Hexar AF filter shim mandatory?

[Guy Mann]

Well, the Hexar AF has seduced one more.

There seems to be some confusion over on the photo.net thread as to whether a filter shim is mandatory or if only with perhaps certain brands of filters depending on the height of the ring. Can anyone here offer an authoritative answer as to when a filter shim may be necessary? This is in reference to a Hexar AF Silver model in case there was any variance between models in this regard.

 

[KoNickon]

Guy, I do not believe there's any difference in the various Hexar models regarding this particular issue. I think the physical lens specifications are identical. But to state the obvious, this only becomes an issue if you 1) use filters with the camera and 2) are in the habit of using the camera at its minimum focus distance.

There's the school of thought out there that using filters is to be avoided, since it can degrade the image. I happen to keep a filter on mine at all times, because I like to protect the lens and, if you're not thinking, it's very easy to take pictures with the Hexar with the lens cap on! When I bought mine (used) it came with a filter and the shim already mounted. So it's nice to have the shim -- I'm not really sure where I'd go to get one -- but truth to tell, I don't know that it's ever come into play.

Maybe others are aware of differences among the filter makers' designs -- one with the glass mounted closer to the front of the filter may not require the shim at all. I can tell you the shim looks to be no more than .25mm thick, so it may be certain filter brands don't require the shim at all.

 

[kuvvy]

Guy, I have the Hexar Silver and keep a filter on to protect the lens. It's a B&W KR 1.5.
I have not had the close focus problem ever. I even tried to replicate the problem when i first got the camera but couldn't, so maybe it is only the original model or early models that had a problem.

Paul

 

[Guy Mann]

Thanks, that's good to know. I am firmly in the filter for protection party and was going for the B+W MRC filters in any case.

 

[Lear]

I had a B&W filter on it and never had problems. I must admit that for me it was more lika a transparent lens cap that I could shoot thru in case I had to, usually took it off.