Re: Leica Care

[Thomas Kachadurian <kach@freeway.net>]

Al:

Here's one man's opinion. With point light sources I have had many problems
with reflections. So I never use filters in low light situations with
candles, light bulbs, even the moon in the frame. Other than that, I can't
say that I see any sharpness or tonal decline using CLEAN filters. But,
because they are so much bigger than the actual front element glass, I just
can't keep filters clean. I find that it's much easier to keep a filterless
lens clean, and that the Leica lens hoods work better without a filter
because the first glass surface is so much farther back. The hood on the
35mm summicron, for example, is so deep that you'd have to work pretty hard
to get something other than light dust on that front element. I keep a
static wisk in my bag and clean the dust at the end of each day. It keeps
my lenses spanking new clean. I only use filters when there is a serious
debris risk: fires, blowing sand or salt spray.

I'll be interested to read what other do.

Tom

 At 01:21 PM 11/2/97 -0800, you wrote:
>Hello,
>
>Just spent the better part of early morning shooting with a newly purchased
>50/2 Summicron + M4-2 and am very pleased.
>Drove around in a Leica induced daze yesterday after buying it.  A couple
>of questions come to mind, what is the general thinking on filters (UV,
>skylight)?  Necessary?  I've generally used them to protect the lens, but
>does using some filters degrade performance? 
>
>Also, can someone share some care/cleaning tips?  water? alcohol? armor
>all? Just kidding on the last one.
>
>I enjoy this lively list very much.  Your experiences and suggestions to a
>newbie are most appreciated.  
>
>Leica lurker,
>
>Al 
>
>