Lens protection for EX1

Eric Pascarelli · December 21st, 2007, 05:53 PM

The old cinematographer's rule is not to put anything in front of the lens that doesn't contribute to forming the image.

But these artistic/technical ideals are always balanced by commercial realities. Even on the most expensive productions there is a threshold of danger where a choice is made to protect the lens at the expense of image quality.

The question is, where is your threshold?

Mine is fairly high - I rarely protect my lens with a piece of glass. To me, avoiding the potential for flaring and dust, and worse yet, dusty flaring, is worth risking the front element of my lens for.

I have also found that the front elements of professional lenses are pretty tough - they don't scratch or break easily and they clean up well. When's the last time you had to replace the filter in front of your lens because it got damaged? Probably never. Filters are no tougher than the lens itself.

Some people are afraid to clean their lenses ever, opting to seal them behind a sheet of glass when they are brand new. That's being overly cautious in my opinion. Pro lenses are designed to be cleaned many times a day, as long as the proper tools are used.

Allan Black · December 21st, 2007, 06:00 PM

I use protective glass, helps my blood pressure too :)

Years ago there was an issue with filter thread pitch, think I recall that Europe was .05 and Japan .075. I had a B+W UV that used to just fall off my Japanese GS400. The dealer here changed it over.

My new HOYA Moose CP and B+W MRC UV fit my A1 without problems. I first had the thin B+W UV but the rim is not wide enough to hold the A1 lens cap. The obliging dealer changed that over too.

My HOYA Tobacco grad actually says 0.75 on its case.

Fitting a screw threaded filter, I always very carefully turn it anti-clockwise till I hear, or feel it click. Then carefully screw it on clockwise, and not tight.

Ryan might give us the latest info on filter thread pitch?
Cheers.

Rob Collins · December 21st, 2007, 06:48 PM

So if one wants to control blood pressure by keeping glass in front if the lens, what is the best choice? Is there any drawback to a UV/Haze filter such as this one rather than just clear glass?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Haze_010.html

Paul Cronin · December 22nd, 2007, 09:07 AM

I have to replace the front glass on my camera about every three months. It is the only thing exposed on my camera while shooting on the water and gets salt water on it so needs cleaning all the time. We use fresh water with clean cloths but over time it gets cloudy. It would be a mistake to let the lens take this abuse. So for extreme cases protect.

Craig Seeman · December 22nd, 2007, 09:31 AM

As someone who shoots outside in NYC, there's way too much that can get thrown at a lens. Yes a piece of protective glass can impact the image. When you can SEE the impact is when you need to decide whether you should take it off. I'd start with it on though for my shooting circumstances.

Can someone confirm that the Hoya or Schneider/B&W Clear glass works with the lens hood?

I guess we can say it's been confirmed that Tiffen and Formatt doesn't.

I'm kinda surprised that the two DVInfo sponsors in NYC don't have glass that works in stock that works with the lens hood (assuming Hoya, B&W or another does). Both dealers (and my own non sponsor) will order one for me or I could order online but I'm not going to order anything unless I can confirm it works with the lens hood.

I do hope AbelCine and B&H look at this. I believe they're both recommending Tiffen at the moment and that's how I discovered first hand Tiffen doesn't work.

Rob Collins · December 22nd, 2007, 09:54 AM

Mine came from Abel (who were great by the way), and they did suggest the Tiffen, which I'm now returning. I brought the issue to their attention.

Is it better to get clear glass than UV/Haze for regular use?

Craig Seeman · December 22nd, 2007, 10:10 AM

I bought from Abel and returned the Tiffen yesterday. I guess if they get enough returns they'll test something else.

My thought is that since Abel has an EX1 set up, you can buy a clear glass, test on their set up, return immediately if you can't screw on the lens hood. They don't have Schneider B&W in stock. I mentioned Hoya when I was there yesterday and they didn't offer it so my guess is they don't have that in stock either.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Collins

Mine came from Abel (who were great by the way), and they did suggest the Tiffen, which I'm now returning. I brought the issue to their attention.

Is it better to get clear glass than UV/Haze for regular use?

