Hood for Panasonic 14/2.5?

I've had the lens for quite some time and really like it; I realise that many people don't but I have never had the reported problems with corner softness once the lens is stopped down to 4. However there are problems with flare and it occurred to me that perhaps a hood might help. I generally don't like hoods (hassles), but in this case I'd make an exception. Anyone have any experience finding a hood that they like for this lens? I found this page on E-Bay that indicates there are many choices out there.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xhood+for+panasonic+14mm+f%2F2.5&_nkw=hood+for+panasonic+14mm+f%2F2.5&_sacat=0

traveler_101 wrote:

I've had the lens for quite some time and really like it; I realise that many people don't but I have never had the reported problems with corner softness once the lens is stopped down to 4. However there are problems with flare and it occurred to me that perhaps a hood might help. I generally don't like hoods (hassles), but in this case I'd make an exception. Anyone have any experience finding a hood that they like for this lens? I found this page on E-Bay that indicates there are many choices out there.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xhood+for+panasonic+14mm+f%2F2.5&_nkw=hood+for+panasonic+14mm+f%2F2.5&_sacat=0

I have the round non vented that fits a 52 mm center pinch lens cap.  It doubled the length of the barrel and I saw no real benefit one way or the other except the extra bulk.  I then opted for the low profile hood, using a 46mm to 37 mm filter reducer, just as I use on my 20mm.  No vignetting, and I have no idea if it works, but it does offer some protection.  Here is an article on it.  You can now get them in black so you dont have to go the extra step Frederick did.  I use a 37mm center pinch cap.

http://m43photo.blogspot.com/2010/05/home-made-hood-for-lumix-20mm-f17.html

traveler_101 wrote:

I've had the lens for quite some time and really like it; I realise that many people don't but I have never had the reported problems with corner softness once the lens is stopped down to 4. However there are problems with flare and it occurred to me that perhaps a hood might help. I generally don't like hoods (hassles), but in this case I'd make an exception. Anyone have any experience finding a hood that they like for this lens? I found this page on E-Bay that indicates there are many choices out there.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xhood+for+panasonic+14mm+f%2F2.5&_nkw=hood+for+panasonic+14mm+f%2F2.5&_sacat=0

I bought one of the eBay "vented" hoods that included a pinch lens cap like this listing:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-46mm-Metal-Lens-Hood-For-Panasonic-LUMIX-14mm-f-2-5-20mm-f-1-7with-Lens-Cap-/180970981541

..and it seems to work great - I just leave the hood on the lens all the time and it still seems small enough to not take up too much room in my bag.

I got a collapsible rubber hood and the centre-pinch cap for it. Both are great, and I don't get much flare with the hood extended.