filters

[Jim Brick <jim@brick.org>]

I posted this quite a while back. I'll re-post it now since there seems to
be some interest.

These first words came directly from Leica. I wish I could remember who
said it or where I read it. Sorry!

In Leicas own words... "if we had wanted another piece of glass in front
our lenses we would have designed it there." "each glass-to-air surface
decreases sharpness, decreases contrast (increased flair) and eliminates
the multicoating we at Leica have worked so hard to put on the front
element of our lenses." "filters should be reserved for special
conditions." "our modern lenses have all of the uv inhibitors built-in."
etc., etc., etc...

Basically I think what Leica is saying is that anything you do in front of
your lens will indeed degrade performance. I, for one, did not pay Leica
prices for Leica lenses to reduce them to the quality of filter glass
without good reason. I do indeed use filters. Polarizers and warming
filters. I use Leica polarizers (I'm assuming they practice what they
preach), B+W warming filters, and a couple of odd sized B+W polarizers (B+W
filters were recommended to me by Mr. Moffat at Leica.) For instance, the
ONLY polarizer that will fit the 28mm PC is a B+W 67EW. I also use a
Cokin-P and Hi-Tech external holder and use Heliopan and Tiffen glass grads.

The bottom line for me is I first evaluate what I want out of the picture
(slide for slide shows, 20x24 display print, one-hour photo lab album
prints... etc.) and then work accordingly but I never use a filter over the
lens unless I've evaluated the situation and have come to the conclusion
that it is warranted. Well... almost never. Filters can turn a sows ear
into a silk purse (so to speak.)

Individuals should do what you feel most comfortable with. If they really
want another piece of glass in front of their lens, then do it. I do have
numerous colleagues that have a protection filter in front of all of their
lenses. That's for them... not for me. I have a 15mm-R lens which has
absolutely no way of covering the front element with anything short of a
filter made in the shape of half of a bubble.

Perhaps the easiest answer to all of this is to leave the lens hood on at
all times, only removing it when actually shooting. Then immediately
replace it.

Jim