Linear Polarizer vs Circular Polarizer on SL system?

[Dr. G]

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I am under the impression that the use of a CPL is more advantageous for SLR cameras where the mirror creates some issues with a linear polarizer.  Has anyone tried using CPL and LPLs on the SL system and did you find that a linear polarizer gave different/better results?

[FlashGordonPhotography]

You are correct. A CPL is not required for mirrorless cameras. On a DSLR the small section of semi translucent mirror that was used for focusing was polarised and linear polarisers interfered with that. Not so with mirrorless cameras.

I prefer linear polarisers but they’re really difficult to find. Now I use magnetic I’ve basically given up trying. Linear polarisers tend to have a more linear on/off gradient and a stronger effect when all on than circular polarisers.

Gordon

[Photoworks]

Circular polarizers are made for modern light meters, with the linear PL you could not read the correct exposure true the lens.

LPL are used in the film industry to avoid the darker patch in the sky on one side with wide-angle lenses. they set exposure manually.

 

[Dr. G]

2 minutes ago, FlashGordonPhotography said:

You are correct. A CPL is not required for mirrorless cameras. On a DSLR the small section of semi translucent mirror that was used for focusing was polarised and linear polarisers interfered with that. Not so with mirrorless cameras.

I prefer linear polarisers but they’re really difficult to find. Now I use magnetic I’ve basically given up trying. Linear polarisers tend to have a more linear on/off gradient and a stronger effect when all on than circular polarisers.

Gordon

That was the reason I asked.  Maven is releasing a Linear Polarizer and I'm thinking of moving to that system.  They're also releasing a two stop ND that would work nicely with the LPL on the Summilux-SL to keep me in the mechanical shutter range at 1.4 on bright days.

[Dr. G]

1 minute ago, Photoworks said:

Circular polarizers are made for modern light meters, with the linear PL you could not read the correct exposure true the lens.

LPL are used in the film industry to avoid the darker patch in the sky on one side with wide-angle lenses. they set exposure manually.

 

Ah, interesting.  Right now my CPL is of limited use on the 21 APO.  

[FlashGordonPhotography]

8 minutes ago, Dr. G said:

That was the reason I asked.  Maven is releasing a Linear Polarizer and I'm thinking of moving to that system.  They're also releasing a two stop ND that would work nicely with the LPL on the Summilux-SL to keep me in the mechanical shutter range at 1.4 on bright days.

OOOh. That is interesting. I supported the Maven kickstarter. Nice filters.

Shipping’s probably a killer to Oz. Maybe B&H will get them.

Gordon

[jaapv]

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1 hour ago, Photoworks said:

Circular polarizers are made for modern light meters, with the linear PL you could not read the correct exposure true the lens.

LPL are used in the film industry to avoid the darker patch in the sky on one side with wide-angle lenses. they set exposure manually.

 

Only if the light meter uses a semi- transparent mirror like a DSLR. When measured off the sensor like on a mirrorless linear suffices. 

[Planetwide]

I switched back to linear polarizers a few years ago. I now have a collection of mostly Heliopan filters. I used to shoot them on film. The inconsistent nature of circular polarizers always irritated me for some reason. Buy the linear ones, you will not regret it.

 

Edited April 19, 2024 by Planetwide