X100s vignetting test: LN-RC49 & Ez-Photo hoods with UV filter and Polarizer

Hello. I am enjoying a new black X100s. What follows are comments about the hoods and filters I am using.

First, I got the inexpensive Ez-Photo set with filter adapter, slotted bayonet hood and micro-fiber cleaning cloth. I pressed in the three metal slots on the hood bayonet to tighten the grip, else it comes off too easily. The hood works great with no vignetting that I can see. I use it with a B&W XS-PRO MRC Nano UV filter. I also have a Marumi Super DHG polarizer (nano coated), an excellent alternative to the much more expensive B&W equivalent which I have in 77mm. Both are thin designs, but the polarizer is a couple of MM thicker.

I was curious about aftermarket hoods similar to the Pentax MH-RC 49mm, so I got an LN-RC49 from an Amazon vendor (also known as LH-RC49 by other vendors). The attraction is a more compact form factor than the Ez-Photo hood that also doesn't block the built-in flash or the bottom right corner of the OVF.

Before ordering, I wondered if I could mount the LN-RC49 on the polarizer without vignetting, but couldn't find any thread to answer that question. The Ez-Photo hood will mount over the polarizer, which has a notched outer ring that I can rotate by the deft placement of my thumb and index finger inside the hood -- but this setup is not as easy as simply rotating the LN-RC49 hood when mounted to the front of the polarizer.

(Note that in order to use the LN-RC49 hood, you will need the Ez-photo hood set, or equivalent, for the 49mm female-female adapter ring that comes with it.)

RESULTS

Vignetting results of sky shots from f2.5 through f16, all with ND filter engaged and using Velvia film mode to exaggerate contrast:

1.) Ez-Photo hood does not vignette at any aperture with either filter

2.) LN-RC49 does not vignette without filter

3.) LN-RC49 vignettes slightly at the largest apertures with UV filter. Can be corrected in post.

4.) LN-RC49 noticeably vignettes at all apertures with the thicker polarizer and cannot easily be corrected in post. Not recommended.

CONCLUSION

RC49 is not as useful as I hoped, but I am glad to have it. Anyway, I own it now so I may as well use it when possible. I will use it for indoor party/social events because it presents the most stealthy look for the X100s and it won't block the OVF or flash. Outdoors I will use it with and without the UV protective filter depending on the situation. I will not use it with the polarizer because it vignettes too much.

I will use the Ez-Photo hood with the polarizer if there is strong side light that might cause flare. Otherwise, I will use the polarizer without any hood.

WARNING: I almost lost the polarizer the very first time I used it! I thought I had tightened it enough, but after walking about 15 minutes with the camera bouncing against my hip (using a sling strap), it came unscrewed and fell off, luckily onto a clump of leaves on the asphalt walkway I was on. That I even heard it hit the ground, and that it didn't get damaged at all was even more luck. The notches on the front of the polarizer ring really "grab" stuff! From now on, I will tighten it well and use the Ez-Photo hood if walking around with it mounted. Lesson learned...

Cheers, and I hope this helps.

Its been years since you posted this. Here i am looking for more information if you are sti around and wanting to shed some light.

You mentioned you had a B+W UV filter mounted outside the hood and it did vignette a little but did you try to mount it backwards (inside the hood)

I have a slim profile 49mm UV filter and wondering if the LN RC49 will cause vignetting.

Since B+W is ridiculously expensive. What do you think about offering from Tiffen. How fat was your B+W UV?