Here are the lenses I'm looking to put center filters on:

58mmXL 72mmXL 110mmXL 150mmXL

If anyone has used Heliopan filters instead of Schneider, I'm curious as to why. Also, do I need a spacer for any of the lenses to keep the center filter from making contact with the front element? Last but not least, what Heliopan filters would I need so I can be sure to get the right size (if I don't go with Schneider) and where is the best place (read: least expensive but still reliable) to purchase them from?

-- Roger Urban (roger_urban@yahoo.com), April 02, 2002

Answers

Calumet photographic or B&H; That would depend on the lens.

Can't say for sure about the Schneiders but I use the 0.45 strength CWF heliopans for my Rodenstock Grandagons -- you should do some research and find out what the filter factors are for the Schneider CWF filters;

Calumet Photographic or B&H;

-- Ellis Vener Photography (ellis@ellisvener.com), April 02, 2002.

Hi Roger!

To answer part of your question, I have Schneider CF's for these lenses (I have the same group except 47XL instead of 58)and they don't contact front elements. I use the same CF for 47/110 and another for 72/150...technically you're supposed to have slightly different models for each, but I find that the difference is very slight and the same model will work fine.

As to place, definitely Robert White (www.robertwhite.co.uk)...he is so much cheaper than the US dealers that you'll be amazed. Any questions, email me!

Best, Danny www.dannyburk.com

-- Danny Burk (foto28@aol.com), April 02, 2002.

If you don't have a German contact Robert White is the next best option. You may also want to get a quote from Teamwork, also in the U.K.

-- Wayne DeWitt (wdewitt@snip.net), April 02, 2002.

hello, i use two different schneider centers, a 3b who compensates 1,5 stops and a 3c for 2stops. for 35mm rodagon and 47xl i usually use the 3c filter, for 58xl and 90 the 3c or, if i want to have the effect or just little pc on the 90 i dont use a filter. with the other filters i play a little bit too, as i believe whichone is better for the image i am shooting. i dont see enough difference too, if i use the filter schneider manufactures for the lense or if i use another, similar one. greatings

-- rainer viertlböck (viertl@t-online.de), April 03, 2002.