Has anyone used the threaded 49mm MagFilter for their RX100?

[andywhoa]

I'm interested in the threaded MagFilter option (as opposed to Lensmate) because, without a filter attached, there is virtually no width added to the camera.

However, I would prefer to use my existing, quality set of filters as opposed to the ones provided by Carry Speed.

I have several 49mm filters already which I would like to use. However, between the threaded MagFilter and the filter, I'm concerned about vignetting.

Has anyone used the 49mm threaded MagFilter? Was there any noticeable vignetting?

Here is a link to the product. There is also a video: http://www.carryspeed.com/products/magfilter-threaded-adapter-ring

 

[tomtom50]

I can't answer your question, but I can vouch for Magfilter.




I bought the 43mm CPL for my RX100 and it is very nice. Practically now extra bulk, the magnet is very strong, etc.

 

[1AvidHiker]

No, it will not. It was designed not to - they wouldn't sell many if that were the case (and you would be seeing plenty of complaints posted here). The magnetic connector (and size of the opening) is the same as that of their CPL adapter, and that works just fine (it's an even smaller diameter filter than this). You can even stack filters with no problem on this adapter.

 

[johnny 99]

1AvidHiker wrote:

No, it will not. It was designed not to - they wouldn't sell many if that were the case (and you would be seeing plenty of complaints posted here). The magnetic connector (and size of the opening) is the same as that of their CPL adapter, and that works just fine (it's an even smaller diameter filter than this). You can even stack filters with no problem on this adapter.

Actually, this product was not designed specially for the RX100. The 49mm threaded version is very new, so perhaps no one has tried it yet with the RX100.

I have the 52mm threaded version and it works fine if I use only one filter, but stacking filters (or using a hood with a filter) always causes vignetting with wide angle focal lengths. I think you are right to be suspicious of the 49mm version.

 

[1AvidHiker]

Ah, good point. Didn't realize this was new. My impression is it should still work fine with a single filter, so I'm suprised you have a problem stacking.

Alternative: buy it and a cheap 46mm step up adapter (to something larger than 52mm) and then glue the red mag ring into the step up. Fits perfectly in the 46mm end. I did this to a 46-58 adapter, and I can stack filters all day long with no problems. Search "millsart hack".

 

[andywhoa]

Would you mind showing me a picture of your RX100 with the 52mm MagFilter threaded adapter attached? I'm considering the 55mm because it looks like it is roughly the same size as the focus adjust ring on the lens. I'm interested in what the 52mm looks like, but I can find no photos. Also, do you experience any vignetting?

 

[Liz Z.]

andywhoa wrote:

I'm interested in the threaded MagFilter option (as opposed to Lensmate) because, without a filter attached, there is virtually no width added to the camera.

However, I would prefer to use my existing, quality set of filters as opposed to the ones provided by Carry Speed.

I have several 49mm filters already which I would like to use. However, between the threaded MagFilter and the filter, I'm concerned about vignetting.

Has anyone used the 49mm threaded MagFilter? Was there any noticeable vignetting?

Here is a link to the product. There is also a video: http://www.carryspeed.com/products/magfilter-threaded-adapter-ring

In an earlier thread (http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3353694) there was a discussion about this and it seemed that they designed the 49mm threaded adapter to go with the smaller 36mm metal ring that fits the Canon S100, and not the 42mm metal ring that fits the RX100. It would be good to write to CarrySpeed and verify that the 49mm threaded adapter would work with the RX100. If not you could always get the 52mm one and use a 52-49mm step down ring.

 

[processedmeat08]

I sent Carryspeed an email today and received prompt reply saying that the 49mm does work with the RX100. I then ordered it. But now I'm kinda nervous about it after seeing this thread.

I'll post my results once I get it.

 

[Liz Z.]

processedmeat08 wrote:

I sent Carryspeed an email today and received prompt reply saying that the 49mm does work with the RX100. I then ordered it. But now I'm kinda nervous about it after seeing this thread.

I'll post my results once I get it.

They seem very reputable and I think you should feel confident that they wouldn't lead you astray. Maybe they have added that option since the thread was active.

 

[1AvidHiker]

andywhoa wrote:

Would you mind showing me a picture of your RX100 with the 52mm MagFilter threaded adapter attached? I'm considering the 55mm because it looks like it is roughly the same size as the focus adjust ring on the lens. I'm interested in what the 52mm looks like, but I can find no photos. Also, do you experience any vignetting?

He's already told you that vignetting occurs only when he stacks filters.

The focus ring is just a hair over 58mm in diameter. The 58mm step up ring I'm using is a hair over 60mm in diameter, which results in the camera tilting ever so slightly upward when placed on a flat surface. A 55mm adapter should be nearly perfect, and may even let you get away with stacking filters. The only disadvantage to going larger is that the filters get heavier, so can be accidentally dislodged more easily (especially brass B+W, probably much less of a problem with aluminum filters). But as long as you don't bump the camera to hard, even the B+Ws stay put pretty reliably.

