Why the 67mm filter for the WATE on an M8

[vikasmg]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I just purchased a 16-18-21 WATE lens yesterday with a filter holder and the requisite 67mm filter. I wonder why the lens needs the 67mm filter and would be grateful for any light on this issue.

* The lens hood that comes with the lens certainly has a more narrowly described rectangular front.

* when used with an M8, the filter holder uses an insert mask with a much narrower internal cut-out.

 

Yes, I also use an M6 but an M8 has a sensor significantly smaller than 35mm film and I wonder if there isn't a smaller diameter filter solution when the WATE is used with an M8?

 

- Vikas

[ahl]

Hi Vikas,

 

You will be amazed by the quality of the results from this lens. What you need is the John Milich adaptor which enables you to use a 49 mm filter and the original lens hood.

I have bought two from him for myself and a buddy: they are beautifully made and he offers a very reliable service and quick turnaround. Ther are many threads on the forum about it with photos and he can be contacted at jm@milich.com. He makes other essential parts for the M system and the prices are very reasonable.

Have fun. Alain

[vikasmg]

Thank you very much. Now that you mention it I remember seeing some posts on that - unfortunately didn't pay too much attention to them as the chances of getting this lens seemed remote based on the local dealer's information. Then suddenly yesterday there was this one piece in a dealer I tried on the off-chance that miracles may happen :-)

[marknorton]

The 67mm filter is required to prevent vignetting when the lens is used on a full frame camera (film M, presumably, M9) where the angle of view is much wider.

 

The WATE was conceived at a time when filter use was seen as occasional, so the clunky filter/hood/lens cap arrangement was apparently considered acceptable. Along comes the M8 where an IR filter is in use most if not all the time which makes using it inconvenient. That's why we collectively sought a better solution for the M8 with John having the skills and facilities to turn ideas into metal.

 

Leica has recently started shipping the plastic insert for the filter holder which is marked "for M8 use". If the M9 is full frame, we have to hope that the IR issue will be solved as well so that we don't have to use filters on the lens. Otherwise, it will be a case of dusting down that filter holder and using it all the time, this time without the insert and all the problems caused by those two holes.