rangefinders and filters?

[citadel92]

I'm new to photography and am very interested in purchasing a rangefinder camera as opposed to a dgital SLR. Thinking of leica m6TTL or m7 or a Bessa r. Anyway, any thoughts on this as well as are there filters and holders which are built for rangefinder lenses? Color filters, neutral density filters, polorized filters, etc. Thanks for the thoughts and the help!!

 

[jody]

I'm new to photography and am very interested in purchasing a rangefinder camera as opposed to a dgital SLR. Thinking of leica m6TTL or m7 or a Bessa r. Anyway, any thoughts on this as well as are there filters and holders which are built for rangefinder lenses? Color filters, neutral density filters, polorized filters, etc. Thanks for the thoughts and the help!!

In a word Yes, just like other cameras. Welcome I think you will love it.

 

[VinceC]

The filters tend to be smaller than on SLR cameras. Sometimes that makes them cheaper. Sometimes not.

 

[ferider]

Welcome.

Like Vince and Jody said.

ND filters are easier to use, Pol filters harder, since you don't look through the lens.

Roland.

 

[rogue_designer]

they do make specific polarizer solutions for those who like linear pola's. It involves a calibrated viewing filter mounted on the hotshoe, and a similarly scaled filter on the lens. Match the numbers, match the effect.

For the most part, I don't bother with anything but ND, Red and Yellow filters on mine.

If I'm tweaking a scene so much that linear polarizers are the best solution, then I'm using the wrong kit for the shot in the first place. (Just my $.02 naturally).

Welcome!

 

[peter_n]

The filters tend to be smaller than on SLR cameras. Sometimes that makes them cheaper. Sometimes not.

And 39mm filters seem to be the most expensive of all. You will find out why eventually. 😉

 

[VinceC]

For polarizers, you can also buy an el-cheapo second polarizer and just calibrate it to scale on the filter you use on your camera. Most of them have a position mark, even if it's just a dot. Hold el-cheapo to your eye, line it up properly, then transfer the setting to your camera polarizer. I find that less onerous than having some gizmo attached to the camera.

 

[rbiemer]

I find using filters on metered RF cameras generally easier than on SLRs. With the exception of polarizers. And infra red shooting is very much easier.
This is because you aren't trying to look through the filter--not such a big deal with a light yellow, perhaps, but as the filters get darker, the harder it becomes to focus and compose. With the RF cameras, you can use the view finder as usual and still see what you would with out a filter.
Rob
edit: I do have a few photos where I forgot to take the filter off and went from BW film to color film and the first few shots on the roll all have a strong color cast. Something to be aware of.

 

[lmd91343]

When I need a polarizer filter, I use a clamp on type. I look thru it, turn it to the desired angle, then mount it on my lens.

I took a 37mm Hoya c-pola out of its frame and put it in Leitz 36A frame. It cost a total of about $20.

 

[citadel92]

Thanks very much for the help and info

 

[kshapero]

Filters on Rf's tend to be more expensive because the only company that offers a good selction of 39mm size filters is B+W. But they are the same price as larger ones, so you are getting great quality and they look great. For 43mm size filters, you can save money getting Hoya's. very good quality but they don't look as solid as B+W. I us an ND for sunny days outside and an 81A for incandescent lights. i also use a UV if I am filming near the ocean at dusk to just protect my lens from salt water spray.

Good luck.