Using filters with step-up adapters?

[defektive]

I am setting up my filter kit for the lenses I have purchased. In my SLR days I always used the correct filter size for the lens but I would like to do it a bit cheaper if possible. I currently have a 40.5mm and a 46mm lens and would like to know the pitfalls of using a step up ring between the two. If I purchase a larger diameter lens in the future can I step down or does it interfere with the image capture? How far can you step up or down?

Cheers.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Step-up adapters are usually not a problem: I use a step-up adapter from 40.5mm to 46mm to use a Leica IR cut filter with my original Zeiss Sonnar. At worst- the step up can cause some viewfinder blockage. I used a 58 to 62 Step-Up with my 50/1.1 Nokton as i had a 62mm Hot Mirror filter.

Step-Down: more of a problem, can cause vignetting. On a Crop Factor camera such as a Leica M8 or Epson RD-1, you will not get vignetting. I used a 55 to 52 step down to use a 52mm Hot Mirror filter on the Canon 50/1.2, used it with the Leica M8. This would have caused vignetting on a Film camera, or the Leica M9.

 

[defektive]

Thanks a lot Brian, it looks a lot cheaper to buy an adapter rather than multiple filters!

 

[Bill58]

Standard filter sizes are 49 and 55mm. Using step-up rings to get to those sizes is what a lot of people do. SS rings are best but not cheap. Aluminum ones (eBay) are a PITA, but cheap.

 

[B.J.Scharp]

I tried to use step-up rings when I shot SLR's, but never with satisfaction. They make using a hood a pain).

So when I assembled my Leica kit, I chose lenses with the same filter thread. 39mm all they way, baby!

 

[cambolt]

Using step down rings on wider angle lenses will usually give you vignetting. I have used a 58mm to 52mm step down ring on a 70-300 lens with success before.