Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/08/22

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Polarizer filters
From: Jim Brick <jim@brick.org>
Date: Sat, 22 Aug 1998 23:29:22 -0700

The only filters I have for my M6 are a 39mm & 46mm Heliopan polarizers.
For the occasional M6 scenic view. I chose Heliopan because they have
numbers around 90 degrees of the perimeter. When using one of the filters
on a lens, I view through the other to find the proper setting. There's a
filter pocket in my vest so it's easy access.

A circular polarizer is necessary on R Leicas because of the partially
silvered mirror spot for the exposure meter cell. A circular polarizer has
a 1/4 wave retarder (delay foil) that makes the polarized light appear
unpolarized to the meter cell, thus giving a proper reading. For other
cameras, you will have to ask the manufacturer. M cameras need only linear
polarizers. Kaesemann polarizers are carefully made, truly optically flat
optical glass and select polarizer foils (necessary for telephoto and APO
lenses) and hermetically sealed for long life. These are the premium
polarizers. If you want the very best, this is it. I have a 67mm linear
Kaesemann for my 270/360/500mm Nikkor T-ED LF lenses.

For your regular Leica lenses, a regular B+W or Heliopan polarizer will
work great. Heliopan has numbers, B+W does not. Regular polarizers can
delaminate over time, although none of mine have. Some are 25 years old.
Some LUGgers have reported delaminated polarizers. A Kaesemann will not.

Hope this helps,

Jim

At 10:19 PM 8/22/98 -0500, you wrote:
>I want to buy a polarizer filter, I will probably get at B+W filter
>(unless someone makes a case for the older leica model, the one that
>doesn't flip up).  My question is which one, looking in the B&H catalogue
>I see a circular polarizer, kaesemann linear polarizer and a kaesemann
>circular polarizer available in 39mm.  What are the differences?  I
>believe a circular polarizer is neccessary on AF systems. How do they
>affect the image? Also what does Kaesemann mean? The only difference I can
>see is in the price, I think im in store for a physics lesson which is
>fine :) 
>
>-- 
>Michael Garmisa <elmar@webreach.com>
>