Too many filter SIZES.

[rbiemer]

So, I'm enjoying immensly the "new" Canon IVsb I just got but now i have two lenses that I'll need filters/hoods for. Which brings me to a total of 10 different sizes.
The obvious answer for this dilema is that I have too many lenses. Obvious but not correct, I think. I do need to figure out what the heck to do about it, though.
I've got fairly basic requirements for filters: yellow(light and medium),orange, red(medium), ND 4x, and I'd like to have an IR filter.
Hoods are more important to me and I have those mostly sorted--except for the two "new" Canon lenses.
I share filters with same sized lenses( for example I have three lenses that are 40.5mm and use the FSU 40.5mm filters interchangeably on all of them) but that still leaves me with a pile of different sizes.
In my SLR days, I'd just buy the largest size I needed and whichever step-rings required to get that filter on the smaller sized lenses. With the RF cameras, that ain't so easy. If I get the biggest I need, the step ring will block some of the VF window on some of the cameras and, worse, will block the RF window on all of the cameras. Which is also why I don't use Cokin filters on my RF cameras.

My question is what are you folks doing about this?​

Ideally, I would just buy a set of filters for each different size I need but, yikes!, that's a significant pile of money I'd much rather spend on film.
Rob

 

[wlewisiii]

I try to find Series adaptors for my lenses and then use Series VI as much as possible for hoods and filters. If you can find the correct adaptors, that will simplify your life tremendously.

This mess was why the whole Series concept was invented, IIRC.

William

 

[rbiemer]

William,
Recently I was thinking about that while I was figuring out something better for filters and hoods for my Elmar/f4. I corresponded with the folks at Ritzcamera and they strongly reccomended against series filters/hoods. I ended up getting a leica a36 to 39mm screw adaptor(and spending less $ than I thought I would)--which I also use on the Industar-50(though with a different hood). I did find a 40mm to 40.5mm step-up ring from Heavystar on the bay which will let me use the hood and filters I already have on the Canon 50/f1.8 . Still not real satisfied with the mess I have in this regard.
I'll look into the series system again and see what I can come up with.
Thanks,
Rob

 

[back alley]

i have a basic set for 34mm, 40mm, 48mm and 55mm

i'm now building a set for 43mm & 46mm.

and whats really funny is i never use filters anymore...

 

[Andy K]

Invest in a Cokin A or P series filter system (or similar, Cokin is one of the cheaper systems). Then you only need to buy the different sized adapters.

QL17 GIII and my complete filter system

QL17 GIII with adapter and filter holder fitted.

QL17 GIII and my complete filter system ready for the road.

I use the same kit on all my SLR lenses using different sized adapters.

Please note the yellow filter on the lens is all I need for outdoor shooting at this time of year in Britain.

 

[rbiemer]

Andy,
I have a set of Cokin filters and like them, actually. The trouble is that the adaptor+holder tends to block the VF/RF windows. If there were a sub-A size I'd happily use it.
Rob

 

[Andy K]

Hi Rob, I know the problem, but I rotate the filter holder to a slightly diagonal position. Then it does not obstruct the RF window and only intrudes into the bottom right of the VF window.

 

[rbiemer]

Well, I ordered a 40.5 adaptor ring for my Cokin A series set. I'll try it and see if it's useable. I spent some time today and now have figured out three sizes that will cover my lenses--sort of: I still need to get the 135 Steinheil lens sorted out. Next I need to figure what the heck to carry/store the silly things in 🙄
Rob

 

[ChrisPlatt]

I hear ya!

Filter size has become a major consideration in my gear purchases.
Lately I try not buy anything that would require
adding yet another size filters.

I don't like the Cokin "solution" for all the usual reasons...

"Excelsior, you fathead!"
Chris

 

[VictorM.]

The Series 6 solution is the best for different cameras and/or lenses. My set of Series 6 filters fits everything from Canon RF to Leica to Zeiss 6X9 to Retina to Rolleiflex to Zenobia. I have adapters for 30mm to 42mm, both slip-on and screw-in. Working is simple: pick a camera/lens combo, add an adapter and the SAME set of filters. The best quality filters seem to be Leitz. They have the right colour no matter how old they are. Some of the cheapies are way off. I use mostly ND, yellow, orange and red because I shoot almost everything b&w.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

I have become the unwitting collector of step up rings, trying to standardize on either 46mm or 49mm.

But you are right, it is infuriating. Especially if you throw in filters for your SLR equipment, which ranges from 52mm, 58mm, to 77mm 🙁