Filters on Zeiss lenses

[wraye]

This may sound like a bit of a silly question, but I was wondering about the use of filters on Zeiss lenses. I've just got my hands on a G1 with a 45/2 planar and I wanted to put a UV or skylight filter on the lens to protect it. It's something I do with all my SLR lenses as soon as I get one but reading posts here and other forums I get the impression that not many users do this with Zeiss (or other lenses for rangefinders) glass. Any reasons for this or maybe comments/opinions?

Kind regards,
W

 

[yossarian]

I never take a lens out of the house unless it has a filter on it. I know there are quite
different and strongly held views on this subject, but over the years I've examined
thousands of slides with a 22x loupe (and even at 50x under a microscope) and have
never detected obvious optical flaws in an image resulting from the use of GOOD filters.
The Contax brand filters are superb, as are the B+W and Heliopan, and I've had
continuing good luck with higher-end Hoyas, all I should stress, multicoated.
I've seen the damage done to a lens which was dropped and not protected by a filter.
If nothing else, filters can help maintain the integrity of the thread on the lens.
In the end, like much of what we do, it's a personal choice, but the choice to go without should be weighed against the consequences.

Fred

 

[John]

I have installed filters and hoods on every lens I can find one for. I try to get coated uv or skylight 1a. Most of the purpose is for protection and cleanability. I can clean the filter with liquid, tissue, and microfibre cloth. When the filter looks to rough I can replace it. The lenses remain as pristine as possible.
I realize I am losing some degree of light transmission, contrast, colour. 🙂

 

[Socke]

A skylight or uv is not needed on modern Zeiss glass to reduce the unwanted effects of UV light, but it does protect the lens from dust and, at least in my hands, fingerprints.

On the other hand, the T* coated Zeiss lenses are tough! I have no scratches or anything on my lenses although I took them to harsh environments from the Lofotes to Menorca and from Havana to Shanghai.

 

[laptoprob]

Nighttime or lowlight shots suffer from any added filtering. You always get reflections and they will show. I saw a website somewhere with convincing results. Forgot where. Also explained there was hood size, flare and vignetting. Very interesting stuff!

cheers, Rob.

 

[laptoprob]

Thank Google!

This is the site: http://www.vanwalree.com/optics/filterflare.html

great stuff there!

 

[Doug]

I too put Zeiss or B+W filters on my Contax G lenses. There may be a tiny bit of optical degradation, but I like the physical protection.

 

[flipflop]

Same here B+W all the way...the silver Contax filters look nice but I dont think they are near the quality of the B+W

 

[Issy]

Same as Doug. If it is a critical shot (landscape) and I have the time, I will remove it.

 

[rich815]

In 25 years of photography not once has a "protective" filter saved one of my lenses. I think it's an overly protective ploy started by camera shops years ago to sell higher margin filters. Sure, it sounds "safe" and people feel better but I'm just not sold on it. Do you wear protective goggles all the time for your eyes on the off chance something might poke you in the eye? Of course not. So, about 5 years ago I stopped using "P" filters altogether. I simply keep a lens cap on or be careful when my lens is exposed. I simply do not want two more air to glass surfaces over my Contax or Leica glass because of the stronger possibilty of more dust, smeared glass or higher possibility of flare from the filter. And with protective filters I think people are more careless and a smeared or dusty filter is a higher possibility because many keep their lens caps off knowing they have the "protective" filter on. An exception is in sandy, salty weather like at the beach but that's it.

 

[jano]

I have yet to put a protective filter on my G lenses.. or ANY lenses for that matter. However, I'm suddenly considering doing so, because I just had a look at the front of a few of my lenses. I never clean them, and I go to the beach *a lot*. Yeeeech. I'm afraid to clean them now, don't want to scratch them. I'll find a way, though 😛

 

[Doug]

Interesting how this can be such a firmly-held and even emotional issue! 😉

Jano, I "know" modern lenses have harder coatings but I'm still nervous about putting cleaning marks on my treasured glass! I don't always use filters in a protective way, but I do think of them as transparent lens caps. I don't hesitate to take the filter off temporarily and wash it with warm water and soap, dry with a lint-free towel and replace. Opaque caps can be such a pain to deal with...

 

[wraye]

Thanks everybody for your views and opinions, it's always much appreciated. I didn't realise I was opening up such a can of worms asking about protective filters!! Good to see such passion in fellow users!
W

 

[peter_n]

Interesting how this can be such a firmly-held and even emotional issue! 😉

Jano, I "know" modern lenses have harder coatings but I'm still nervous about putting cleaning marks on my treasured glass! I don't always use filters in a protective way, but I do think of them as transparent lens caps. I don't hesitate to take the filter off temporarily and wash it with warm water and soap, dry with a lint-free towel and replace. Opaque caps can be such a pain to deal with...

I do the same Doug, with the addition of warming it gently in the toaster oven to get rid of any minute particles of water before putting it back on the lens. 😉

 

[Doug]

...warming it gently in the toaster oven to get rid of any minute particles of water...

Hmmm, toaster oven, that's an idea. I've used a hair dryer... 🙂