UV Filter for Lens Protection

[Jack Strange]

In 25+ years of 35mm photography I have ALWAYS added a UV filter to every lens I've owned with the exception of the superwides. And yet, I have NEVER scratched a lens element or UV filter on any of those lenses.

My question is... does a UV filter on the f707 degrade the image quality in any way or does it interfere (glare, backscatter) with the infrared or laser emitters? Thanks!

**************
Jack
Northern CA USA

 

[Jack Strange]

Thoughts anyone?

In 25+ years of 35mm photography I have ALWAYS added a UV filter to
every lens I've owned with the exception of the superwides. And
yet, I have NEVER scratched a lens element or UV filter on any of
those lenses.

My question is... does a UV filter on the f707 degrade the image
quality in any way or does it interfere (glare, backscatter) with
the infrared or laser emitters? Thanks!

**************
Jack
Northern CA USA

--
**************
Jack
Northern CA USA

 

[proteus9]

I've never scratched a lens either. I'm not sure how well a glass filter can protect the lens from damage considering that the filter glass can easily break, maybe even causing more damage. Also adding a filter adds a bit of length to the lens barrel which can only increase the chance of it hitting something.

I only use my UV filter when I'm shooting in an environment that would

affect the lens, such as ocean spray, dust, etc. Adding any glass to the lens can degrade the image. Others on this forum claim that a filter can reflect the lasers.

Jim

In 25+ years of 35mm photography I have ALWAYS added a UV filter to
every lens I've owned with the exception of the superwides. And
yet, I have NEVER scratched a lens element or UV filter on any of
those lenses.

My question is... does a UV filter on the f707 degrade the image
quality in any way or does it interfere (glare, backscatter) with
the infrared or laser emitters? Thanks!

**************
Jack
Northern CA USA

 

[Dwight1973]

I keep the UV filter on my camera all the time to protect the lens. The lasers work just the same as when it's not on for me. I haven't had any problems with them not working because of the UV filter yet.

Lately I have been wondering about the pros and cons of keeping the UV on all the time vs. not using one. I have never scratched one of my camera's lenses or filters. I believe there was a survey done some time back on this topic. Maybe we should have a new poll on this.

In 25+ years of 35mm photography I have ALWAYS added a UV filter to
every lens I've owned with the exception of the superwides. And
yet, I have NEVER scratched a lens element or UV filter on any of
those lenses.

My question is... does a UV filter on the f707 degrade the image
quality in any way or does it interfere (glare, backscatter) with
the infrared or laser emitters? Thanks!

**************
Jack
Northern CA USA

 

[Capital Man]

This is a good issue to bring up, because I've been reading all these posts here about people using UV filters on their F707 and I am thinking "WHY are these people putting cheap UV filters in front of their expensive Carl Zeiss glass?"

I guess it would suck if you dropped your camera and scratched your lens. That's why the camera has a NECK STRAP. Always wear the camera around your neck, then you won't drop it.

The camera also comes with a LENS CAP. Keep the lens cap on the camera when you are not taking pictures with it, then the lens won't get scratched. (Should one use the lens cap string? I took it off because it got in the way when I was using the UV filter. Now I just put the lens cap into my pocket.)

Some guy posted a photo in a thread today where there was a big glare spot in the photo and he was using a non-coated UV filter. This is exactly the sort of reason why you don't want to use cheap UV filter in front of your lens.

Sorry for ranting. I didn't mean to offend anyone who uses a UV filter.

 

[Bill Hill]

I use a Heliopan ES58 UV -0 thin filter and have had no problem with focus or image quality. The Heliopan filters are top quality and it fits great on the 707.

 

[michaelmichael]

This is a good issue to bring up, because I've been reading all
these posts here about people using UV filters on their F707 and I
am thinking "WHY are these people putting cheap UV filters in front
of their expensive Carl Zeiss glass?"

i'm using a hoya super-HMC UV(0) 58mm filter - you consider that a cheap filter?

michael

 

[Jack Strange]

Michael:

Do you get reflections, glare or reduced contrast from the IR or laser emitters with the filter on?

