[Leica] Polarizer solution

["don ferrario" <don@ferrario.com>]

Bryan,

There is a *much* easier, clever thing...  (2 ways, actually)

FILTER ADAPTER RING:

Buy a filter adapter ring.  Let's say your lens has
a 46mm filter thread.  You can buy an adapter
that goes from 46mm lens, up to 58mm filter
(get the largest filter size, that is available in an
adapter to fit your lens).

Take the adapter, and drill manu holes around the back side,
between the threads.  You'll end up with a double-threaded
ring that has holes all the way around it.  If you have a
very small rotary bit tool (dremel type), you will want to
open up the gaps between some of the holes, to make the
spaces as large as possible.  

These adapters are very cheap, so you may want to buy
a few of them.  You'll probably ruin one or two the first time
you try this modification process.

Obviously, now, you'll need a 58mm polarizer (or whatever
size your new outer thread is).  Mount the polarizer to the
lens, via the adapter.

Now you can see through the holes (by tipping the camera
very slightly), and can orient the polarize to the direction
you need for the desired effect.

This is very easy to use.  If a big enough adapter is made,
you could actually see through the holes while looking through
the viewfinder!

The advantage of this method is that you can have adapters
for different size lenses, and use the same polarizer.

I've thought about making and selling these things many times...




ANOTHER SOLUTION - PERMANENT ADAPTER:  

This is the better solution, but as you'll see, there is no 
"going back".  Again, I'll use the example of a lens with a 
46mm thread.

Buy a 62mm polarizer (or larger).  If you have a used one with
messed up threads, that's OK, because you aren't going to
use the threads.  You can buy a non-circular polarizer, any
major japanese brand, for about $30.  Of course, if you 
want to spend more, go ahead...

Buy a Cokin filter system A-series adapter, for a 46mm filter.
These cost about $10.  The adapter is simply a 46mm ring,
with a flat flange on the outer side.

Take some epoxy cement, and *carefully* glue the flat flange
of the Cokin ring, to the *inside* surface of the polarizer.  Do the
best job you can on centering, but if you're off a bit, it will have
no photographic effect.  It will, however, look funny...

When this hardens, you can attach it to your lens, and the
outer part of the polarizer will extend past the lens body.
If you used a big enough polarizer, the outer part *will* be
visible in your viewfinder.  You can therefore make adjustments
while looking through the viewfinder.

THAT's the best solution I've seen. Its quick and easy to put on,
but of course it will work with only one filter size.

don ferrario



- -----Original Message-----
From: Bryan Willman <bryanwi@seanet.com>
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Date: Tuesday, June 09, 1998 6:38 AM
Subject: [Leica] The Polarizer Problem
:
:What to do about polarizers on M6s?
:
:C.    Some other easy/clever thing...
:
: