multi-coated filters, yes or no?

[sbug]

I am going to buy a yellow filter for my Canonet in hopes of getting better out of the camera results with black and white film. Do I need to buy the multi-coated version of the filter or would a standard version be OK? Should I get the multi-coated version because it is simply better or is it unnecessary and excessive, maybe even specifically designed to help with digital sensors that are more reflective than film? Here are two I’m considering for example:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...734&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...370&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

I’m one of those weird guys that doesn’t immediately put filters on the end of all my lenses so I’m a bit of a novice regarding what to look for when buying one. I’d also take brand suggestions although it appears the Canonet 48mm size already narrows the field considerably and B+W filters appear available, reasonably priced and well regarded.

 

[ch1]

I am a "filter" kind of shooter so we differ there. But that means I can be of some assistance - at least on where to get your filter.

I usually find that: http://www.2filter.com/

beats B&H on price and they delivery real fast.

 

[VinceC]

If you don't use lens hoods, multicoating helps cut down on reflections (flare) caused by the filter itself.

 

[Dougg]

As long as you're putting two more glass/air surfaces between the scene and the film, I figure top-quality glass and multi-coating will minimize the cost in image quality.

 

[Andrew Touchon]

I am going to buy a yellow filter for my Canonet in hopes of getting better out of the camera results with black and white film. Do I need to buy the multi-coated version of the filter or would a standard version be OK? Should I get the multi-coated version because it is simply better or is it unnecessary and excessive

The B+W MRC, (Multi-coated), filters are IMHO the best possible filters available. If you hold them side to side to a non multi-coated filter you can see the difference in the amount of reflections.

 

[Rich Silfver]

Multi-coated? Yes.

 

[Fred]

It's already been said but if you don't use a hood, an MC filter is easily going to give you the least flare. Even with a hood, reflections will still cause more than a certain amount of flare with the standard filters.

I guess its doun to how you're going to use it. If in any doubt and the funds support it, an MC is the way to go.

 

[r-brian]

You might want to consider getting a 48mm to 49mm step up ring. That way you will have access to the common 49mm filters and not be hindered looking for the hard to find 48mm filters.

Brian

 

[Russ]

Multi-coated is better, but no-coated will be fine. I do recommend a hood though. Also, go for the DEEP yellow, not the normal yellow. (Deep=#15/normal=#8).

Russ

 

[Dougg]

I'll echo Brian's suggestion of the step-up ring to use easier-to-find 49mm filters. That's virtually the standard size for many Pentax lenses over the years as well as other camera brands. Notice that B&H says the 48mm (MRC version) is a special order item and is non-cancelable or returnable.

 

[StuartR]

I have used 2filter.com as well, and they are good. B+W MRC filters are superb and really the best way to go. The multicoating is less about increasing transmission in this type of filter (you are already losing a great deal of light because of the yellow color...way more than the difference between a coated and non-coated clear filter. The big difference is in minimizing reflections and flare. Also, the MRC filters are very resistant to fingerprints, dust and rain...it is pretty amazing. The brass rings are nice too and keep things from locking up.

All that said, like you I am not a big filter user. I only really use filters in black and white, or when a lens has particularly soft coatings.

 

[peter_n]

What Andrew and Stuart said. B+W MRC F-Pro filters are excellent quality. You need more contrast out of the lens on your Canonet? Mine has more than enough - maybe there's a fair amount of sample variability.

 

[sbug]

What Andrew and Stuart said. B+W MRC F-Pro filters are excellent quality. You need more contrast out of the lens on your Canonet? Mine has more than enough - maybe there's a fair amount of sample variability.

Well I think I would like a bit more contrast with my usual c-41 B&W, XP2. I figure it's a $40 experiment I'm willing to try.

Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[petebown]

You might want to consider getting a 48mm to 49mm step up ring. That way you will have access to the common 49mm filters and not be hindered looking for the hard to find 48mm filters.

Brian

SRB (http://www.srbfilm.co.uk) produce such a step up ring. They can also supply Hoya HMC filters in 48mm thread size.

 

[sf]

Here is why you get multicoated filters

The one with the glare is a cheap tiffen

the one without is a B+W multicoated

and the position of the items made no difference. Cloudy day.