Discussion Forum Leica S System S Lenses Do you use filters to protect the front element?
  • November 28, 2011 at 3:13 pm #1601
    stephan

    Seen the price of the lenses, I thought it would be a good idea to use some UV-filters and bought some nice Zeiss-Filters.

    But are those filters really needed and don’t they spoil the image quality (a little)? As far as I understood, the S2 lenses have a special anti-dirt treatment of the front-element, and this also is integrated in optical calculation.

    So maybe the idea is not that good?

  • November 28, 2011 at 4:17 pm #1604
    David Farkas

    stephan;1420 wrote: Seen the price of the lenses, I thought it would be a good idea to use some UV-filters and bought some nice Zeiss-Filters.

    But are those filters really needed and don’t they spoil the image quality (a little)? As far as I understood, the S2 lenses have a special anti-dirt treatment of the front-element, and this also is integrated in optical calculation.

    So maybe the idea is not that good?

    Stephan,

    While you certainly can use filters to protect the S lenses, I haven’t found it needed. The AquaDura coating on the front element is pretty strong and does resist dust and water. On the 70mm, I’d strongly recommend not using a clear or UV filter. The 70mm has a clear, thick protective filter as part of its design already built-in. The front element is acutally the one you see moving inside when you focus. If you use a filter on the lens, you’ll have two flat pieces of glass with air space in-between – a recipe for some pretty nasty flare when shooting towards the sun.

    Personally, I only use circular polarizing filters and Schneider 4″ glass filters for ND and GND on my S lenses.

    David Farkas
    Red Dot Forum
    Leica Store Miami
  • November 28, 2011 at 5:25 pm #1605
    Bob Moore

    David,

    Are you using the Lee system for the 4″ filters?

    Thanks,

    Bob

  • November 28, 2011 at 6:13 pm #1606
    David Farkas

    Bob Moore;1424 wrote: David,

    Are you using the Lee system for the 4″ filters?

    Thanks,

    Bob

    Bob,

    I use the Schneider system, which uses Schott optical glass filters rather than plastic resin. I am extremely pleased with the quality of these. Here is a link to the 4″ filter system on our site:

    http://www.dalephotoanddigital.com/_e/gdept/12-008/4_inch_Filter_System.htm

    David Farkas
    Red Dot Forum
    Leica Store Miami
  • November 28, 2011 at 11:35 pm #1608
    rgk

    David Farkas;1425 wrote: Bob,

    I use the Schneider system, which uses Schott optical glass filters rather than plastic resin. I am extremely pleased with the quality of these. Here is a link to the 4″ filter system on our site:

    http://www.dalephotoanddigital.com/_e/gdept/12-008/4_inch_Filter_System.htm

    What is the advantage of using the Schneider system over screw in filters? Thank you.

  • November 29, 2011 at 3:00 am #1612
    David Farkas

    rgk;1427 wrote: What is the advantage of using the Schneider system over screw in filters? Thank you.

    Screw-in filters are useful for circular ploarizers or UV filters where the effect is across the entire image. A graduated ND filter (GND) needs to slide up and down in order to position it for optimal effect, so the rectangular form factor is better. You can use a solid ND in screw-in style, but you won’t be able to see through the viewfinder for composition or focusing. A square drop in filter lets you insert the filter quickly and easily after you’ve framed and focused your shot.

    David Farkas
    Red Dot Forum
    Leica Store Miami

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.