Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/01/26
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]> I am using the 35mm summilux-m f1.4 asph with the Leica uv (13004) filter. Someone told me > that I was loosing the sharpnes of the lens with that filter. Any comments from users? > I always beleived good quality uv filter did not altered the quality of the lens. Jacques, The conventional wisdom is that Leica lenses do not require additional UV filtration because they already incorporate sufficient UV filtration without a filter. Adding any air-glass surface, even one with the best multicoating available will cause a small amount of flare. This is why zoom lenses tend to exhibit more flare than single focal length lenses with fewer elements. It's also a primary reason for the use of expensive aspherical lens elements - it enables lens designers to design lenses with fewer elements. Some photographers use UV filters on their Leicas exclusively to protect the more expensive lenses from scratches etc., others do this only when the conditions are hazardous (this is what I do). Hope this helps. - Jacques.