Best protective filter?

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marke

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I want to get some protection to put in front of my brand new Summilux 50/f1.4. The thread size is 46, but I'm not sure if I have to be concerned with thread pitch.

I don't want to skimp on quality. Can ayone help with suggestions?
 
Leica UV filters - come in chrome or black finish. UK price approx £71. Alternatively B+W filters also available with both finishes for alot less. But then you did just buy a Summi!!

Peter
 
B+W MRC UV 010. Manufacturer's part no. is 66030559. You've got excellent glass, don't skimp on the filter. As stated above, B+W use Schott glass and they are the OEM for the Leica filters (which are not MRC so avoid them). They are also the most widely available. I use them on all my lenses and they are excellent. Your lens should have the common 0,75 thread pitch. Following is a link to the filter at B&H in New York:

http://tinyurl.com/yqwaav

Google the manufacturer's part no. and you may find a lesser price elsewhere but I doubt it.
 
Thanks, guys. The B+W MCRs are what I've bought in the past for my DSLR gear, but I just wasn't sure if things had changed or if the Leicas had different threads. Glad to hear the confirmation! In the past, I've ordered all my filters from http://www.2filter.com . I've always been very happy with their service, and it seems they have the best price too.

Thanks again!
 
Gulp - from what has been noted above, is it the case that B+W filters are regarded as superior to the (hugely more expensive) Leica filters? If this is the case, I will feel more than a little surprised and hard done by in equal measure!!

Can anyone advise if there have been tests published on this matter?

Peter
 
northpole said:
Gulp - from what has been noted above, is it the case that B+W filters are regarded as superior to the (hugely more expensive) Leica filters? If this is the case, I will feel more than a little surprised and hard done by in equal measure!!

Can anyone advise if there have been tests published on this matter?

Peter
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Peter, I believe that Leica filters are not multi-coated. Once you've compared a multi-coated to one that's not, the correct choice is perfectly clear. 😛
 
rich815 said:
Agree. Why put anything in front of your beautiful Summilux? Treat it as if it was one of your eyes. Are you wearing protective goggles all the time?
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Why does everyone assume that a UV filter has to be used all the time? It's just plain stupid not to have one available when you end up shooting in conditions that might require frequent cleaning of the lens (snow or rain) or is just plain dangerous for the surface (blowing dirt/sand).

And yes, I do wear protective goggles all the time. I've worn eyeglasses for the past 41 years of my life, primarily for eyesight correction, but they have also saved my eyes from other dangers more than once.

And that is how I treat both of my eyes. 😉
 
marke said:
Why does everyone assume that a UV filter has to be used all the time? It's just plain stupid not to have one available when you end up shooting in conditions that might require frequent cleaning of the lens (snow or rain) or is just plain dangerous for the surface (blowing dirt/sand).

And yes, I do wear protective goggles all the time. I've worn eyeglasses for the past 41 years of my life, primarily for eyesight correction, but they have also saved my eyes from other dangers more than once.

And that is how I treat both of my eyes. 😉
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I DO use P-filters and such in the conditions you describe. But I venture to guess that this thread, and most others discussing such, are intent on getting a protective filter to put on the lens and leave it on. I've been using "expensive" lenses (at least more than $100 USD?) since my Pentax K1000 bought when I was 14 years old (30 years ago). I've never used UV or P-filters for "protection". I've never hit a front element on anything, and this includes 2 trips around the world, living and traveling throughout China and SE Asia for 5 years, and about 8 trips to Europe from China and the US, on all of which I shot my cameras extensively. Lucky? I guess. More like taking standard care. I simply do not want another 2 surfaces in front of the glass of something like my 50/1.4 Summilux, even if it is MC, expensive, german-made filters or similar. I guess you'd say I take me' chances with no prophylactic.

I too wear glasses, well contacts sometimes too, but for eyesight, not protection.
 
rich815 said:
More like taking standard care. I simply do not want another 2 surfaces in front of the glass of something like my 50/1.4 Summilux, even if it is MC, expensive, german-made filters or similar.
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I've never ruined a lens either, but as you seem to agree, there are times when it makes sense. If I'm shooting in some kind of enviroment where I'd rather be able to quickly swipe a cloth across a filter to clean it from snow or rain, rather than lose a shot while getting out s sterile micro-cloth, I'd rather take the conservative approach and allow the very small possibility of the filter degrading the image. The filter might only be used for one out of 1,00o rolls, but I'll be glad I had it just for that one roll.

I too wear glasses, well contacts sometimes too, but for eyesight, not protection.
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I understand, but I've had more experiences that I care to remember when eyeglasses have saved me from damaging my eyes.
 
Seems like you have made your decision, but I'll just put my vote in for a Heliopan filter as well. I really like them. I use a Yellow on my 35mm at all times unless I am in low light conditions and need the extra stop of light.

I believe I read somewhere that the Leica filters are just B+W single coated filters. I have one but decided I wanted the yellow instead. I love the extra detail I get in the sky.
 
B+w

B+w

I carry around this one for windy or wet environments for my Leica 39 lens:

B+W 39E KR 1.5 1.1x

The "R" means warming (I think B is their code for cooling), and it approximates an 81B warming filter with a salmon color cast. Made in Germany, and allows for stacking another filter in front if needed. the 1.1 exposure factor is negligible, and something other vendors often ignore.

marke said:
I want to get some protection to put in front of my brand new Summilux 50/f1.4. The thread size is 46, but I'm not sure if I have to be concerned with thread pitch.

I don't want to skimp on quality. Can ayone help with suggestions?
Click to expand...
 
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