Re: [Leica] Re: Are UV filters "safety glasses" for the lens?

[Mark Rabiner <mark@rabiner.cncoffice.com>]

><Snip> 
> Jim (I pick on you because you're the leading force in the anti-UV movement)
> I don't care if the filter degrades performance. You might be right; you
> might be wrong. I don't care, and before you can convince me filters are a
> quality issue, you have to convince me that quality is an issue. :-)
> 
> I wonder how many people share that view. I bet more than a few, though I
> don't think I've ever heard it succinctly stated here, which is why I'm
> piping up at all. . . .
> 
> --Michael

It would be ironic if we people who are into our very expensive and non AF Leica
glass do NOT find the highest possible quality an issue.
The fact is most pro's know that their front surface of their lenses are very
capable of withstanding quite a bit.
Wiping off with your shirt tail, you name it!...
Which is why they buy few UV filters. Those are for Doctors and layers and traders.
Is the few percentage points Erwin quotes insignificant to ones shooting?
That would depend who that "one" is!
THIS "one" would gladly unscrew a filter to add a few free percentage points to
the quality of an image i produce.
If it's THAT easy why not? I'm always thinking of a million other ways to shave
off or add a percentage point depending you your point of view. THIS is an free
and effortlessly easy one. It doesn't take extra work.
A better lens, a better camera, a better tripod, better film, better developer,
better dilution, agitation scheme, lights, light modifiers, stands, music to
play while I'm shooing to relax my subjects, enlarger head, lens, easel, paper,
developer, fixer, toner wash water, mounting cardboard and techniques, a better
business card, bulb in the yellow pages, way i answer the phone…

If i entertained for a living i would not use plastic seat covers.

mark rabiner