Discussion Forum Leica S System S Lenses Do you use filters to protect the front element?
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    • November 28, 2011 at 3:13 pm #1601
      stephan

      Seen the price of the lenses, I thought it would be a good idea to use some UV-filters and bought some nice Zeiss-Filters.

      But are those filters really needed and don’t they spoil the image quality (a little)? As far as I understood, the S2 lenses have a special anti-dirt treatment of the front-element, and this also is integrated in optical calculation.

      So maybe the idea is not that good?

    • November 28, 2011 at 4:17 pm #1604
      David Farkas

      stephan;1420 wrote: Seen the price of the lenses, I thought it would be a good idea to use some UV-filters and bought some nice Zeiss-Filters.

      But are those filters really needed and don’t they spoil the image quality (a little)? As far as I understood, the S2 lenses have a special anti-dirt treatment of the front-element, and this also is integrated in optical calculation.

      So maybe the idea is not that good?

      Stephan,

      While you certainly can use filters to protect the S lenses, I haven’t found it needed. The AquaDura coating on the front element is pretty strong and does resist dust and water. On the 70mm, I’d strongly recommend not using a clear or UV filter. The 70mm has a clear, thick protective filter as part of its design already built-in. The front element is acutally the one you see moving inside when you focus. If you use a filter on the lens, you’ll have two flat pieces of glass with air space in-between – a recipe for some pretty nasty flare when shooting towards the sun.

      Personally, I only use circular polarizing filters and Schneider 4″ glass filters for ND and GND on my S lenses.

      David Farkas
      Red Dot Forum
      Leica Store Miami
    • November 28, 2011 at 5:25 pm #1605
      Bob Moore

      David,

      Are you using the Lee system for the 4″ filters?

      Thanks,

      Bob

    • November 28, 2011 at 6:13 pm #1606
      David Farkas

      Bob Moore;1424 wrote: David,

      Are you using the Lee system for the 4″ filters?

      Thanks,

      Bob

      Bob,

      I use the Schneider system, which uses Schott optical glass filters rather than plastic resin. I am extremely pleased with the quality of these. Here is a link to the 4″ filter system on our site:

      http://www.dalephotoanddigital.com/_e/gdept/12-008/4_inch_Filter_System.htm

      David Farkas
      Red Dot Forum
      Leica Store Miami
    • November 28, 2011 at 11:35 pm #1608
      rgk

      David Farkas;1425 wrote: Bob,

      I use the Schneider system, which uses Schott optical glass filters rather than plastic resin. I am extremely pleased with the quality of these. Here is a link to the 4″ filter system on our site:

      http://www.dalephotoanddigital.com/_e/gdept/12-008/4_inch_Filter_System.htm

      What is the advantage of using the Schneider system over screw in filters? Thank you.

    • November 29, 2011 at 3:00 am #1612
      David Farkas

      rgk;1427 wrote: What is the advantage of using the Schneider system over screw in filters? Thank you.

      Screw-in filters are useful for circular ploarizers or UV filters where the effect is across the entire image. A graduated ND filter (GND) needs to slide up and down in order to position it for optimal effect, so the rectangular form factor is better. You can use a solid ND in screw-in style, but you won’t be able to see through the viewfinder for composition or focusing. A square drop in filter lets you insert the filter quickly and easily after you’ve framed and focused your shot.

      David Farkas
      Red Dot Forum
      Leica Store Miami
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