably, lens performance tests are executed in same way--Sean Reid will know.) Does this not mean optimal performance can be got from our Leica lenses/M8 used unfiltered?

 

2. just how durable is the Leica lens coating?--I remember when Pentax Super Multi Coated Takumar lenses were promoted by salespeople polishing them on their neckties...

 

I'd be grateful for any thoughts on this, as it seems some of our problems seem to be filter-induced.

 

Best

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[marknorton]

There's no doubt in my mind that filters offer the best image quality - both colour accuracy and image sharpness are improved. The only time I do not use them is taking shots at night when bright lights in - or even outside - the frame can cause reflections.

 

The IR filters are there to improve image quality rather than protect the lens. I believe the Leica coatings are durable but that's no reason to put it to the test. My Mercedes-Benz has 8 air-bags but I've no desire at all to see whether they work.

[Piers]

Thanks for your thoughts Mark--I've no doubt of the subjective truth of what you say;

 

BUT I am genuinely concerned with the technical/logical position, as to whether, for instance, the M8 sensor was developed with an implicit understanding that lenses would normally be UV filtered? If not, my original point stands.

 

As a point of interest, the UK documentary photographer James Ravilious used to have the modern coating ground off his Leica lenses, for the quality of light this imparted to his B/W images (film, of course)...

 

Best

[Artichoke]

snip

BUT I am genuinely concerned with the technical/logical position, as to whether, for instance, the M8 sensor was developed with an implicit understanding that lenses would normally be UV filtered? If not, my original point stands.

 

snip

 

this is not the case if you consider the history

UV/IR filtering was found to be needed only after early adapters noted the magenta black problem with synthetics

the problems with skin tones, foliage and floral colors were noted even later ...other digital cameras have had a similar problem & it is a bit of a mystery why Leica did not note this difficulty prior to the M8's release

that said, I think if using color, the filters are the way to go with the M8 ...most have found they even help BW

I have not found much if any down side to the filters use, other than the difficulty in finding them

I have not done as much night work with the M8 as I would like, but from what I have done, I have not found the filters a problem such as this example

 

[ATTACH]56854[/ATTACH]

 

which can be seen in a larger version here M8 Photo Gallery by Artichoke Vinagrette at pbase.com along with shooting information & other samples

many prefer the look of BW with the IR/cut filters on as well