Here's a shot of my modified adapter - I can even stack filters on top of a thick closeup lens with absolutely no vignetting:

 

[andywhoa]

Thank you for the picture.




When the camera is fully zoomed, do you find the weight of the filter and adapter tilt the barrel of the lens downward?




How much lighter are say Hoyas to B+W filters? I've only ever owned B+W polarizers and I will certainly be walking around with the polarizer attached. As you pointed out, the bigger the filter the more weight, and I'm slightly worried about it.




Here's a Hoya I was looking at (55mm): http://www.amazon.com/Hoya-Hardened...=UTF8&colid=J4MIK1WJKQS6&coliid=IBR7YRZRDFQEB

 

[1AvidHiker]

andywhoa wrote:

Thank you for the picture.

When the camera is fully zoomed, do you find the weight of the filter and adapter tilt the barrel of the lens downward?

How much lighter are say Hoyas to B+W filters? I've only ever owned B+W polarizers and I will certainly be walking around with the polarizer attached. As you pointed out, the bigger the filter the more weight, and I'm slightly worried about it.

Here's a Hoya I was looking at (55mm): http://www.amazon.com/Hoya-Hardened...=UTF8&colid=J4MIK1WJKQS6&coliid=IBR7YRZRDFQEB

No problem.

No, the weight of the adapter doesn't seem to affect the lens barrel. There is a very small amount of play in mine (rattles when shaken) - not sure if it was always like that, or if it got worse when the camera was dropped with the lens extended (no major damage, pics look the same after the drop). Beyond that slight wiggle, the lens can't bend further downward.

I was going to suggest Hoya (I have their PL for my W200). They are much lighter, I would guess at least half the weight. If you plan to leave it attached and walk around, I'm not even sure you should go with magfilter. Probably ok with a small diameter, aluminum bodied filter (the CPL they offer is best because its so small and light, but the glass is junk and doesn't look to be easily replaced) . I would be concerned about a larger one, especially in brass. I've already dropped my B+W ND filter by bumping the camera - it didn't take much.

The magnet is suprisingly strong, but not perfect. You might consider the mechanical locking adapter that another company offers (forget the name). Unfortunately, the mounting ring sticks out a good bit with that design. Or, go with the mag and just be a little extra careful. Might not be so bad with a Hoya, I've never tried anything aluminum on mine.

 

[andywhoa]

Thanks for replying again.




Though I've no experience with them, I think I will try out the Hoya. I've certainly heard over and over that they're reputable, and I think light is the way to go with this setup.




What do you carry everything around in? The whole point here is to travel really light. I ordered this case. However, I do not think a filter on the threaded adapter will fit in the front pocket. Ideally, I would also have a second threaded adapter with a 10-stop ND on it. Any recommendations for something to hold the two filters in?

 

[1AvidHiker]

Yes, adding filters into the equation complicates things a bit. If I'm just out on the street with the camera, I usually just try to tuck it into a pocket. So, no filters OR protection of any kind (dangerous!). If I'm going to get more serious, I will usually bring a small backpack (Arc'teryx Aerios 14) with a compact tripod (Gitzo, older version of the 1542T), so everything fits no problem and I'm ready to tackle pretty much anything. Even in this situation (usually I'm hiking), I'll still just pocket the bare camera most of the time. Keeping the filters handy is a little tricky. Magfilter actually included a pretty nice neoprene case with a locking hook on top that I've started to use - I can squeeze the adapter, a lens cloth and two 58mm filters in there pretty easily. This can then be clipped to my pack. I also have a tightly fitted neoprene camera case for the RX100, but it leaves no room for anything else - just gives it a little extra protection if I toss it into my pack (nicely integrated LCD protector). This is what I use:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003730AVG/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00

That Case Logic looks nice, but belt stuff is just not my style. I'd be better off with it though, since I've managed to drop this camera twice now. The second incident damaged the control ring to the point where it was difficult to turn. I had to pop it off and bang it back into shape. Can you believe, this darn thing still works like new? Kudos to Sony for another durable product. I've beaten the heck out of 2 other Sony cams (V3 and W200), and they have always proven durable (especially the W200).

 

[Liz Z.]

1AvidHiker wrote:

The magnet is suprisingly strong, but not perfect. You might consider the mechanical locking adapter that another company offers (forget the name). Unfortunately, the mounting ring sticks out a good bit with that design.

I think you're thinking of the Lensmate system, and the mounting ring sticks out 3mm to be exact.

Here's an image of it:



--
Liz

 

[processedmeat08]

They actually sent me another email today saying that they made a mistake and it is NOT compatible with the RX100. Hopefully, they will let me send the item back, postage paid and get a refund.

 

[Liz Z.]

processedmeat08 wrote:

They actually sent me another email today saying that they made a mistake and it is NOT compatible with the RX100. Hopefully, they will let me send the item back, postage paid and get a refund.

That's too bad (and they really should offer it as an option for the RX100; it's an obvious size). Their writing you does speak to their reliability, though. And yes, they should definitely pay return postage.

So what's your next filter system plan?