RE: [Leica] Heliopan Circular Polarizer Filter

["Rodgers, David" <david.rodgers@xo.com>]

Tom

I have (or have had) lenses in 30.5,39,43,46,48,49,52,55,58,60,62, 67,
72,77, 82, 10?, Bay 50, Bay 60, Bay I, II, III, Series 6,7 & 8. I try and
keep filter sizes at 49, 55 & 62 and use the step rings. I use 82 and steps
for the larger diameter lenses. I'm tempted to say Leica is the worst when
it comes to lack of a standard filter size, but they're probably no worse
than anyone else. Plus I moved through a few systems before I discovered
Leica.  

I'll bet all the step rings and all the shades were the cost of one set of
filters. I've been acquiring step rings for years (The Rollei bays were the
toughest to find).  

Some rings are definately better than others. I stick with good rings and
they very rarely get stuck together or on a lens. The secret's in trial and
error.  I've found different types, maybe different alloys. Finding rings is
the only reason I used to attend swap meets. If I bought rings that stuck, I
tossed them. I can almost tell a good ring by feel now.

I'm not so careful about shades. I've found the inexpensive shades work
fine. I test any combination before I use it in the field. 

When I swap lenses in my bag I don't have to worry about swapping filters. I
normally carry polarizers, reds and  yellow/greens. A better solution might
be to sell the older lenses and buy new, all with the same filter size.
Nice, but not in the cards right now.   

It's great that you could get the Leica filter. That's the ideal solution. I
just bought 46mm filters. They fit my 35/1.4 and 90/2.8. I use those a lot.
Cost of filters can really add up in a hurry. Especially the good ones. 

I only have two step down rings. I know people who rely quite heavily on
step downs. It's surprising how much lattitude there is. I don't think
vignetting is a huge problem. I've used some pretty agressive shades. I only
find it's tricky in two areas; wider zooms -- which I don't own -- and view
camera lenses. It's inherently difficult to quantify the latter. you really
can't test. Sometimes you don't notice it until you see the developed film.


Dave 



- -----Original Message-----
From: Tom.Henson@bakerbotts.com [mailto:Tom.Henson@bakerbotts.com]
Sent: Monday, July 02, 2001 10:57 AM
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
Subject: RE: [Leica] Heliopan Circular Polarizer Filter


Dave,

That is an excellent suggestion and one I did not consider seriously enough.
I was initially concerned about the ability of the built in lens shade to
extend properly if I used a step up ring and knew enough not to use a step
down for fear of vignetting. I did find in my search that 62mm polarizers
are a dime a dozen (so to speak) and quite common.

Since I was able to purchase the exact size this time, if I ever need to do
this again I will take you advice and go down to the local Leica dealer and
test this in person.

I assume the same would hold true for any filter, and not just a polarizer.
I have been thinking about getting a set of filters to try with Black &
White film. This opens up more purchasing possibilities if I don't have to
buy the Leica brand in the exact size.

I would then be inclined to purchase locally in person, than by mail order.

Thanks again

Tom Henson


Dave suggested:

 <I know you didn't ask this, but I rely on step rings a lot. I use a 62mm
B+W
polarizer and a 60-62 step up on my 80-200/4. I can even extend the lens
shade. I use a 55 Polarizer on my other R lenses, and several M lenses. 

Before I buy stup rings and filters I'll usually test them out at a dealer.
Not "classic" Leica. But step rings really can be convenient when it comes
to many lenses with filters of varying sizes. I have 3 high quality
polarizers -- 62,55 & 49. I use them on lenses with 9 different filter
sizes. 

Dave>