28mm f/2.8 PC-Super-Angulon-R filter!

[Leitzfan]

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Another of my "save you the trouble because I've done it" missive:

This may’ve been answered elsewhere–but *I* haven’t found it.  So, here’s the definitive answer, for posterity.
- The 28mm f/2.8 PC-Super-Angulon-R (UV) *filter* has been the toughest "nut to crack," for me--but I've done it!
- I don’t know why the other write-ups are so confusing–and ambiguous–but here’s the straight answer, *if you want to be able to focus to infinity*.
- You'll need the lens hood (12540 + its associated retaining ring).
- Any old *77mm* filter will do.
- Simply remove the glass from said *77mm* filter–you can do this fairly easily, as it was for me (& I'm not technically or mechanically inclined, nor am I interested in being so).
- Then unscrew the retaining ring from w/in the lense hood (12540).
- Insert the *77mm* (now) frameless glass filter, which will fit perfectly, in the lens hood (12540).
- Reinstall (screw on) the lens hood's (12450) retaining ring over the *77mm* frameless glass filter.
- You’re done!  All works & fits as it should.  Period.
  – Note: You’ll have to wear the lens hood (12540) to benefit from the above filter, as the lens hood & filter are now one unit, but...

I highlight *77mm* several times here, to make a point.  All the other gibberish about 67mm filters, step-up/down rings, "special-ordering frameless glass filters from B&W," & yota, yota, yota, is, IMO, rubbish–and can lead you down dead-end rabbit warrens.  Don’t waste your time!

- A 77mm filter is what you need; remove the glass from its ring–& Voila–you have the frameless glass filter that you need!  Now, why couldn’t someone just say that–'geez'!
  – Take, for example, the filter reference here:  https://wiki.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/28mm_f/2.8_PC-Super-Angulon-R Now, does that make sense--to anyone!?  ‘Good grief’.
  – I realize that “wiki” is a *very* helpful site; but they sometimes get esoteric things like this wrong.  I still love their site though!

- By the way, a 67mm filter *will* technically fit on the end of the lens (& you can even mount the lens hood atop the 67mm filter)–but you won’t be able to focus to infinity w/ this.  The movement of the lens up the barrel as you focus toward infinity will make contact w/ the 67mm filter, thus impeding your ability to focus to infinity (this happens >.45m (1.5ft.)).  So, if you want full range of focus (& who wouldn’t, w/ this beautiful lens), then see above.

I hope this saves some poor soul the three months trial & error/experimentation, multiple retail returns & visits to clueless camera shops–& hours of wasted time perusing the web for answers--that it took me to arrive at this solution.  Cheers!

P.S.  I have to give credit to OC Camera, who at least got me thinking about “removing glass from filters...”  I would’ve never thought of that on my own!

Edited December 22, 2024 by Leitzfan

[masjah]

I don't understand why ordering unmounted glass filters from B & W is "rubbish".  What you've done is to find an alternatie source of supply for exactly the same thing - a plain glass disc. If the glass disc from a 77mm filter fits (the actual glass disc itself is 74mm) and if you can get it out without damaging it, then good for you.

This has been discussed before on the Forum. When I had this lens I preferred not to use a filter because of the extreme incidence angles at maximum shift, and associated lateral shift of the light rays by the filter glass. But I recognised that protection mught be necessary in hostile environments, so I had two 12540 hoods, one with the glass disc, the other without.

 

PS: I've actually still got a "spare" 74mm glass disc, but it's an 81B straw-coloured one. I'll post it to anyone who wants it in return for a £10 donation on their part to Médecins sans Frontières.

 

Edited December 22, 2024 by masjah