Does UV filter help image quality when shooitng film?

[exe163]

Okay, first of all, let's not go into the 'to filter or not to filter' debate. I am just curious how UV filters actually affect the image quality of color and black and white film as opposed to clear/no filter. I have heard that they help to cut the haze and reveal more detail. Do you have experience with this effect in everyday use (non 'pixel peeking')?

Also while we are at it, how often do you use color filters?

 

[Roger Hicks]

Para 1: Negligible. In theory, as far as I am aware, degradation (flattening, resolution loss) is greater than any haze cutting effect. In the real world, it would be VERY hard to see a difference.

Para 2: A lot less than I used to (45 years' experience).

Cheers,

R.

 

[Dwig]

... I have heard that they help to cut the haze and reveal more detail. ...

UV "Haze" filters and Skylight filters have never helped to reveal more detail. Also, they have no effect on color films made in the last over 40+ years nor on most B&W films in even longer.

The old problem of films having excessive UV sensitivity was long ago cured in the design of the emulsions. Only the extremely deep cutting UV filters (visibly brownish) will have any effect and then only a very slight reduction in the magenta cast in a blue sky and only at high altitudes.

Use then for "protection" if you must, but don't expect any change in the image.

 

[exe163]

Thanks, that's good to know.