Hexar AF filtering

[burancap]

Hi all,

I am interested in filtering on the Hexar AF and I have done some research, but I have been left a bit confused. I see some discussions regarding the need to use a "spacer," but little technical information. Might any users have the CliffsNotes for proper filtering? I'd be interested in using ND and typical color filters.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Larry H-L]

Well, its been a while, but I recall that some brands of filters threaded in a bit too far which caused the AF movement on the lens to bind.

So, Konica made a thin rubber gasket that could be placed between the filter and lens threads to keep the filter back away from the lens nose that moved.

Never had an issue with mine. But if yours binds, just unscrew the filter a half a turn, and put a piece of tape on it to keep the filter from unscrewing.

 

[burancap]

Thanks! That explains it perfectly. I will compare some of my existing brands (other than 46) to determine the ones with the least potential interference and then buy that brand.

 

[burancap]

My AF arrived today and I had the opportunity to try a 46. No problem with the older Hoya. Then it dawned on me: I could just sacrifice the glass and use it as a spacer for better quality filters and then I could buy with abandon. But ... vignetting from a double stack? Anybody stacked filters on the AF?

 

[f16sunshine]

A spacer is a spacer I would think. I mean ... if Konica supplied a spacer and it worked why would a DIY method not also work ?

 

[Dante_Stella]

This only happens with some black AFs - a Tiffen 46mm retaining ring (just buy a clapped out filter and break out the glass) is as much of a spacer as you'll ever need.

Dante

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

Hi Jeff,
I stack a couple of filters on my AF constantly... Usually for f/2 shooting with fast film. Generally a yellow/orange one plus an ND8/ND64: I use a step-up ring to 52mm, and it's always there, also when I'm not filtering, because I guess it can help a bit as protection and as a short lens shade too...
Cheers,
Juan

 

[Dante_Stella]

The 52mm step-up solution works well, especially when you look at what most 46mm filters cost. 46mm filters go on Leicas, were never really made in huge quantities, and are $$$; 52mm filters are cheap and plentiful. A 52mm filter is exactly the diameter of the built-in hood.

Dante

 

[burancap]

A spacer is a spacer I would think. I mean ... if Konica supplied a spacer and it worked why would a DIY method not also work ?

As in post #2, the OEM spacer was a small rubber ring, not a full depth filter ring as I was suggesting using. My concern was with what would now be a "double depth" stack and the possibility of vignetting using such a DIY arrangement. My only reference is doing this once on an X100 (same FL and it worked) but the evaluation was immediate with the EVF. I'll give it a shot -worst case is a roll with some shady corners.

 

[burancap]

Ooh... Posts coming in fast! I like the step idea but did not want to compromise the slick inbuilt hood. I wonder if a 49 will fit inside the hood? I'll go check! ...No go on the 49. No need to overthink this too much. As I need an ND regardless, I'll just try the stack. Keep you posted!

 

[taemo]

I use a 46-49 step up ring since I have lots of 49mm filters already and no, unfortunately you can't use the hood with it.