IIa filters

[RichL]

Purchased several 29.5 mm Hoya filters for my IIa. As received they are of course to thick to remain on the lens with the camera in the closed position. Gave each filter 400 strokes (50 strokes then a 45 degree turn x 8) on 140 grit then hit it a few times across some 600 grit to smooth it down. Finished up by flushing it well several time in cool running water and adding a dab of flat black to the rim. I now have new filters that not only can be left on the camera when it is closed (a plus if you need an N.D. filter) but there is sufficient thread remaining to stack filters if need be.

 

[jcrutcher]

Where did you find the filters? I've been unable to locate any. Thanks

 

[RichL]

http://www.filterfind.net/29.5.html

filterfind.net seems to have about size you could desire in the way of odd (or standard) sizes.

 

[polaski]

That's a good piece of some pretty aggressive work, Rich. If I have a spare, I might try it. What did you use to stroke it?
I've found that the 32mm slip-on filters also work on many other cameras, including a crown graphic and a Minox 35ML. I think they also fit the Vito B. I'll just have to take my time and fit the filters after opening the II or IIa, but at my age I don't move fast anyway.

 

[RichL]

I have a hunk of steal that I put the sandpaper on. I simply held the filter with 3 fingers and stroked the paper in a roughly circular pattern.

The way I tested it was to put it on then close the cover while holding the latch full open. When the cover closed with no filter drag I gave the filter another five or six strokes then finished off with the 600 grit.