Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/09/11
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]on 11/9/00 9:43 pm, RP Johnson at owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us wrote: > I am going to break down and purchase a polarizing filter. > > 1. Is Leica (or B+W) the ONLY supplier of E60 circular polarizing filters? > > 2. Am I correct in assuming that an E60 (or E55) filter is NOT the same > threading as a 60mm (or 55mm) filter from Hoya, Tiffen, Neopan, or other 3rd > party manufacturers? > > 3. Are there adaptors so that if I have to purchase a Leica filter (for big > bucks), I can also use it on a smaller filter size lens ( that is, use an > E60 polarizer plus 60 to 55 adaptor on a lens that requires E55 filters). I've been there and can answer these questions first-hand! Heliopan is your knight in shining (but polarised) armour. Their 60mm filters fit Leica 60mm lenses (in my case 24mm Elmarit and 35-70 f4 Vario-Elmar). The Heliopan 55-60mm step up ring is a quality item that now lets me use my 60mm filters on my 180/f4 and Macro-Elmarit. 60mm dia filters may be rare but with Heliopan I have been able to standardise on one filter size for all my Leica lenses. Heliopan also do slim-line filter with no front thread - useful if you want to avoid vignetting on wide angles but not if you want to stack filters ( red and polar for black skies). You have the choice but make sure you specify which you order. I've been impressed with the quality of Heliopan filters - brass step up ring. But the matt finish and grey silk screen lettering is a bit of a let down alongside a Leica anodised and engrave filter - but they are less than half the price and available in colours not made by Leica - -- David Prakel dprakel@rochester.rr.com