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FZ7 - Polarising Filters

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NickHodgson

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Hi,

I've had a search on the forum but can't seem to find the answer i'm after. I've just ordered an FZ7 and hoped to order a polarising filter to go with it, especially after seeing the effect it's had on a friends FZ5.

I've found one at 7dayshop, please can anyone advise if this is the correct one?

Hama Lens Filter ~ Polarising Linear ~ Ø 55mm

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_1&products_id=7699

Any other advice on additional filters that might be useful would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Nick
 
If you're planning to use the filter with the supplied adapter tube, please be advised that it takes 52mm filters.

I bought a Hoya SMC UV filter from 2filter.com, went back there to look at circular polarizers for you. Here's the link:
http://www.2filter.com/prices/circular_polarizers.html

If you really want to use 55mm filters, for example if you also have a 55mm thread teleconverter lens, then you need a different adapter tube. Here's a place that makes 52mm and 55mm tubes, with and without retractable "hoods":
http://www.pemaraal.com/fz7ac.html
I bought an FZ752H recently.
 
Thinking about it, I found a "Tiffen 52mm Photo Essentials Filter Kit". I sent an e-mail and I received this reply from Tiffen:

"Your Panasonic Lumix FZ7 is a digital point-and-shoot camera that does not have a threaded ring on the front for mounting filters. Tiffen does not offer any filters for this model, but there are some magnetig mounting systems available that will let you use filters on this camera, Check with your local camera dealer, and good luck. Best regards, The Professor"

I don't understand....
 
That sounds odd. They're right about the lens not having a screw thread but a friend that has the FZ5 has a polarising lens but they can't remember the size. They got theirs from 7dayshop. I might chance it and buy the 52mm one for £10. If it's not right then I'll send it back, if it is correct then I'll let you know.

Unless anyone else can advise in the meantime ?
Thanks
 
Do get a linear polarizer for your FZ5.

If you can get a deal on a 55mm or larger filter, you can always use a step ring. If the price of a 52mm filter is the same or less, then that will be more convenient.

It is odd that Tiffen's canned response to your inquiry failed to take into account the adapter ring that comes with the FZ5. Ignore them!

--

 
Thanks for the reply, it was really useful. Both 52mm and 55mm are the same price so if 52mm is more convenient then that's the one for me!

Can't wait to get my camera and start snapping!
 
Hello Joseph have you used a circular polariser? I just bought one recently. While I am still to try it outdoors, I did use it to cut out reflections for indoor shots, but it doesn't seem to work. Any idea why?

kunal
~~~~~
JosephScha said:
If you're planning to use the filter with the supplied adapter
tube, please be advised that it takes 52mm filters.
I bought a Hoya SMC UV filter from 2filter.com, went back there to
look at circular polarizers for you. Here's the link:
http://www.2filter.com/prices/circular_polarizers.html

If you really want to use 55mm filters, for example if you also
have a 55mm thread teleconverter lens, then you need a different
adapter tube. Here's a place that makes 52mm and 55mm tubes, with
and without retractable "hoods":
http://www.pemaraal.com/fz7ac.html
I bought an FZ752H recently.
Click to expand...
 
pertinax said:
Hello Joseph have you used a circular polariser? I just bought one
recently. While I am still to try it outdoors, I did use it to cut
out reflections for indoor shots, but it doesn't seem to work. Any
idea why?
Click to expand...
Which part does not work? Removing reflection and darkening the sky are selective. Polarizers can do their job at certain angle. Please see my FZ-30 user guide for the details.

CK
http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam

Nikon Coolpix 950/990/995/2500/4500/5700, Panasonic FZ-10/FZ-30, and Canon A95 User Guides
 
Thanks CK. Yours is a treasure house of immenselely valuable information.

My problem is that after I have fitted the Hoya polariser and directed the FZ7 to an indoor subject like a glass cupboard which is reflecting light, I can't seem to get the glare out even after turning the polarizer dial. Am I doing something wrong? I must say that I have a UV filter on which can cause vignetting, I know, but the reflection ought to go, don't you think?

kunal
~~~
Ching-Kuang Shene said:
pertinax said:
Hello Joseph have you used a circular polariser? I just bought one
recently. While I am still to try it outdoors, I did use it to cut
out reflections for indoor shots, but it doesn't seem to work. Any
idea why?
Click to expand...
Which part does not work? Removing reflection and darkening the
sky are selective. Polarizers can do their job at certain angle.
Please see my FZ-30 user guide for the details.

