A question about filters

[kesse0]

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Hello everyone:

Do you know if URTH filters are a good option to use with my M6? I am looking for ND filters and I looked about Cokin system but I think it will be big for my 50mm summicron and my 35mm summitar. I guess I need something about 39mm Diameter and that's why I put my eye into URTH... Could you help me? All of your advices will be appreciated..

Thank you!

[250swb]

You could also look at B+W, or Heliopan, or Hoya filters, in the 39mm size they are all pretty common. 

[PhotoCruiser]

B+W and Heliopan are the most cited highest quality filters,
however i made also good experiences with the top line Hoya filters but never conducted serious tests.
If i would buy filters i would choose B+W or Heliopan.

Chris

Edited February 13 by PhotoCruiser

[Qwntm]

Lens rentals .com did a big test of a lot of UV filters and the Leica $200+ filter was the absolute best. The second best was the $20 HMC Hoya filter. With $70 B+W filters right behind that. I used to buy B+W religiously, but now I buy the cheapest multicoated filters and watch for any issues, if they don't degrade the photos I'm happy. I've had good success with K&F and Urth, Tiffen and Hoya. Just make sure whatever filter you buy is multi coated.

[lakatua]

I've enjoyed using Breakthrough ND Filters. When I was shooting digitally I purchased some rather larger diameter filters from Breakthrough but have been able to easily adapt them with filter rings. Can kind of be a nuisance to carry around a bunch of rings but it does make the ND filters more adaptable to a wider range of lenses. I use both a 6-stop and 3-stop and then can combine them when needed for longer exposures. 

[Fotoklaus]

vor 4 Stunden schrieb Qwntm:

Lens rentals .com did a big test of a lot of UV filters and the Leica $200+ filter was the absolute best. The second best was the $20 HMC Hoya filter. With $70 B+W filters right behind that. I used to buy B+W religiously, but now I buy the cheapest multicoated filters and watch for any issues, if they don't degrade the photos I'm happy. I've had good success with K&F and Urth, Tiffen and Hoya. Just make sure whatever filter you buy is multi coated.

There are mainly two companies making optical glass for filters and lenses. Those are Schott in Germany and Hoya in Japan. A lot of brands use their glass.

The coating is another point when it comes to scratch resistance or flare and also the filter rings itself. B&W are crafted very fine and often out of brass, cheap filters sometimes

have coarse cutted threads and are not easy to remove.

So my choice would be B&W MRC first, Heliopan second and Hoya third. There are plenty of used filters around.

[PhotoCruiser]

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vor 3 Stunden schrieb lakatua:

I purchased some rather larger diameter filters from Breakthrough but have been able to easily adapt them with filter rings.

I rarely use filters, but this is the same i will do, the best 82mm filter and the step-up rings for the diameter of my lenses.
In Sardinia i have a bunch of filters from my Nikon setup, when i am back i will conduct some tests to see if i can reuse them or buy new ones. Most likely more B+W or Heliopan, or the top line of Hoya as i am a bit picky with filters, but don't want to fork out absurd amounts of €€€

The only one i bought recently is the Sigma WR Ceramic Protector for my Sigma 28mm 1.4 ART and it seems the filter is doing well.

Chris

Edited February 14 by PhotoCruiser

[davidmknoble]

Just a small aside, aluminum filters on aluminum lenses can cause them to stick horribly if left on a long time (ready months, or year) especially using them outside in damp weather.  Just a function of the metal.  If you don’t believe me, look at aluminum in the coastal areas and you will see why brass is used so much there.  Also, cheaper filters have thinner filter rings around the glass, making them bend easier and also get stuck.  But, brass on aluminum doesn’t stick over time.

There is also something to be said for cost.  There are economies of scale that can lower cost, but at some point there is a difference in filters.  One of the most important is the reflections of the inside of the filter.  Shooting in direct light can cause a reflection on the inside that makes its way back to the film/sensor or worse just causes veiling flare.

Heliopan, B+W and Breakthrough have some of the strongest filter rings, making getting them off less difficult and subject to little to no warping if using pressure.  I really like the old chrome brass leica filters (vII was made from aluminum).  Then there is slim vs. standard height.  I prefer standard again because there is more to hold on to for getting them off.

In the end, if you are happy, enjoy the one you are using!