Stupid question, but this is the place for answers without flames, so here I am.

I'm going to a dusty place to take some shots and I want to protect my 35 1.4. I don't normally use a UV, and I was a bit perplexed at what type of filter to use. Leica offered a "Series 7" filter that (I guess) fit onto the lens hood? Out of print, eh?

Anyway, can't find one anywhere. Is this a rare item or something?

Thanks for your help.

-- Steve Hoffman (shoffman2@socal.rr.com), May 26, 2001

Answers

Steve, the lens hood in question is # 12504, marked 1:1.4/35. The series 7 filter is retained within the hood, as the lens you mention is not threaded to accept filters. The hood unscrews into two pieces. You drop in the filter and screw it back together. The filter doesn't have to be made by Leica. Any high quality series 7, e.g. B+W, will do. I've actually got a Hoya in mine right now. The hoods may be a little bit rare. I paid $75 for mine. I would chack with Tamarkin, Chatterton, & KEH on the web. You'll turn one up.

Regards,

-- Bob Fleischman (RFXMAIL@prodigy.net), May 26, 2001.

Hi Steve, I own a summilux too, and it has itīs hood, I have had the experience of using a serial 7 filter for the same reason you want to use it, the problem is that since it is not screwed to the lens flange, but to the hood, you can get dust through the hood into the fron element quite easily specialy if it is thiny small dust, so I better recomend a lens cap.

-- R Watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), May 26, 2001.

The 12504 hood is available new from Leica and the filters are available from B+W, Heliopan and others though they are unlikely to be in stock in your local store. As has been mentioned, it will not stop dust particularly effectively.

Cheers,

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), May 27, 2001.