Linear or Circular polarizer?

[Rogier]

I am confused witch filter will be best for my rangefinder cameras (M8 + M4-P).
Did some research online and learned the differences and that a circular polarizing filter is needed for AF camera's.

But are there trade offs for the circular polarization filter and is there a significant advantage for choosing a linear filter?

 

[Tony-S]

If you don't have autofocus, nor plan to get a camera with autofocus, then linear is the way to go.

 

[loquax ludens]

Interesting question. I didn't know, so I googled it. Of course, I still don't know for sure, but Luminous Landscape says that linear polarizers are more effective, but they throw off TTL metering and autofocus. So if your cameras meter through the lens or have autofocus capability, then you must use circular polarizers.

 

[sevo]

Circular will get past the mirror splitter of AF cameras and cameras with behind the mirror exposure sensors (that is, interchangeable prism in-body metered cameras and many cameras with advanced matrix or multipoint meters).

Apart from that, linear polarizers are theoretically superior, needing only one foil layer - but in practice, linear have been relegated to the budget segment since AF took over and are pretty much stuck at the state of the art of the mid eighties. You'll get the most advanced foil, multicoating and sealing technologies in circular only, so these effectively have the edge, at least in common small format sizes - things can be different if you buy large format or cinematography filters.

 

[Ronald M]

Linear work for all application if you remove/set camera/replace them compensating 1.5 to 2.0 stop exposure.

I really do not know who makes Linear other than Leica for the RF cameras. They are a nice neutral grey.

Tiffin will impart a nice green cast to your photos, linear or circular.

 

[Rogier]

Thanks for all the replies. As mentioned I plan to use it on my Rangefinders only.
There are some liniar filters on EBay and new
Available from B&H.
Since it seems that the liniar filter is more effective
, assuming one can find a food quality product I think the
liniar PL filter is the best way to go.
Regardless of circular or liniar light has to be ether calculated and/or measured for good results.

 

[sevo]

Linear work for all application if you remove/set camera/replace them compensating 1.5 to 2.0 stop exposure.

Removing and replacing is only possible when you use a tripod on static subjects. And even where you have the time to screw and unscrew filters, exposure can vary by an extra stop or two depending on the polarizer angle neutralizing reflections and deepening the sky blue - which you'd only see with a TTL measurement.