Voigtlander LH-6 Lens Hood

[Dwayneb9584]

Hey all, so this Friday I'm going to be purchasing my first rangefinder lens for my new R4M. I've been making several threads asking for opinions and doing tons of research. It comes down to the 35mm f1.4 SC as my final decision. Now I wanted to know if you all would recommend that I purchase the Voigtlander LH-6 Lens Hood with the lens. I've heard that the lens can give off flare rings when shooting on bright days due to the Metal on the outside of the lens. Because of this, do you think I should get the hood with the lens? Also do you suggest that I get a UV filter for the lens? If so, what filter would you recommend to get that is relatively inexpensive but good. Do you all think this lens even needs a filter? I personally was going to just get the lens and hood, I'd like to know what you all think.

Dwayne

 

[wilonstott]

Get the hood. It's bayonet, fits over a filter easily, is made specifically for the lens, and is high quality. I use a UV filter all the time, and with the hood, I don't need to worry with the lens cap--think of the hood as serving the same function as a bumper on a car. The only downside is the expense--which is not terrible.

I use a hoya 43mm UV(0) coated. It was cheap, and there is no apparent loss of contrast that I can detect (I'm sure there's a gearhead that will say otherwise, but they're splitting hairs). Also, the UV filter covers the metal rim, and may reduce specular reflection--I've never seen it in any (repeat, any) of my shots.

so, in summary--the answer to both questions is yes.

cheers

 

[Dwayneb9584]

Wilonslott, thanks very much for the fast reply. I'm definitely going to purchase all three, but looking to see if I can find the lens hood used from a member on the fourm. I'm really excited about it and can't wait to get my hands on it so I can start using this bad boy.

 

[wilonstott]

Cheers man--may be a long search. Remember that hood does not fit anything else but the 40mm and 35mm nokton. Hence, people tend to sell them together. However, I may have seen the hood for sale used--I can't really say. Hope I'm not raining on your parade--good luck with the search.

 

[presspass]

Echo what wil O. said. The hood's a good idea - I think it's necessary - and the filter is essential. The hood cuts flare somewhat and keeps your fingers off the front element. The filter is cheaper to replace and easier to clean than the front element.

 

[healyzh]

Also I believe a 58mm nikon lens cap is a perfect fit for the hood. I tried to find a 3rd party one at my favorite local store, and none of them including the 58mm would fit. When I got home I tried a 58mm Nikon cap I'd purchased on accident (I meant to buy a 52mm), and it fit perfectly. I figure it makes good camouflage, since people will see the "Nikon" rather than the "Leica" when I'm using it. 😀

 

[Dwayneb9584]

Well I just got a used lens hood for the Nokton 35mm from one of the guys on this form (cmdrzed) thanks again for the great deal man. Wilscott recommended the Hoya UV filter. Any thoughts on that? anyone else have any recommendations?

 

[Mister E]

Just so you know, it is next to impossible to focus a 35/1.4 on the R4 at f/1.4.

 

[Dwayneb9584]

Why's that?

 

[Mister E]

The magnification is so ridiculously low that it is almost impossible to hit perfect focus. The 35mm lines are small and the magnification is low. Nearly all of my M4 and M2 shots with the 35/1.4 are in focus but not at all on my R4a.

I'm sure with some concentration, etc you could manage, but it certainly isn't as easy as you'd think. I knew that a 50/1.4 was out of the question, but I figured my fast 35 would be fine. I'll post some examples later perhaps.

 

[Dwayneb9584]

I don't think I should have a problem with it.

 

[Ramersdorfer]

Remember that hood does not fit anything else but the 40mm and 35mm nokton.

The hood also fits the Zeiss 50/2 Planar. Makes a great bumper and looks good too.

 

[Yhbv24]

I don't use any filters on my lenses, mostly due to cost; that said, I wouldn't use "protective" filters regardless.

I do have the hood, but I don't use it too often as it's fairly large. It is very well made though - metal, and has a bayonet mount which fits snugly over the lens.

As for focusing with the R4M, I can focus mine quite well, although at f/1.4 some misses are guaranteed. I bought the camera for the 28mm framelines mostly, and for the 21mm coverage. I love my 35mm f/1.4, but I don't use it as often as the other two. You should be fine though. The lines are small for 35mm, but not THAT small!

Cheers!

 

[wilonstott]

The hood also fits the Zeiss 50/2 Planar. Makes a great bumper and looks good too.

I did not know this.
Duly noted.
You sir have a keen eye for detail, and I stand corrected.

 

[jonmanjiro]

I did not know this.
Duly noted.
You sir have a keen eye for detail, and I stand corrected.

I have the correct hood for the Zeiss Planar 50/2 and the LH-6 for the Nokton 35/1.4. These hoods are identical except for the writing/engraving on them.

Edited to add: the LH-6 will also fit the ZM Biogon 35mm f2.

 

[Ronald M]

Any filter degrades the image resolution to some degree.

All can cause reflections of their own under the right circumstances.

A lens shade should always be on the lens. Buy a cap or make one that fits over the shade.

Lenses are damaged (scratches) by bad cleaning practices more than anything else.
Never try to rub off dirrt. Hand blower or brush first, then always a wet clean, never dry. A dirty cloth or even lens tissue that picks up grit becomes sandpaper.

I use filters under wet conditions and that is all. Cheap and good never go together.
A CV lens is hardly worth fretting over.

 

[minguela]

I found myself in the same situation a couples of months ago. I opted for the lens hood. I think it looks awesome and give some insane protection to the lens.

Minguela

 

[Dwayneb9584]

Will this lens hood fit the Zeiss Biogon 35mm f2.8?

 

[Griffin]

Probably a little late, but here is some flare with the lens hood and MC version.


imm027_26 by Griph010, on Flickr

 

[umcelinho]

I've bought a third party 43mm square hood on *bay, it makes the lens completely circular flare proof. I'm still gonna cut open a vent in it...

I tried a collapsible rubber hood, had to trim the rim a bit or it would vignette. but it still didn't prevent circular flare.

from what I've read, even with the LH6 you can still get circular flare.

circular flare will only happen when wide open, and apparently it happens not because of the chrome ring (I've tried covering it and it didn't work) but because of internal reflections inside the lens, and it only happens while wide open. at 1.8 the ring is gone.