Leica Summilux 35mm ASPH: Do I need to use the HOOD?

S

Steve Hoffman

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Please forgive me if this has been asked 100 times here but I am getting the Leica Summilux 35mm ASPH lens (in trade for some music engineering work) and I was told that I won't need to use the hood.

Is this true? The lens doesn't need the hood? No flare problems? I'd like nothing better than to leave it off because it impacts the finder and is too darn big..

Anyone know for sure? Thanks for your input.
 
I wouldn't say it's 100% free from flare, but I agree that the Leica hood obtrudes into the finder view. Try a 46mm screw-in hood from Heavystar
 
I've read that some people experience flare with this lens and complain about it. I never have used the hood on mine and so far have not seen any flare in my photos.
 
As with any lens, location, location, location. I haven't had a lens yet that didn't flare under certain conditions. It's all good.
 
It's your own cost benefit analysis between the negative effect of having the hood intrude into your field of view versus loosing images from preventable flare, but I have lost images to flare with my own 35mm Asph. Lux and so I choose to leave the hood intact at all times.
 
waileong said:
If it's not necessary, why would they make the hood?
Click to expand...

Even in conditions without obvious sources of glare, I suppose the hood may help to get the ultimate contrast out of the lens. Also, if you don't use a protective filter such as a UV, the hood can provide some protection to the front element, as well as keep rain or spray off the front element.

As I said above though, I've never used the hood on mine as i prefer the lens to be as small as possible.
 
Leave the hood on. It's not that big with it on - still much smaller than any SLR lens (especially of that speed) - and you'll eventually get to the point where you're looking "through the hood" in the finder.

In other words, you'll get used to it.
 
Film dino said:
I wouldn't say it's 100% free from flare, but I agree that the Leica hood obtrudes into the finder view. Try a 46mm screw-in hood from Heavystar
Click to expand...
That's what I use.


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Given that you do music engineering, here's a thought that might be useful:

Shooting with or without a lens hood is very much akin to recording with or without a mic shockmount. You might get fine results without using one, but you will get the best performance from your tools when using one.

-J.
 
I have not used the hood normally with the 35 lux, only took it if I knew I would need to shoot in high flare situations. Not a problem to leave it out for me.
 
Peter, nice pic of al alternate hood. Could you please share what make/model that is so I could possibly buy one?

Thanks!

-Christopher
 
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