polarizer tips

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hello

which is the best way to use a polarizer on a leica M without buying the 250 pound original leica one?

-- stefan randlkofer (geesbert@yahoo.com), November 22, 2001

Answers

Stefan,

using a polarizing filter is a bit difficult. This topic has been discussed a few times (do a search on greenspun.com with polarizer as a subject), but the only workable way with normal polarizers is to mark the filter, using it alone, screwing it onto the lens and adjusting it to the mark. Otherwise a step-up ring with a hole in it to look through might be a solution. But the Leica M is not the right camera for frequent polarizer use.

Kai

-- Kai Blanke (kai.blanke@iname.com), November 22, 2001.


this is a side question, but how do you search on this site, as there is no search facility. i am presuming you are suggesting to use the 'find on page' in the browser?

-- sparkie (sparkie@mailcity.com), November 22, 2001.

There are a few solutions. My "backpacking outfit" consists of older (1970's) E39, non-built-in-hood versions of the 35/2, 50/2, 90/2.8 and 135/4 which all accept the original Leica swing-out polarizer that is much smaller and lighter than the current "Universal". With the Tri-Elmar (E55 vers. 1) I fabricated a 55-67 step-up adaptor with cut-outs to see the polarizer from the viewfinder. You can also mark and calibrate a small (40.5 or thereabouts)polarizer to the ones on the lenses and use it as a viewer, then set the lens filter to the same position. Or, if you're using a tripod, just turn the polarizer to where you want it in front of your eye and then hold it in front of the lens. Or, if you are going for maximum polarization and using an M5 or M6, watch the meter and adjust the polarizer for the maximum indicated exposure. Finally, I've found that if I'm after maximum color saturation or darkening the blue skies (as opposed to cutting reflections off water or glass)using a film like Velvia does the trick without a polarizer.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), November 22, 2001.

I use since last summer, the FilterView from Photo Equip It's the only practical solution with a 50/1, a 75/1,4 or a 90/2.



-- Lucien (lucien_vd@yahoo.fr), November 22, 2001.


Sparkie, see David Carson's posting
"Tip: How to search this forum (or any site)",
http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=006s g2

-- Michael Kastner (kastner@zedat.fu-berlin.de), November 22, 2001.


Heliopan polarising filters have index marks on the rim so it is easy to set the filter to the place you want. I seldom use a polarising filter and find the Heliopans to be the lightest and smallest solution to carry around for the few times I want to use one.

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), November 22, 2001.

The swing-out polarizer is still the best solution for non-TTL metered M's. My only problem with the early version of this polarizer is that it's color rendition isn't as neutral as current B+W polarizers.

I don't find it to be all that heavy. It's been in my old Leitz hard case for a long time.

-- Bud (budcook@attglobal.net), November 22, 2001.


I have two Heliopan polarizers, one in 39mm and another in 46mm. Since both are calibrated exactly the same and have numbers along the rim, I use one on the lens and the other as a "viewer" to set the desired affect. This has worked flawlessly for me on the occasions I need to use a polarizer. By the way, has anyone noticed that the 90 Elmarit seems to reproduce blue skies even without a polarizer better than most lenses?.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), November 22, 2001.

IMHO, the 90 Elmarit seems to reproduce ANYTHING better than most other lenses!

-- Ray Moth (ray_moth@yahoo.com), November 22, 2001.

I quit using polarizers around 1987 when I began using Fuji films. Why gild the lily?

-- Dave Jenkins (djphoto@vol.com), November 23, 2001.


Dave, Does that mean that if I use Velvia I won't have to use a polarizer to photograph documents in glass cases:-)

-- Bud (budcook@attglobal.net), November 23, 2001.

No, that's a special situation. I was talking about general photography, where Fuji films don't really need enhancement. (Although I do confess to sometimes using 81-series filters to make a warm film even warmer!)

-- Dave Jenkins (djphoto@vol.com), November 24, 2001.

does the meter require a circular polarizer?

-- stefan randlkofer (geesbert@yahoo.com), November 24, 2001.

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