CK
http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam
Nikon Coolpix 950/990/995/2500/4500/5700, Panasonic FZ-10/FZ-30,
and Canon A95 User Guides
Click to expand...
 
pertinax said:
My problem is that after I have fitted the Hoya polariser and
directed the FZ7 to an indoor subject like a glass cupboard which
is reflecting light, I can't seem to get the glare out even after
turning the polarizer dial. Am I doing something wrong? I must say
that I have a UV filter on which can cause vignetting, I know, but
the reflection ought to go, don't you think?
Click to expand...
The angle between the surface and lighting direction (i.e., incidence angle), and the angle between the surface and the viewing direction (i.e., viewing direction) has to be about 30 degree. Deviation from this "optimal" angle would reduce the effect of a polarizer. The more the deviation, the less the effect. Thus, polarizers are NOT perfect and CANNOT do whatever you expect completely.

CK
 
I reailize your point and you did mention that in your article on the FZ30. In fact, after I had posted my reply it occured to me that the light's angle of incidence (30 deg, as you say) could very well be the deciding factor. Once again thanks so much for your feedback CK. I am now much relieved.

kunal
~~~~~
Ching-Kuang Shene said:
pertinax said:
My problem is that after I have fitted the Hoya polariser and
directed the FZ7 to an indoor subject like a glass cupboard which
is reflecting light, I can't seem to get the glare out even after
turning the polarizer dial. Am I doing something wrong? I must say
that I have a UV filter on which can cause vignetting, I know, but
the reflection ought to go, don't you think?
Click to expand...
The angle between the surface and lighting direction (i.e.,
incidence angle), and the angle between the surface and the viewing
direction (i.e., viewing direction) has to be about 30 degree.
Deviation from this "optimal" angle would reduce the effect of a
polarizer. The more the deviation, the less the effect. Thus,
polarizers are NOT perfect and CANNOT do whatever you expect
completely.

CK
Click to expand...
 
My camera has arrived and I can confirm that the lens hood will take the 52mm filter. Note, the FZ5 is 55mm, but they have changed the design for the FZ7 - this now screws into the lens casing.

Hope this helps.
Nick
 
does anyone know if i was to use a 52mm-55mm step ring, in order to use 55mm filters, would i still be able to use the lens hood?

or would i need to replace that and the lens cap?

thanks :)

i have a choice either spend money on 52mm filters or spend probably the same amount to use current 55mm ones
AmanitaM said:
Do get a linear polarizer for your FZ5.
If you can get a deal on a 55mm or larger filter, you can always
use a step ring. If the price of a 52mm filter is the same or less,
then that will be more convenient.
It is odd that Tiffen's canned response to your inquiry failed to
take into account the adapter ring that comes with the FZ5. Ignore
them!

--

Click to expand...
 
mta said:
does anyone know if i was to use a 52mm-55mm step ring, in order to
use 55mm filters, would i still be able to use the lens hood?
Click to expand...
You could not use the hood and the step ring simultaneously.
mta said:
or would i need to replace that and the lens cap?
Click to expand...
If you use filters often, or keep a UV filter on most of the time, then you would want to get a 55mm cap and hood.
mta said:
i have a choice either spend money on 52mm filters
Click to expand...
This is probably the wiser choice.
mta said:
or spend probably the same amount to use current 55mm ones
Click to expand...
I would stick with 52mm.

--

 
Here's another approach. In order to keep the FZ7 as compact as possible for traveling, I don't use the adapter tube.

I attach a 46mm UV filter directly to the retracting lens barrel with black electrical tape. It's neat and does not affect the retracting function. Any additional filter, such as polarizer, screws into the threads on the UV filter. Warning: don't try to hang any auxillary lenses on this.

My compact Tamrac case holds: the camera and strap, 4 extra SD cards in their cases, two extra batteries, and 46mm polarizer filter in small case.

You could even squeeze in the charger, but I don't.

**** Stevens, FZ20, FZ30, FZ7
 
thanks Amanita, i think on reflection buying a 52mm filter is wise, i dont want to get a seperate adapter and hood etc etc -- but i would have liked to reuse some of my fathers old SLR gear !

:)

(like 4 yashica lenses to start with!)
 
hey **** i had read of your electrical tape idea :) i think my camera is still a bit new to try it haha, but you never know when the shine rubs off it a bit :)
 
mta:

Why wait? The electrical tape doesn't damage the camera in any way. You can always remove the tape and 46mm filter and return it to original state.

I just like the compactness. Using the adapter tube and 52mm filter requires a larger camera case.

But remember, if you want to use a wide angle or tele lens, you must use an adapter. So far, I'm not using these added lenses.

**** Stevens, FZ7
 
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