Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/10/06
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]It's amazing to me, how many people have selective memories, or else read only every other line of a post. Or perhaps simply fish for reactions. I will react in this fishing expedition because it is taking my previous statements out of context. I have ALWAYS said that I use filters. A lot of filters. USEFUL filters. Not USELESS filters. Filters can and do degrade your image. Straight from the horses mouth, Leica. The use of filters should be very selective. When, where, and how, should be carefully evaluated. When in doubt, don't use one. Filters are deadly on an M6. You cannot see filter related problems because you are not looking through the filter as with an R camera. Leaving any filter on an M camera, without thought, is a risky situation. Many people say "I have a filter on my lens all of the time and I've never seen any problem." Well you are not comparing your results against the same photographs without a filter. So the argument is moot. If YOU are happy with your results, that's all that counts. But once bitten, twice cautious. Flare is the one thing that lens designers cannot completely eliminate. The filter designers don't try. Filters are cheap. Lenses are expensive. A multicoated B+W or Heliopan filter does not even approach the flare reducing properties of your Leica lens. A filter in front of your Leica lens obliterates all of Leica's hard work attempting to eliminate flare. So go out and use filters. In selected situations, where the alteration of the light quality or color, will make a defining difference in your resulting photograph. In all other situations, listen to Leitz and Leica. Leave the filter off of your lens. Jim PS... I could care less what you all do out there in Leica land. I'm simply attempting to lay out the facts so that those who wish, can choose between an urban legend and the real facts. Facts delivered by Leitz and Leica optical engineers. Not me. In this case, I am but a messenger. Once bitten. I am now twice cautious. I have removed the plastic cover from my couch, the cellophane from my lamp shades, and the plastic runners from my carpet. And I do not deadbolt a glass door. Think folks... think. At 12:24 PM 10/6/98 -0400, you wrote: >But with a >> Heliopan polarizer in place, it moves the front glass surface far enough >> forward, that this cannot happen. >> >> Jim >> >"Polarizer." Isn't that another name for a ... FILTER?! >:-) > http://www.photoaccess.com Jim Brick, ASMP, BIAA Photo Access (650) 470-1132 Visual Impressions Publishing Visual Impressions Photography (408) 296-1629