Jack

This is a good issue to bring up, because I've been reading all
these posts here about people using UV filters on their F707 and I
am thinking "WHY are these people putting cheap UV filters in front
of their expensive Carl Zeiss glass?"

i'm using a hoya super-HMC UV(0) 58mm filter - you consider that a
cheap filter?

michael

--
**************
Jack
Northern CA USA

 

[Steve Cavigliano]

Like Dwight, I'm re-thinking the UV filter issue. After 3 months of the UV filter being there all the time, I've strated to leave it off. It isn't because it effects the image quality. Just about everytime I go out to shoot, I am using a filter or an adapter and I'm tired of the additional screwing and un-screwing. I have always taken great pains, with my cams, not to scratch or dirty the lens. I always use the lens cap even if I'm going to be shooting again in minutes. I just don't see it being worth the hassle (except at the beach or other obvious situations). So, I believe I will tempt the gods and go bare for awhile ;-)

Steve

Do you get reflections, glare or reduced contrast from the IR or
laser emitters with the filter on?

Jack

This is a good issue to bring up, because I've been reading all
these posts here about people using UV filters on their F707 and I
am thinking "WHY are these people putting cheap UV filters in front
of their expensive Carl Zeiss glass?"

i'm using a hoya super-HMC UV(0) 58mm filter - you consider that a
cheap filter?

michael

--
**************
Jack
Northern CA USA

--
http://www.pbase.com/slo2k

 

[Jack Strange]

And if you get a fingerprint or smudge on the lens nothing beats a liitle moisture from your breath and a microfiber cloth for cleaning the front lens element.

In 25+ years of 35mm photography I have ALWAYS added a UV filter to
every lens I've owned with the exception of the superwides. And
yet, I have NEVER scratched a lens element or UV filter on any of
those lenses.

My question is... does a UV filter on the f707 degrade the image
quality in any way or does it interfere (glare, backscatter) with
the infrared or laser emitters? Thanks!

**************
Jack
Northern CA USA

--
**************
Jack
Northern CA USA

 

[Jim Bell]

I like the idea of protection, but on photos that are in need of perfect conditions, I take off the filter. Best of both worlds. If you are close to a net at the zoo, you could damage the lens. Bushes common in wildlife photography can damage a lens. Rain etc. Better safe than sorry.

Jim B.

I only use my UV filter when I'm shooting in an environment that would
affect the lens, such as ocean spray, dust, etc. Adding any glass
to the lens can degrade the image. Others on this forum claim that
a filter can reflect the lasers.

Jim

In 25+ years of 35mm photography I have ALWAYS added a UV filter to
every lens I've owned with the exception of the superwides. And
yet, I have NEVER scratched a lens element or UV filter on any of
those lenses.

My question is... does a UV filter on the f707 degrade the image
quality in any way or does it interfere (glare, backscatter) with
the infrared or laser emitters? Thanks!

**************
Jack
Northern CA USA

 

[Steve Cavigliano]

You're posed'ta keep your fingers away from the lens, the shutter button is way over yonder....lol

I've never had to clean my lens, yet. Like I said, my cap, or another filter, is always on I've had to clean my filters, but that's one of their functions ;-)

I just was agreeing with Dwight's sentiment and mentioning what I was thinking of doing. I'm not suggesting anyone else do the same. It's up to the individual.

BTW, I used lighter fluid and tp to clean my filters....lol JUST KIDDING,
Steve

In 25+ years of 35mm photography I have ALWAYS added a UV filter to
every lens I've owned with the exception of the superwides. And
yet, I have NEVER scratched a lens element or UV filter on any of
those lenses.

My question is... does a UV filter on the f707 degrade the image
quality in any way or does it interfere (glare, backscatter) with
the infrared or laser emitters? Thanks!

**************
Jack
Northern CA USA

--
**************
Jack
Northern CA USA

--
http://www.pbase.com/slo2k

 

[Vaughn T.Winfree]

I've never had to clean my lens, yet. Like I said, my cap, or
another filter, is always on I've had to clean my filters, but
that's one of their functions ;-)

I just was agreeing with Dwight's sentiment and mentioning what I
was thinking of doing. I'm not suggesting anyone else do the
same. It's up to the individual.

BTW, I used lighter fluid and tp to clean my filters....lol JUST
KIDDING,
Steve

In 25+ years of 35mm photography I have ALWAYS added a UV filter to
every lens I've owned with the exception of the superwides. And
yet, I have NEVER scratched a lens element or UV filter on any of
those lenses.

My question is... does a UV filter on the f707 degrade the image
quality in any way or does it interfere (glare, backscatter) with
the infrared or laser emitters? Thanks!

