UV Filter for lens protection

[mickallen]

How many of you use UV filters? I have always used them on my DSLR lenses mainly for protecting the lense, I have just bought my first Rangefinder (M6TTL)

I was going to buy a UV filter to protect the lens on this but have just read on Camera Quest UV filters should not be used as they promote flare, just wondering what the views were on this?

 

[dwaoka]

honestly I only put on heliopan uv when it rains.

 

[Tim Gray]

I use them. I've gotten flare and ghost images from them too (rarely). The ghost images can happen with a mostly dark frame with some point sources in it. I don't really care, since the lenses cost too dang much.

 

[jmcd]

I use them (and a shade) as I prefer cleaning the filter to cleaning the lens.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

I use them. I can not count how many times some %$#@ touched the front of my lens.

 

[35mmdelux]

I use filters for general everyday shooting. Simply being in the elements picks up grime. On special shoot I might remove the filter.

 

[wt67]

I always use a UV filter to protect my lens. Unless the flare is a constant problem, it's not worth the risk that the lens might get damaged.

 

[morback]

I use filters because I can't stand lens caps...Also why I am dissuaded to use Leicas (curtain burns?)...
As someone else said, I like it better to clean my filter than my lens.

 

[Al Kaplan]

I figure that after carrying around a lens for 30 or 40 years, mostly with a hood but no cap, and the glass is still in pretty undinged shape why waste money now on filters? I suspect that more lens damage is caused by compulsive over cleaning than anything.

 

[Hilm3]

Well, I figure I bought Leica glass for its performance, so why degrade it with an UV or skylight filter. If I scratch a lens, so be it. (It's never happened in 38 years of shooting.)

I have damaged two lenses in all that time - one was buried in a long forgotten bag and got etched with fungus near the front element, the other I took apart to see what would happen (don't try this at home; YMMV). Nikon Series E and Soligor, respectively.

I've noticed I tend to shoot in flare-prone situations, so I always use a hood. I did damage a hood once when I dropped my M6 w/35 'cron getting out of a car. Only damage was to the hood - a little nick in the corner.

Hil

 

[mickallen]

Thankyou all for the replies, I think I will go for the filter although it is good to hear that the lenses are robust enough without.

 

[b.espahbod]

Well, I figure I bought Leica glass for its performance, so why degrade it with an UV or skylight filter. If I scratch a lens, so be it. (It's never happened in 38 years of shooting.)

good point to mention but u can use Leica glass for your filters too legend says using leica uv filters increases performance.