The effect of a coated filter on an uncoated lens

[Matthew Allen]

I have just acquired an uncoated 50/2 Summar to go with my first RF, a IIIa. I was wondering what effect the addition of a modern multicoated UV/skylight filter might have on it.

Although most of my SLR lenses go unfiltered (their glass is hard enough, I don't feel a filter is necessary and I can't afford good enough quality ones anyway) I would like to protect the soft front element of the Summar since at the moment all it has are the usual light cleaning marks. Thinking about this got me wondering if perhaps a coated filter might actually improve the lens' performance, or does coating on a filter not have such a profound effect as coating on the front element?

Granted, there are situations when I might want the uncoated look, but in general I think I'd want to minimise the effects of flare.

Your thoughts would be appreciated, as well as any suggestions for convenient places in the EU (especially Britain) where I might get a hood, a lens cap and a filter for the Summar.

Cheers,
Matthew

 

[mfogiel]

Any additional piece of glass on an uncoated lens will only make the matters worse - the only thing you can do is to put a solid lens shade on, which will prevent the lateral light from entering the lens - try to avoid pointing light sources, and your shaded lens will do fine.

 

[uhligfd]

Coating cuts glare/flare and other reflections at the glass-air surfaces. Putting a coated (good quality, 99 % transmission) filter on an uncoated lens will not stop the effects mentioned above of the lens; it will not hinder anything. The coats on the filter will make it 99% invisible by the lens and that is what you would want.

Alternatively, if you like the flare, softened contrast etc of the lens you could add a few uncoated filters to the front, just to increase this characteristic.

But I doubt you are after that grosser effect. And a coated filter will protect the front of your "soft lens" from dirt and further scratches.

 

[Matthew Allen]

Thanks for the replies, that makes perfect sense. In this case I really do want a filter because I don't want to have to clean the front element regularly since this will inevitably add further marks to the glass of the Summar.

A hood is the other item I really need for this lens, but I'm not sure where to go for a sensibly priced one. Is it pointless to look for an A36 size hood if I'm not after a (£££) original? Should I be looking for a 39mm one and an adapter?

Thanks,
Matthew

 

[Bill58]

Matthew:

I've got an uncoated Summar on the way to me and I'm opting for an original hood.

Bill

 

[Matthew Allen]

Matthew:

I've got an uncoated Summar on the way to me and I'm opting for an original hood.

Bill

I'd be tempted but original stuff just costs too much to be worth it IMHO. KEH has the SOOMP for $89 but that's about what I paid for the lens and it just seems a little silly. I got a Leica because I wanted to try a different approach to photography and because I love mechanical things, not so I can spend rather large amounts of money on basic accessories.

I'm tempted to make my own hood if I can think of an elegant enough way to go about it actually. Hmmmm...

Matthew