Graeme Fullick · December 22nd, 2007, 02:37 PM

Craig,

Just confirming that I am currently using HOYA Pro 1 Digital low profile - it is sitting on my camera right next to me - but you need to get the Pro 1 as the standard Hoya's are not low profile.

Hoya suggest clear glass for any digital imaging as the UV filter makes little or no difference here. I bought the UV as it was actually cheaper than clear glass.

Paul Cronin · December 22nd, 2007, 02:42 PM

Camera arrived and it came with the B+W UV 65-070156 and the filter fits fine with some room to spare. The clear B+W 66-1001705 is on the way.

Craig Seeman · December 22nd, 2007, 02:58 PM

Paul, let me know about the clear B+W 66-1001705. I really need something that works ASAP.

I'd love to get it in NYC and I'd dearly wish the DVInfo sponsors in NYC carried it in stock but they don't. If I order I do not want to wait a week to get it. I'd get the Hoya as an alternative but neither NYC DVInfo sponsor has that either.

Paul Cronin · December 22nd, 2007, 03:04 PM

Craig I was told they are the same size just that one is UV and one is clear glass. But yes I will let people know when it arrives how it fits.

Rob Collins · December 22nd, 2007, 03:05 PM

I just ordered it too. What's the rule about mentioning non-sponsors when none of the sponsors carry the item?

Craig Seeman · December 22nd, 2007, 03:11 PM

If Chris won't allow the post, send me a message in my profile.

I'd buy from a DVInfo sponsor but they have to have something in stock for me to buy it from them. Ryan from Schneider even point to a DVInfo sponsor but they don't have it.

Rob Collins · December 22nd, 2007, 03:34 PM

I'm all about B&H and Abel--they have lots of my money! But they don't have this filter, so I ordered from Adorama.

Craig Seeman · December 22nd, 2007, 03:53 PM

I can get to Adorama in 20 minutes by public transportation. I wonder if they have it in the store.

I'll post the link for those looking to order. It's the same Manufacture's Part number Ryan from Schneider Optics linked to.
http://www.adorama.com/BW77CM.html

I apologize in advance to Chris if we're breaking protocol but the choice for some of us is between supporting Schneider (Ryan) who graciously posted here or limiting discussion to DVInfo Sponsors who don't seem to carry something many of us are looking for.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Collins

I'm all about B&H and Abel--they have lots of my money! But they don't have this filter, so I ordered from Adorama.

December 22nd, 2007, 09:07 AM	#19
Paul Cronin Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 4,048	I have to replace the front glass on my camera about every three months. It is the only thing exposed on my camera while shooting on the water and gets salt water on it so needs cleaning all the time. We use fresh water with clean cloths but over time it gets cloudy. It would be a mistake to let the lens take this abuse. So for extreme cases protect. __________________ Paul Cronin www.paulcroninstudios.com

December 22nd, 2007, 02:37 PM	#23
Graeme Fullick Major Player Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Newcastle, Australia Posts: 337	Craig, Just confirming that I am currently using HOYA Pro 1 Digital low profile - it is sitting on my camera right next to me - but you need to get the Pro 1 as the standard Hoya's are not low profile. Hoya suggest clear glass for any digital imaging as the UV filter makes little or no difference here. I bought the UV as it was actually cheaper than clear glass. __________________ Graeme

December 22nd, 2007, 02:42 PM	#24
Paul Cronin Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 4,048	Camera arrived and it came with the B+W UV 65-070156 and the filter fits fine with some room to spare. The clear B+W 66-1001705 is on the way. __________________ Paul Cronin www.paulcroninstudios.com

December 22nd, 2007, 03:04 PM	#26
Paul Cronin Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 4,048	Craig I was told they are the same size just that one is UV and one is clear glass. But yes I will let people know when it arrives how it fits. __________________ Paul Cronin www.paulcroninstudios.com

