[Leica] Re: Polarising Filters

[Jim Brick <jimbrick@photoaccess.com>]

You didn't need to buy a more expensive circular polarizer for an M camera.
Circular polarizers were specifically made for Leica R cameras so that the
meter would work, and some AF cameras so that the autofocus mechanism would
work. There is nothing in an M Leica that requires the "special" circular
polarizer. Circular polarizers, by the way they are manufactured, achieve
less polarization than the standard linear polarizers. Polarizers are not
clear.

As you said, after viewing through the filter for desired polarization
effect, note the number on top. Screw the filter on to your lens, turning
it so that same number is on top. Remember to keep it on top if you switch
from horizontal to vertical format.

Jim


At 09:49 PM 9/29/99 +0100, Roger Underwood wrote:
>Some newbie type questions, so advance excuses.
>
>My mail order polarising filter arrived this morning, a Heliopan E39 
>CIR Polarizer as recommended by the dealer. I was somewhat surprised 
>to see that it was tinted (2.5 factor). Although my photo books group 
>this type of filter with NDs, in my innocence I had expected it to be 
>clear, but never mind.
>
>The filter revolves around a fixed ring and there are numbers (1 - 
>10) to record the correct setting.  There is no zero mark on the 
>inner ring but I've screwed it onto my 50mm Summicron and made a mark 
>on the top of the inner ring.  Presumably when I want to use it all I 
>need do is to hold the filter up to my eye note the setting and screw 
>it onto the lens.  (I know Leica have their own solution to this 
>involving some sort of swing-arm contraption, but it sounded 
>cumbersome as well as horrendously expensive at around 250 GBP).
>
>I'd appreciate any comments on whether I've got this right and on how 
>useful this type of filter is in practise.  Amongst other things I'd 
>hoped to use it to reduce reflections in head-on window shots but 
>according to the instructions the polarising effect works best at an 
>angle.
>
>Regards
>
>Roger Underwood
>
>
>--------------------
>roger.aru@cwcom.net