[Leica] Re: Heliopan Circular Polarizer Filter

[Jim Brick <jim_brick@agilent.com>]

B+W and Heliopan are both premium filters. There is basically no difference 
in optical qualities. B+W makes the best overall assortment of filter types 
and sizes. For an R8, you want a circular polarizer, not a Kaesemann. A 
Kaesemann filter is linear and hermetically sealed. Actually the best in 
terms of durability but very expensive and not circular in construction. 
Buy a B+W E60 circular polarizer. Multicoated if you wish.

Jim


At 09:26 AM 7/2/01 -0500, Tom.Henson@bakerbotts.com wrote:
>Good morning all.
>
>I am getting ready to go on vacation to sunny Palm Beach and Miami in a
>couple of weeks and have been trying to find a Heliopan Circular Polarizer
>filter for my R8 in size 60e.
>
>I find that the price of the Leica filter is just too high and thought I
>would be able to find a good quality alternative. I choose Heliopan first
>because I understand that they actually make the Leica filter, but have also
>searched the web for B&W in that size as well.
>
>I can not seem to find the Heliopan available in the 60e size. I have a
>feeling that Leica has some kind of agreement not to market this size in the
>US. I don't know it just seems very hard to find this size. I did manage to
>find one site that sells them but I don't know the difference between a
>regular circular polarizer and a Kasemann polarizer other than the Kasemann
>is a lot more expensive.
>
>I did search through the archives and found some information that seems to
>lead toward the Heliopan being the better since they use a slim mount vs.
>B&W. I do plan on using this filter on an 28-70 vario and an 80-200 vario. I
>am concerned about vignetting on the 28-70.
>
>I have found many sites that list the B&W brand in that size. Both in the
>regular and Kasemann.
>
>Question: anyone want to offer an opinion on the quality difference between
>the two? B&W seems to be less expensive. Should I go ahead and spend the
>extra money for the Kasemann? Especially if I plan on using it next to the
>ocean? Or, should I just breakdown and spend the money and buy the Leica and
>be done with it?
>
>Any help of this subject would be much appreciated and I thank all in
>advance for their advice and help.
>
>Tom Henson
>Houston