Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/07/26
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]At 10:45 PM 7/26/2001 +0200, you wrote: >If Hoya is >manufacturing the Contax filters, it would have set up a completely >different production line or so it seems when one compares the standard Hoya >filters with the Carl Zeiss softar. Aren't you comparing apples to oranges? I think if you compare the Contax UVa to the Carl Zeiss Softar you may find a similar difference. Zeiss licenses the Softar to Contax, Heliopan, B+W, and Hasselblad (others?). You will find construction differences between the Contax Softar and the Heliopan Softar - the Contax Softar uses plastic "dimples", the Heliopan cuts the dimples into the glass. I can't speak to B+W as I haven't used their version of the Softar. It is a shame that the major manufacturers aren't more open with information on their use of subcontractors. I don't think it necessarily speaks poorly for Leica or Kyocera if they use filters manufactured by another source - but it would be nice to know what you are buying. When I shoot with Contax Zeiss lenses, for instance, I know I am using Schott glass. But no where do they specify what quality glass you are putting in front of the lens when using their filters. B+W and Heliopan, on the other hand, tell me what glass, how it is manufactured, and what materials are used. I am much more confident using Heliopan. Leica filters are used under the assumption that Leica would not sell a mediocre filter - but I haven't seen anything in their literature that describes the manufacture of their lenses! Maybe I'm overly analytical, especially since I rarely use filters. Kevin M. Bell www.camera-collectors.com 1-877-977-5091