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Is Hoya UV OK with adapter on G9

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rkhndjr

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I plan to by a Lensmate adapter and am curious to see if anyone has had problems with the UV they sell.
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Russ

 
just for protection jerry. Don't see any need for adapter unless there is some kind of cover to keep dust out and protect as well. What do you think?
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Russ

 
They do for film. Either digital sensors are not responsive in UV bands or they are internally filtered - I can't recall which it is. Even in film, though, most uv filters were used simply to protect the front element of the lens, certailnly mine were. The idea was that it's better to scratch or otherwise damage a cheap filter than an expensive lens. The uv filter also absorbs the greasy fingerprints and so on, so that the actual lens needs cleaning less frequently, again sparing it from unnecessary wear. Once upon a time they made coated, flat-ground filters of clear optical glass for the purpose, but everybody used the cheaper, equally good uv filters and the others went away.

In the case of the G-series, the combination of adapter and uv filter create an enclosed space from which it's harder for the lens to suck in dust when you zoom. Some feel that the inset of the lens within the adapter is sufficient protection and that there may be some minute degradation of IQ from the filter (mainly by bouncing light around, which is why it's better to use multicoated filters.) It depends upon how the individual user feels about it.

Will
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Will Pratt
Barrick Museum, UNLV
 
The UV filter/ no UV filter can become a bit of a religious argument for some.

While it is true that UV filters do little (if anything) to the positive side for digital images (and can act as the weak link in the optical chain, especially on a very good optic), they do provide protection from elements in the field (sea spray, dust, dirt, unintended dings to the front element).

As with any filter, buy the best you can afford. It is your call as to whether you are willing to sacrifice some increment in image quality (which may be so neglible with good fiters as to be undetectable) for piece of mind.

Personally, I like B+W filters (ND, circular polarizer, and UV) and do use them when out in the field. I have had damage to my UV filter that made me glad it was the filter and not the front lens element.
 
Seems to be something they are giving away free with lenses as they can't sell them. Why not just turn the polariser so it doesn't work as a polariser and use that?
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fredyr
 
I don't have a CP either but can see the advisability of doing that if the price of CP were not a factor.
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Russ

 
Many thanks. It seems logical to use the best filter just for added security, at least IMO. An adapter does seem to change the shape of a fine camera like the G9 in a negative fashion and that is my main concern. I appreciate all the well thought out answers.
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Russ

 
I use the lensmate and filter for protection,it might keep the camera dust free. So far my G7 is spotless and I hope to keep it that way. Also it gives something else to hold the camera with
 
I used the same setup when preparing to go to a party where kids will be running around. Less thumbs jamming into the front of my G9 lens, the better.
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5D and G9
Happy together.
 
[Replying to Freddy Ross]

Do that and you lose a bit over a stop of light. That may be a benefit if you are having problems getting a slow enough shutter speed, e.g., to get smooth water when phtographing a waterfall. On the other hand, it may be a bummer, when you need all the light you can get. The other problem is that polarizers are not only more expensive but a bit fragile, they can come apart at the swivel. Or jam. So many prefer to keep them in a carrier except when needed.

Will
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Will Pratt
Barrick Museum, UNLV
 
rkhndjr said:
just for protection jerry. Don't see any need for adapter unless
there is some kind of cover to keep dust out and protect as well.
What do you think?
Click to expand...
Hi Russ,

Since the lens has a door that covers it when the power is off I really don't see the need to anything else. Also, putting anything on the body that sticks out would seem to make the camera more prone to damage.

jerryk.smugmug.com
 
I reciently purchased the lensmate and Hoya HMC UV filter for my G9. I actually believe that the G9 is a better handling camera with the lensmate installed, similiar to the feel of the Olympus OM1.
 
Fredy Ross said:
Seems to be something they are giving away free with lenses as they
can't sell them. Why not just turn the polariser so it doesn't work
as a polariser and use that?
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fredyr
Click to expand...
Those are two very different classes of filters.

A UV or Sky filter reduces the amount of UV light. The best of these have very little effect on the actual image or exposure settings.

A polarizing filter polarizes the light so only light from certain angle of incidence gets past. A circular polarizing (CP) filter is a variant lets you rotate the element so you can determine which angles are filtered out and the effect. The polarizing filter can reduce glare from water, leaves, glass, etc. Since it does this by reducing light you must increase exposure time, open up the aperature, or increase ISO to compensate.

jerry

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jerryk.smugmug.com
 
Jerry I am getting so much in way of advice that it is confusing me:-)) I see your point, believe me.
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Russ

 
Assuming good quality, the only effect the UV filter should have on digital images is a fractional f/stop less light. (It's usually refered to a "negligible" but it does exist.) A good quality grind but uncoated is apt to give problems with flare in some circumstances. A poor grind can introduce a bit of distortion. Moral: get multicoated namebrand, not Promaster.

Will
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Will Pratt
Barrick Museum, UNLV
 
rkhndjr said:
can you see any difference in images with that UV?
Click to expand...
Hi Russ, good to see you are enjoying your G9. Digital sensors aren't anywhere near as sensitive to UV as film. UV on a digital camera is for protection, e.g. in wet or dusty environments. If you do opt for a UV filter, make sure you get a multicoated one (the Hoyas and B&W are both very good). Otherwise you might see a bit more lens flare in backlit situations.

A polarizer on the other hand does wonders for digital images, helping to preserve blue skies, as well as cutting reflections, some haze and enhancing colors. However you do lose about 1.5 stops of speed.

Having an adapter on the G7/G9 improves the handling, making it more SLR-like. I often use it with just a lens cap. The adapter is bayonet mounted, so it's a snap getting it off and on. It doesn't really affect portability. cheers, gkl
 
Will, I had a chat with Susan at Lensmate about the possiblity of image degradation with their UV and she assured me that they had never had a problem and all the people who worked there used their UV on their own cameras. Subjective, of course, but her words.

I think I have come to a conclusion and that is to leave the adapter off and be happy. No need for me to go into detail about the decision but I do wish to thank you and all others here for the many fine replies.
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Russ

 
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