Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/03/06
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Marc, Uh - i think your reference to the 300/5.6 kilfit as being one of the many lenses using Series VIII filters rather reinforces my point that it is an obscure size. And likewise for the Pro-tessars and their 60mm filters - I don't think I have ever seen such a lens and they have been out of production for quite a time if I am not mistaken.... When these fine old optics were in production was it not the case that their manufacturers and a number of filter makers also offered a good range of filters for them? That Leica, to my knowledge the only company still producing lenses with these filter fittings, does not offer any (other than UV and maybe a POL or one or perhaps two B/W filters IF you can find them) is sufficient justification for them to switch asap to more sensible sizes such as 58mm(which they abandoned for 60mm) or 62mm - - both of which are common. Yes some types of filters in all sorts of sizes are available - at a cost in time, money and convenience - from specialist companies in one or two countries, but a current professional camera should not force the user to resort to special orders or DIY fixits such as stepping rings when competitors have ready solutions available worldwide and off the shelf. When a company like Rollei or Schneider introduces new filter sizes for their lenses it is a slightly different matter IMHO since they do own B+W and have obvious commercial motivation to provide a line of filters for them: in many cases it is an irritating and unnecessary extra expense for the consumer but at least there is logic to it. I cannot understand why Leica persists in producing - and moreover introducing new - lenses with under-supported filter fittings. It seems to me that they just do not listen to what pros demand: for instance there is practical way to fit cc filters to any of the R lenses wider than 24mm. How is it that Canon and Nikon manage this? Why did they introduce a 280mm with only a 112mm(!) filter fitting and no rear mounted ones when prime intended users such as nature, sports and fashion photographers are more than likely to want to use a whole range of filters? Again Canon and Nikon understand their market better and did not have to redesign their long lenses because of such an oversight. This (lack of) responsiveness to professionals seems to be at the heart of the reason that Leica has lost market share to Japanese rivals. After several decades and a change of management I for one would hope that Leica can get it act together for the simple reason that we LUGGERS all know they make the best lenses and could be the top of the heap again if only they listen to their customers. I could go on - and will later! - but that is my blah-blah for today. Off shooting now... Bests Adrian Bradshaw Photojournalist Shanghai, China