Polarising filter on rangefinder.

[mike_j]

I need to take some pictures using a polarising filter for a photography course I am taking. If possible I will use my Leica M8 but polarisers and rangefinders are not a happy combination.

My method at present is to hand hold one PL filter and rotate it to the optimum position then transfer this position to another PL filter on the lens. Requires 3 hands ideally and even then is rough and ready. Are there any better solutions?

Also, I know that circular PL filters are not necessary but are there any disadvantages in using them? I have some from SLR days.

 

[wafflecakee]

http://www.pebbleplace.com/Personal/Leica_Universal_Polarizer.html

 

[TXForester]

I asked this of another member once. He said buy a small polarizer about the size of the end of a plastic, film canister. Mount it on the canister end where the cap fits and cut out the other end for viewing. Glue a small piece of flat materiel to the side of the canister that will slide into the hot shoe.

Now you have a camera-mounted, accessorie filter that you can work with one hand while holding the camera with the other hand. You'll need to paint a dot on the front ring of each filter so you can quickly transfer the filter position from accessorie filter to the one on the lens. That will mean playing with both off camera till you figure out when they are both in the same orientation.

 

[krötenblender]

No disadvantages in CPLs AFAIK. I have that Leica-polarizer, it is ridiculously overprized if you buy new, but it works fine. Nevertheless, it is not usable for quick shots like polarizers on a SLR.

Also there ist this system from Kenko, much cheaper and should work fine after all I've read: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypGjFHF-6kc

Nice idea, I think. Before I got the Leica used for a very good prize I thought about the Kenko or alternatively building one my self like the Leica from a normal polarizer, a filter-ring of another filter and a little hinge. Can't be so hard.

 

[TXForester]

The Kenko is about what I described but without the scale.

 

[kokoshawnuff]

Using a linear polarizer (you won't need a circular polarizer), hold it to your eye rotating it until it reaches maximum polarization (look at glass window from about a 30 degree angle and rotate until the reflection is gone or as close to it), holding it in place make perminant marks on the rotating part of the brass ring (with a file or paint pen) at the 12 o clock and 6 o clock points. Now all you need to do is point compose and rotate the filter so one of the two marks is pointing towards the sun/light source.

 

[kzphoto]

If you have a polarizer that has the "mark" on it, you just angle it towards the sun for maximum effect. At least that's how I learned to do it with the Ricoh GR1v.

edit: by mark, I mean it indicates the direction of polarity or whatever. I don't really know what the mark is for, but they're usually the "most effective zone" or "sweet spot" for the filter.

 

[skibeerr]

No disadvantages in CPL for use on RF.

I found using it on rf cameras only worth the hassle from a tripod with mf rangefinders.

If it's for a course and the aim is using a polarising filter and seeing how it affects your shots just make life easy for yourself and use a (D)SLR

 

[nikon_sam]

And don't forget to compensate your exposure for the light loss due to said filter...

 

[ReeRay]

Kenko make a specific RF polarizer. It comes with a polarizer hot shoe mounted viewer with a scale indicator. You marry the selected effect with the scale on the lens mounted filter and that's it. It works perfectly. I have had mine some years now. Original purchased off eBay but can't see one presently.

I use mine on my Hexar RF and Contax G2. built in metering is a bonus

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

For the OP, I have pretty good results with a marked polarizer. I put a dot of red nail polish on the rim and point the dot at the sun.

ReeRay, any specific search terms that would help find the Kenko RF polarizer?

"Kenko Polarizer" of course returns far too many hits.

Kenko synchronized polarizer? Kenko rf polarizer?

 

[trog]

Kenko Polarizer kit…. sold here:
www.popfalsh.com

 

[kotokot21]

I've discovered an easiest way of using a CPL filter on a rangefinder camera. I just screw in a 40,5mm ventilated hood on my lens, the opposite part of the hood has 52mm thread. So I attach the 52mm CPL to my hood. Now if I tilt the camera a little bit, I can see through the CPL when it's installed. I see enough of it to determine the correct rotation.