Re: [Leica] Alex and filters

[Jim Brick <jim@brick.org>]

At 05:36 PM 8/22/98 +0100, you wrote:
>
>Jaysus, did I just hear Jim suggesting the use of filters, as in those bits
>of glass that allegedly degrade lens definition?
>
>Maybe it's PC if they're not UV.... ;-?
>
>Alex Hurst

Funny thing Alex, in each and every one of my previous filter posts, I
stated, repeatedly, and emphatically, that I nearly ALWAYS use a filter. So
it is obvious to me that most people only read bits and pieces of other
people's posts. And remember only the controversial elements. They don't
really think about what was said. They just react. This is why I decided to
lurk instead of contribute. No matter what you say, it will be morphed into
something else. But to set the record straight...

I use filters nearly all of the time! With my R cameras, my Linhof 4x5, but
NOT my M camera. Different subjects, different technique.

I am very careful about using filters. It must be a USEFUL filter.
Something that alters the quality or quantity of the image forming light.
And it must be of the highest quality available. If you use intelligence
when contemplating choosing and using a filter for a particular subject,
you will be OK. You can gain more than you loose. But using a useless
filter, in all circumstances, without regard for the consequences, is
simply a loosing situation. I don't dictate this. The physics of light's
interaction with glass surfaces dictate this. I'm simply passing along data
based upon the laws of optical physics. I can in no way, claim to be as
informed as Erwin. But everything Erwin (as well as Leitz and Leica) has
said, so far, leads me to believe that what I have stated above is correct.
My forty years of experience figures in there somewhere as well.

It all boils down to... how much flare are you willing to live with?

If I'm going to introduce some level of flare in my image, it had better be
for a good purpose. Wispy water, deep blue sky, kill blue reflections from
green foliage, warm-up hazy overcast color temp, etc. I own and use: B+W
polarizer, B+W KR3, B+W ND.6 and some Tiffen ND 4x5 grads. These are
indeed, very useful filters. And I use them.

Jim