Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/03/21
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Someone wrote: <<<<>1. What is the general consensus among LUGers regarding the permanent use of a Leitz UV filter to protect front >elements? Is there any noticeable image degradation? Serious enough to outweigh the protective value? Whatabout >other German filters? Though manufactured in Canada, it reproduces outstanding apochromatic color renditions.>>>>>>> Dang! Well I guess us oldtimers have to finally come clean and spill the beans about this UV thing for the many neophytes on the LUG. Time we fessed up to the true horror effects of using a UV filter for protection on a $3000. or $5000 dollar lens. Why boy, what didn't they teach you in "photo school? Didn't they tell you those UV thingies come in and immediately go sideways therefore distorting the ultra sharp waves ground into the front element, therefore rendering your $5000, lens to reproduce hyper hellenoid squigglies along the inside of the lens barrel, which eventually cause the horse glue holding the elements to-gether to go brownie yellow giving you an extra amount of Leica glow! Kinda glowing thingie ma bob! Now unless you want to have a squigglie barreled $3000. lens with ultra squigglie thingies running around inside the barrel, I'd buy film instead of one of them Ultra violet whatchamacallits and save your lens before you over Leica glow it! Sorry Jim I just couldn't take it any longer and had to let the true secret of the over protected front element out of the filter drawer! :) May I forever be chastised by the "old shooters dragon lady" and her "made in Canada" Leica red dot seal whip! :) Oooooooooooooh how I love leather!:) ted