**************
Jack
Northern CA USA

--
**************
Jack
Northern CA USA

--
http://www.pbase.com/slo2k

--I would NEVER, EVER,EVER!!! think of taking my f707 out without a UV or some other kind of filter... I wont take the chance of having to clean the main lens... Even though this is my first digital camera, I always used the same concept with all my other cameras and never regreted it.

I can not believe that a good quality UV filter would have enough effect on a picture where anyone could see a noticable difference with the human eye. Nor have I seen any noticable problems with the IR emitters and focus by using them. CALL IT CHEAP INSURANCE...
Vaughn T. Winfree
That little birdy is talking to me again.. Get the camera !!!

 

[michaelmichael]

Michael:

Do you get reflections, glare or reduced contrast from the IR or
laser emitters with the filter on?

Jack

umm, i'm not sure as i haven't used IR. laser - reflections and glare is kind of irrelevant, as they turn off when the shot is taken. but the lasers go straight through the hoya SMC i have no problem, and the laser hologram displays its grid pattern still very crisply.

here's some pics i took (its cloudy today) the other day with the sun partially in the image - feel free to analyze it for ghosting/etc... it isn't a great test but at least you can look at it...

first image (tall one) was aperture 3.5, 27.7mm focal length (about half zoom).

the other image is 3.5 at 13.8mm - just slightly zoomed.

http://www.shout.net/~chan/misc/univ_of_illinois1.jpg

http://www.shout.net/~chan/misc/univ_of_illinois2.jpg

This is a good issue to bring up, because I've been reading all
these posts here about people using UV filters on their F707 and I
am thinking "WHY are these people putting cheap UV filters in front
of their expensive Carl Zeiss glass?"

i'm using a hoya super-HMC UV(0) 58mm filter - you consider that a
cheap filter?

michael

--
**************
Jack
Northern CA USA

 

[Capital Man]

--I would NEVER, EVER,EVER!!! think of taking my f707 out without a
UV or some other kind of filter... I wont take the chance of having
to clean the main lens...

No harm will happen if you clean the lens with a microfibre cloth on occasion.

 

[Vaughn T.Winfree]

--I would NEVER, EVER,EVER!!! think of taking my f707 out without a
UV or some other kind of filter... I wont take the chance of having
to clean the main lens...

No harm will happen if you clean the lens with a microfibre cloth
on occasion.

--Thanks for the info...
Vaughn T. Winfree
That little birdy is talking to me again.. Get the camera !!!

 

[David Cappello]

This is a good issue to bring up, because I've been reading all
these posts here about people using UV filters on their F707 and I
am thinking "WHY are these people putting cheap UV filters in front
of their expensive Carl Zeiss glass?"

I guess it would suck if you dropped your camera and scratched your
lens. That's why the camera has a NECK STRAP. Always wear the
camera around your neck, then you won't drop it.

The camera also comes with a LENS CAP. Keep the lens cap on the
camera when you are not taking pictures with it, then the lens
won't get scratched. (Should one use the lens cap string? I took
it off because it got in the way when I was using the UV filter.
Now I just put the lens cap into my pocket.)

Some guy posted a photo in a thread today where there was a big
glare spot in the photo and he was using a non-coated UV filter.
This is exactly the sort of reason why you don't want to use cheap
UV filter in front of your lens.

Sorry for ranting. I didn't mean to offend anyone who uses a UV
filter.

Yea here is an example of some glare, I have a canon uv
filter (suposta be coated). This only showed up when I had the
F707 on full optic zoom. I like the idea of a uv filter for protection,
but after seeing this.... I dunno.....



--
Regards, -David
http://www.pbase.com/dcappello/root
http://www.telequest.net/~cappello

 

[PitBull]

Hi Jack, I use my F707 only for one week, but from the start with the UV filter (B&W 1xMRC). I have taken already about 500 shots and there is NO problem with the Night Framing or laser focusing.

I've always used the UV filters on my SLR cameras. Perhaps I'm too careful, but with the filter I never need to clean the main lens. I know I needn't to worry to do that - many times. But in my bad luck, once would came a day, when I would do the scratch on the lens.
As was already written, it is very cheap insurance of the lens.

Do you get reflections, glare or reduced contrast from the IR or
laser emitters with the filter on?

Jack

This is a good issue to bring up, because I've been reading all
these posts here about people using UV filters on their F707 and I
am thinking "WHY are these people putting cheap UV filters in front
of their expensive Carl Zeiss glass?"

i'm using a hoya super-HMC UV(0) 58mm filter - you consider that a
cheap filter?

michael

--
**************
Jack
Northern CA USA