Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/12/10

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Subject: Re: [Leica] filters for M-lenses
From: "Jeff Segawa" <segawa@netone.com>
Date: Thu, 11 Dec 1997 00:35:54 -0700

>I would like to buy UV-filters for my M 50/2 and M 28/2.8 lensens.
>I am still hesitating to buy the "Leica" filters. Maybe there is a less
>expensive alternative with equal quality or am I wrong?

Yes! Used Leica filters. With other brands, see if you can get return
priviliges, and see what you make of the mechanicals. Whether it's due to
the materials used, variations in dimensions or whatever, some seem to seize
up readily, while others work without fuss. For awhile, I used Hoya, but for
reasons unknown, the darned things just kept getting stuck--believe the
threaded portion's too deep, so that the edge of the filter ring is butting
up against, and sticking nicely to, the front of the lens. I say this
because when attempting to use with my 50/2.8, the filter didn't seem to
screw in all the way, and when it seized up, tugging forward on the ring at
several points around the perimeter usually would free the thing. Might be
worth the hassle to machine down some of the excess depth, as it seemed
otherwise nicely made, and the price is good. Good excuse to buy some
machine tools I've been eyeing for the past year or two :-)

In the case of the polarizer, just buy the Leica offering. Maybe even a
busted one will work, if you can replace the glass. Holding a 67mm or 3" x
3" filter in front of the M lens, and using one's cupped hand as the lens
shade is a real fuss-ask me how I know!