Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/10/06

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Subject: RE: [Leica] 35/1.4 ASPH hood
From: jimbrick@photoaccess.com (Jim Brick)
Date: Tue, 06 Oct 1998 12:35:05 -0700

It's amazing to me, how many people have selective memories, or else read
only every other line of a post. Or perhaps simply fish for reactions. I
will react in this fishing expedition because it is taking my previous
statements out of context.

I have ALWAYS said that I use filters. A lot of filters. USEFUL filters.
Not USELESS filters. Filters can and do degrade your image. Straight from
the horses mouth, Leica. The use of filters should be very selective. When,
where, and how, should be carefully evaluated. When in doubt, don't use one.

Filters are deadly on an M6. You cannot see filter related problems because
you are not looking through the filter as with an R camera. Leaving any
filter on an M camera, without thought, is a risky situation.

Many people say "I have a filter on my lens all of the time and I've never
seen any problem." Well you are not comparing your results against the same
photographs without a filter. So the argument is moot.  If YOU are happy
with your results, that's all that counts. But once bitten, twice cautious.

Flare is the one thing that lens designers cannot completely eliminate. The
filter designers don't try. Filters are cheap. Lenses are expensive. A
multicoated B+W or Heliopan filter does not even approach the flare
reducing properties of your Leica lens. A filter in front of your Leica
lens obliterates all of Leica's hard work attempting to eliminate flare.

So go out and use filters. In selected situations, where the alteration of
the light quality or color, will make a defining difference in your
resulting photograph. In all other situations, listen to Leitz and Leica.
Leave the filter off of your lens.

Jim

PS... I could care less what you all do out there in Leica land. I'm simply
attempting to lay out the facts so that those who wish, can choose between
an urban legend and the real facts. Facts delivered by Leitz and Leica
optical engineers. Not me. In this case, I am but a messenger. Once bitten.
I am now twice cautious. I have removed the plastic cover from my couch,
the cellophane from my lamp shades, and the plastic runners from my carpet.
And I do not deadbolt a glass door. Think folks... think.

At 12:24 PM 10/6/98 -0400, you wrote:
>But with a
>> Heliopan polarizer in place, it moves the front glass surface far enough
>> forward, that this cannot happen.
>> 
>> Jim
>>
>"Polarizer." Isn't that another name for a ... FILTER?!
>:-)
> 

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Jim Brick, ASMP, BIAA
Photo Access
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