What do you guys do for Filters and Lens caps for RFs in the age of the SLR?

[Stu :)]

Ok...the testing of the Bessa R and its bevy of lenses is finished. Everything works... time to put the little darling to work.

Hmmm... I shoot black & white 80% of the time, I need some black & white contrast filters. Off to the camera store I go, but when I get there... the smallest filter I can find is either 46mm or 49mm! My CV 35mm Pancake uses a 43mm filter, the Nikkor 5cm F2 uses a 40.5mm and the Leitz 9cm Elmar is a tiny 34.5mm. One elder salesman points that most filters are made for SLR lenses because 35mmRFs only make up less than 2% of today’s camera sales.

I've scoured all the second hand filter bins across Auckland for the last two weeks, got a clear protective filter for the Nikkor and lens cap, a 1A and Orange filter for the CV Pancake and a lens cap for the 9cm Elmar, which because of it's size, I've lost it already (doah).

So where do you guys get your filters from? Or is it case of checking out the second hand filter bins and getting anything that comes available?

Stu 🙂

 

[Andrew Touchon]

I purchase all of my filters online from B&H Photo Video. They carry many filters including the complete line of B+W MRC filters at reasonable prices. Also, they have filter step-up adapters that might be of interest to you.

 

[pvdhaar]

This is something that may depend on where you live, but over here it really makes sense to shop for second hand filters.

It's not that they can't be ordered by local camera shops, it's just because the good ones are awfully expensive new. Second hand, even mint B+W's go for a song.

This is one of the big plusses of the digital hurricane. People are obsessed with NEW/NEWER/NEWEST... and out goes the rest.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I get mine at Camera Shows and really old camera stores that have "junk drawers". I bought about 8 43mm Canon Coated filters, new in-the-box, from Woodmere camera (Richard Tillis) this year for under $2each. Bill also sold me a Jupiter-8 in Contax mount, near mint, Leitz push-on filters, and a Leica M3 case (hinge re-stitched) for $2ea. This was at a Photorama show. Well worth the $5 to get in. Some of the dealers go to the shows to BUY and clear out the junk drawers CHEAP to pay for the table and travel expenses. I bought several of 40.5mm filters when RITZ camera bought out an old camera store and put the stuff out in their clearance center.

 

[oftheherd]

On ebay, it is always buyer beware. I do not endorse any seller. However, if all else fails, you might try a seller mediumal. He seems to specialize in filters and other accessories. Even if he doesn't have it, he might be able to procure if at a good price. I have purchased from him with good luck, but anyone else is on their own.

 

[fcg]

the baffling number of weriod sizes is quite a challenge-
after awhile; you have a list of filters etc ; that you want.
i recently adapted a ancient zeiss 37mm shade-i found in the junk shades; for a few dollars; to fit a 90hector from 1931; by adding a thin brass shim;which i rollermilled into the thickness at the universitys jewelry-metals lab.
its also feasable to make shades from scratch;after all they are similar to funnels-
which i have made; starting with a paper model;to get the shape worked out.
when i look at modern shades; the petal-shapes are possible.
sheet aluminum is easy to work with-
i have made temporary shades ; cardboard;&black tape;
and taped them on. as i have taped filters on-that works too.
pretty no ; but workable .......
be creative; try new things; its all part of the artform.
fcg

 

[rover]

Stu, I have had luck buying from this guy off ebay. His prices are more than fair and his products are mostly new. I will give credit to Francisco who first recommended him to me.

http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=maisonfoto&include=0&since=-1&sort=3&rows=50

 

[Russ]

I get mine at Camera Shows and really old camera stores that have "junk drawers".

Junk drawer's in camera shops, are virtual treasure chests of goodies. Way too much time and fun can be had rummaging thought them.....

Russ

 

[dll927]

I'd say that B&H or Adorama are the best bet. They are large enough (and do enough business) to be able to stock less common items. Mail order to Auckland (last I heard, that was in New Zealand) may cost as much as the filters, but it sounds like a case of beggars can't be choosers.

As for lens caps, my lenses have all come with caps. I use the stick-on disks with a band that fits around the lens to eliminate losing them or having to use pockets. Yes, they flop around, but it's easier than having to fish around in a pocket for them.

 

[DerekF]

I've previously ordered from The Filter Connection (http://www.2filter.com/) and can recommend them. Fast delivery, lots of selection... not sure how the prices compare, though, and it's been a while since I've bought any filters from anywhere. Navigating the site leaves a bit to be desired, but I'm sure you'll eventually find whatever you're looking for... 😛

 

[rover]

I've previously ordered from The Filter Connection (http://www.2filter.com/) and can recommend them. Fast delivery, lots of selection... not sure how the prices compare, though, and it's been a while since I've bought any filters from anywhere. Navigating the site leaves a bit to be desired, but I'm sure you'll eventually find whatever you're looking for... 😛

This place is actually just a couple towns over from me. I went there one day to check it out. Very nice people, it isn't a retail store, they say they get very few walk in customers, 99.9% of their business is on line. They mentioned to me that if they don't have things in stock they can order items. If you have specific needs send them an email and see what they can do.

 

[That Guy]

I'd say plan accordingly. All my SLR lenses take 55mm filters. All my Voigt stuff, except the Heliar, takes 39mm. But it sounds like it's probably too late for you already, and I'm really not helping here.

Your best bet would probably be to figure out your largest filter size and buy step down rings for the other lenses. The rings are cheap; filters can be expensive.

 

[peter_n]

I've had good luck on eBay. The filter that seems to be the toughest is 39mm, not too many good prices for that size. If you can afford to wait try to get a decent brand, B+W are considered the best but in NZ Hoya may be more common. Hoya's glass is softer so a Hoya won't last as long as a B+W, but they are good filters.