Bessa III & Filters

[Jager]

I am contemplating the purchase of a Bessa III 667. I'm primarily a black and white photographer and would anticipate periodically using yellow and red color contrast filters.

I'm aware that any filters must be removed before the bellows can be closed. With that in mind (and because I think lens shades are a good idea, in general), my thought was to utilize 40.5mm filters within the clip-on shade.

My question... I have seen several references to the need to use extra thin filters. Am I to conclude that a B+W 40.5 filter (a la http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/120389-REG/B_W_66011152_40_5mm_022_Medium_Yellow.html) would not work?

If not, can someone direct me to a high-quality filter that would fit?

Thanks in advance...

 

[kram]

Jager, I have just checked my GF670 (same as the Bessa iii) lens shade which came with the camera. When screwed in, the filter is right at the back of the shade, I can't see how a normal thickness filter would cause any problems.

 

[Archlich]

The Cokin Pure series is ultra thin and high quality, works with the GF670 perfectly - directly mounted on the lens, not in the hood. Only UV and CPLs are available though.

 

[whitecat]

I have done it both ways. The screw in filter is ok. It will still take the lens shade. I have heard that used with the lens shade it might cause vignetting. I have never had that problem. I have also heard that some people use the smaller filter and just leave it on the lens shade when they close it.

 

[Jager]

Thanks, guys. So it sounds like conventional size 40.5mm B+W filters would work fine in my application (permanently mounted within the lens shade). My desire is to be able to extend the lens for shooting, quickly attach the lens shade (with filter already attached), and then be able to just as quickly remove the lens shade/filter, shove that in my pocket, and collapse the lens.

 

[Peter_S]

Alternatively you can use a thin 58mm filter (I use Heliopan), and grind the treats down that they are almost flush with the glass. But be careful - if not thin enough, you risk damage to the small swing arm that locks the lens in place when extended.
I have now grinded an orange and yellow filter, but stay on all the time, no problems.

Another guy did the same. In German, but you get the idea
http://www.napsis.de/ultra-slim-filter-fur-bessa-iii/

 

[osh]

I have two 40.5mm B+W filters that I screw into the lens hood (yellow and UV) and they work fine.

 

[Fotohuis]

I am using Heliopan 40,5mm filters in the lens hood. It is the same size as most FSU lenses and also the same size as the Rodagon enlarging lenses. Yellow; ND 0,6 ; Infra Red #88A and a Polarizer can be usefull which means if you like B&W Infra Red photography with the Bessa III 667.

 

[RSilva]

I use regular mamiya 58mm filters on the Fuji GF670 and never had any kind of problems. Of course I take the filter out when I fold the camera but I only fold the camera when I am done. It is not a big hassle, probably I would take it out anyway to shoot indoors.

 

[Hunter S Thompson]

The lens hood for the Fuji/Bessa camera is appalling. Worst design possible. You can't help but to get massive amounts of finger prints on your lens filter when you insert it or remove it. Plus, the storage case is a joke, being about 1 mm wider than the hood itself, you have to use ridiculous amounts of effort to get it in there.

Absolutely mindless design.

 

[Fotohuis]

If changing according the manual it is not any problem:

http://voigtlaender.de/assets/bessa-iii-manual_d_e.pdf

Page 2/2.

About the storage: Somewhere in a photo bag, with or without filter screwed in. The too small Black mini-bag is just a gimmick.

 

[Hunter S Thompson]

If changing according the manual it is not any problem:

http://voigtlaender.de/assets/bessa-iii-manual_d_e.pdf

Page 2/2.

About the storage: Somewhere in a photo bag, with or without filter screwed in. The too small Black mini-bag is just a gimmick.

Thank you! That link was VERY helpful. My instruction manual was left back home in the US so I never saw that information before.

I thought it was absolutely stupid the way I was putting in the filters and it turns out that it is stupid, as in wrong!


Huge thanks.