December 21st, 2007, 05:53 PM	#16
Eric Pascarelli Major Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 498	The old cinematographer's rule is not to put anything in front of the lens that doesn't contribute to forming the image. But these artistic/technical ideals are always balanced by commercial realities. Even on the most expensive productions there is a threshold of danger where a choice is made to protect the lens at the expense of image quality. The question is, where is your threshold? Mine is fairly high - I rarely protect my lens with a piece of glass. To me, avoiding the potential for flaring and dust, and worse yet, dusty flaring, is worth risking the front element of my lens for. I have also found that the front elements of professional lenses are pretty tough - they don't scratch or break easily and they clean up well. When's the last time you had to replace the filter in front of your lens because it got damaged? Probably never. Filters are no tougher than the lens itself. Some people are afraid to clean their lenses ever, opting to seal them behind a sheet of glass when they are brand new. That's being overly cautious in my opinion. Pro lenses are designed to be cleaned many times a day, as long as the proper tools are used.

December 21st, 2007, 06:00 PM	#17
Allan Black Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 2,887	I use protective glass, helps my blood pressure too :) Years ago there was an issue with filter thread pitch, think I recall that Europe was .05 and Japan .075. I had a B+W UV that used to just fall off my Japanese GS400. The dealer here changed it over. My new HOYA Moose CP and B+W MRC UV fit my A1 without problems. I first had the thin B+W UV but the rim is not wide enough to hold the A1 lens cap. The obliging dealer changed that over too. My HOYA Tobacco grad actually says 0.75 on its case. Fitting a screw threaded filter, I always very carefully turn it anti-clockwise till I hear, or feel it click. Then carefully screw it on clockwise, and not tight. Ryan might give us the latest info on filter thread pitch? Cheers.

December 21st, 2007, 06:48 PM	#18
Rob Collins Major Player Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 229	So if one wants to control blood pressure by keeping glass in front if the lens, what is the best choice? Is there any drawback to a UV/Haze filter such as this one rather than just clear glass? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Haze_010.html

December 22nd, 2007, 09:31 AM	#20
Craig Seeman Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA Posts: 3,841	As someone who shoots outside in NYC, there's way too much that can get thrown at a lens. Yes a piece of protective glass can impact the image. When you can SEE the impact is when you need to decide whether you should take it off. I'd start with it on though for my shooting circumstances. Can someone confirm that the Hoya or Schneider/B&W Clear glass works with the lens hood? I guess we can say it's been confirmed that Tiffen and Formatt doesn't. I'm kinda surprised that the two DVInfo sponsors in NYC don't have glass that works in stock that works with the lens hood (assuming Hoya, B&W or another does). Both dealers (and my own non sponsor) will order one for me or I could order online but I'm not going to order anything unless I can confirm it works with the lens hood. I do hope AbelCine and B&H look at this. I believe they're both recommending Tiffen at the moment and that's how I discovered first hand Tiffen doesn't work.

December 22nd, 2007, 09:54 AM	#21
Rob Collins Major Player Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 229	Mine came from Abel (who were great by the way), and they did suggest the Tiffen, which I'm now returning. I brought the issue to their attention. Is it better to get clear glass than UV/Haze for regular use?

December 22nd, 2007, 02:58 PM	#25
Craig Seeman Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA Posts: 3,841	Paul, let me know about the clear B+W 66-1001705. I really need something that works ASAP. I'd love to get it in NYC and I'd dearly wish the DVInfo sponsors in NYC carried it in stock but they don't. If I order I do not want to wait a week to get it. I'd get the Hoya as an alternative but neither NYC DVInfo sponsor has that either.

December 22nd, 2007, 03:05 PM	#27
Rob Collins Major Player Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 229	I just ordered it too. What's the rule about mentioning non-sponsors when none of the sponsors carry the item?

December 22nd, 2007, 03:11 PM	#28
Craig Seeman Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA Posts: 3,841	If Chris won't allow the post, send me a message in my profile. I'd buy from a DVInfo sponsor but they have to have something in stock for me to buy it from them. Ryan from Schneider even point to a DVInfo sponsor but they don't have it.

December 22nd, 2007, 03:34 PM	#29
Rob Collins Major Player Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 229	I'm all about B&H and Abel--they have lots of my money! But they don't have this filter, so I ordered from Adorama.