Elmar 5cm + Leica UVa filter = lens cap too big

[jtlns]

Hi,

I have a IIIf with the Elmar 5cm f2.8 and an Leica UVa filter on top of it. The filter fits on the lens, but it is slightly less wide than the lens itself, so the original lens can doesn't stick very well to the filter.

Anyone has a tip or can recommend a replacement cap that fits better to the filter?

Thanks!

 

[Robbie Bedell]

I found the cap from a Windex bottle (The big replacement bottle with a blue cap) fits my Elmar and Walz uv filter. I had to cut just a bit of the thread out and put in a piece of tape, but it works great. It is still very flat when collapsed and if it falls off, which it is prone not to do, there is not great loss. I think there are a lot of other bottle tops which would do the same.

 

[Dez]

That's a problem with all the old lenses with a 39mm thread, and I have always wondered why on earth Leitz made their filters a bit smaller.
Pry the velvet liner away from the inside of the lens cap in a couple places, and insert a small piece of very thin cardboard behind it. A paper match is a bit too thick. You can add a dab of glue if you want. The modification is invisible, and your lens cap won't fall off anymore.

Cheers,
Dez

 

[Robbie Bedell]

Oh, I am sorry. I misread the OP's post. I thought he was referring to a 3.5 Elmar. BUT, whenever I have a loose Leica lens cap I just shim up the inside with some tape cut to fit inside the rim. It has always worked well.

 

[Rob-F]

Or just put on the filter and a hood, and forget the cap.