Polarizer and RF patch?

[rbiemer]

I recently got a 77mm polarizer--mainly for use on my 19-35mm zoom--but will also use it on my rangefinders via step rings. I'll be stacking two step rings, 39 to 49 and 49 to 77, and cutting about a quarter of them out to see the effect of the filter through.
I don't think the filter will cover the RF window or the patch when I'm using this on my Bessas but I wonder:
will the polarization give me any trouble with the rf patch?
Any one else done this?
Thanks!
Rob

 

[Dwig]

Almost certainly.

If the RF uses a beam splitter or semi-silvered mirror to merge the two light paths then a simple polarizer will, depending on its orientation, cause the RF patch to become invisible. This is the same optical problem that is present in almost all AF SLRs and some SLR metering systems (e.g. Leica's first TTL metering SLR).

Using a Circular Polarizer eliminates the problem. CirPols have a second element that effectively "depolarizes" the light. You may see a slight color tint change in the RF patch as you rotate the CirPol (far less change with the better quality CirPols), but it should remain usable.

 

[rbiemer]

Dwig,
It is a circular polarizer--necessary for the AF camera I have.
I'll just have to see how much(if any) the patch changes to know if it'll be problematic for me.
Thanks,
Rob

 

[maspeho]

The song without words sounds cool.
If you have the possibility, you should add a second (lead) guitar track. Well, it's just my point of view.
Keep playing music my friend.

 

[rbiemer]

Why didn't I think of that? It is so obvious now. I need a second guitar track for all my photos; they would be so much better then.
Rob

 

[payasam]

I know nothing of guitars, Rob, but you seem to use a moka pot as I do.

 

[rbiemer]

Mukul,
I can do nothing with guitars beyond admiring them. The post above mine is probably spam of some kind and I was kind of sarcastic in my reply.
The coffee pot--branded Mirro around here--has long been a favorite of mine. My folks used one for as long as I can remember and I can make a good cup or two pretty quickly. Faster than the electric machine I also have.
Rob