DIY Polarizer Tips

[wilonstott]

Alright.

I want a polarizer for my M's. I think I'm gonna buy a 52-77mm step-up ring and use a dremel to route out some vents--a lot like the one on leica-goodies, but much cheaper.

Afterwards, I'll be able to use various step-up rings and fit the same polarizer on all my lenses (very small number).

Question is--has anyone done this?
If so, do you have any tips for routing the vents? (this is arguably the most important section for tips).

Also, I have an M2 and an M4-P--i.e. all non-metered. I can save some money and buy a linear polarizer right?--as opposed to a circular polarizer.

Thanks guys. Any help or comments would be great.

 

[FPjohn]

Good approach. You might also consider a used Leitz Swing out polarizer, they are cheap and usually have defective polarizing filters, and replacing with a new filter. E39mm with a built in lens hood for 35mm and longer.

yours
FPJ

 

[wilonstott]

Yeaux FPJ--

I thought about the swing-out leica model. I have yet to find one for under 100 USD. Plus--the swing-out--and I could be wrong here--seems like it would be less dynamic than one where I am always looking through the filter (the routed vents would permit this). Plus, step up rings are around 10 USD on B&H--probably less on ebay. I might be able to outfit my whole arsenal for under 50 usd.

 

[Sparrow]

If you look through the filter, rotate it until you get the strongest effect then put a mark on the edge of the filter at the point that's closest to the sun.

You can then point the camera and filter anywhere and as long as you keep that mark pointed at the sun you'll always get the strongest effect

 

[rlouzan]

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90094

 

[Ken Smith]

I went this route. Bought a 55-77mm step-up ring from Darkstar on E-bay for about $8. Took a china white marker and drew out the vent pattern and routed it out using a small metal routing bit in my dremel. Then used a perm black marker to re-blacken all the cut metal edges. Rather easy and fast. Use a pair of thin leather gloves to hold it while routing - metal heats up fast.

One thing I learned is to mount it first before drawing out the vent pattern. While my vents are rather large, there is still some very minor blockage of the rangefinder window. I still get the rangefinder image, but just half of it, still enough to work through. Next one I will mount first, then draw out the pattern.

This and a few step rings to match various lenses and your covered way cheaper than buying the commercial kit.