[Leica] Filter sizes, Re: 50mm f1.5 Nokton question

[John Collier <jbcollier@home.com>]

I hope everyone does not think I am way out in left field here, but I think
that if you are a heavy filter user, the M cameras are not the way to go. M
lenses are optimised to be as small as possible as any extra bulk literally
does get in the way. Leica does seem to be trying to limit the number of
different filter sizes lately: witness the rise in use of the E46 size. I
think the current filter size range is E39, E46, E49, E55 and E60. For me,
the use of filters runs counterintuitive to the whole M philosophy and more
suited to a reflex frame of mind. I will fully confess that when shooting in
the tropics I bring a polarising filter and that I do own an 81A filter; I
just do not seem to use them that much. Just my two cents worth.

John Collier

> From: Bmceowen@aol.com
> 
> In a message dated 3/10/00 12:05:47 PM, drodgers@nextlink.com writes:
> 
>> It's not the cost of lenses and bodies that bug me. It's the cost of all
>> the little add-ons. As long as I'm venting I'll mention that I'm upset
>> with
>> the variations in filter sizes among all my M lenses. A fellow luger just
>> told me over the phone that he just spent $500 for filters for his Leica
>> lenses, and his lenses are all the latest. It looks like I'll probably
>> end
>> up doing the same. The filter size thing doesn't bother me too much,
>> because I'd hate to see a lens made larger just to accomidate a standard
>> filter. I'm certain that's easier to do in the SLR world, since lenses
>> are
>> larger to begin with.
> 
> 
> I just recently dealt with the filter size issue. On the odd chance anyone
> will benefit from my experience I'll tell you what I did:
> 
> I have six Leica M lenses which are designed for four different filter sizes
> (15mm Cosina=no filter, 24mm ASPH=55mm, 35mm=39mm or Series 7 in hood,
> 50mm=39mm, 90mm=49mm and 135mm=Series 7). I have settled on two filter sizes
> to accomodate all of the lenses (except the 15mm which doesn't take filters).
> 
> I use 55mm filters on the 24mm ASPH and the 90mm Summicron (by way of a 49-55
> stepping ring). The 55mm filters just barely fit inside the hood of the 90mm.
> I could have also used the 55mm filters on the 135mm f2.8 by buying a Series
> 7-55mm ring but I'm using series 7 on the 35mm and 50mm so I didn't see any
> point in buying that ring (though I probably will someday, if for no other
> reason than you can't get a CC30M in series 7).
> 
> I use Series 7 filters in the hood for the 35mm f2.0. I figure when I want to
> filter the 50mm summicron I'll just use the 35mm hood and the filters for it.
> The other option was to buy a set of 39mm filters for use on both the 35mm
> and 50mm but unless I went with 55mm on the 135mm that would have meant a
> third filter size.
> 
> Anyway, I cut my filter sizes in half by stepping up from the 49mm thread on
> the 90mm and by going with series 7 on the 35 and 50mm. Maybe there's somethin
> g like this that you can do as well . . .
> 
> Bob (NOW you tell me I shouldn't use filters) McEowen
>