Using Universal M polarizer on 24mm lens

[sunil mehta]

I am trying to figure out if it is possible to use the Universal M-Polarizer on the Leica 24mm M-lens. The lens has a filter thread of 55mm so I bought a step-down ring, 55mm - 49mm which I screwed on to the lens. I then attached the 49mm adapter ring that came with the Polarizer to the step-down ring but it does not fit onto the polarizer. Seems like the step-down ring is a fraction too big on the outside diameter. Can somone give me an idea as to what to do since I would hate to get a different style polarizer for the 24mm lens? I have thought about using a 55-46mm step-down ring but I'm afraid it may block the outer periphery of the lens. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[laptoprob]

Any step-down ring on a wide angle lens will cause vignetting.
On the VC 15mm I made a 49-72mm step-up filter, added felt to the inner ring to get some grip and drilled holes in the big flange of the step-up ring. Through those holes I can see the effect of the polafilter. This setup doesn't vignette.
The only vignetting left is kinda natural: light passing diagonally through the filter passes through a greater amount of dark glass and therefore the corners of the frame are a few stops darker. Maybe if I stop down even further this effect is reduced.

 

[sunil mehta]

Thnaks very much for the reply. Think I'll have to go the Kenko route as those seem to be able to do the job. Unfortunately I cannot find find a US supplier for the Kenkos but thems the breaks.

 

[waileong]

Actually it's cheaper to get a 55 mm polarizer. But be aware that even a 55 mm polarizer will have uneven polarization, due to the wide angle of view of a 24 mm lens.

 

[sunil mehta]

Actually it's cheaper to get a 55 mm polarizer. But be aware that even a 55 mm polarizer will have uneven polarization, due to the wide angle of view of a 24 mm lens.

That's a good point. What polarizer do you recommend? I have not come across a 55mm polarizer I could use on the M-system since nobody seems to make a swing out for this size. I can see how one could use a polarizer easily on an SLR but for the M-system you would need to figure out how to view the polarizer through the viewfinder. Is there an elegant way to do this? It seems the Kenko is the best solution. Thanks.

 

[waileong]

Look through the polarizer to figure out your polarisation before you put it on. It's not complicated, and it's cheap. You don't do polarisation every day, so it's not much of hassle.

A linear polarizer, preferably a high quality one such as B+W or Heliopan, will do fine.

 

[Mshooter]

I bought my Leica Universal Polarizer when a Leica Rep was at the camera store. I ask for a 55mm adapter for my Elmarit 21mm and the Leica Rep told me that Leica did not manufacture a 55mm at all because it will only polarize at the center of a wide angle. I ask what about the apo cron 75; he said the built-in hood will interfere with the mounting of the adapter.

Sometimes it is always fun to insist.
I was thinking of a 55mm Cokin adapter, but I haven't done my measurements yet.

Best,
-Ron