View Full Version : Lens Filters on the EX3


Ted OMalley
August 3rd, 2008, 06:12 PM
I've noticed that I cannot put a standard Tiffen Filter on the EX3 and put the hood back on. They seem to be about 1.5mm too thick. Has anyone else noticed this? Has anyone tried a slim filter? I'd like to simply put a UV filter on the stock lens - mostly to protect the glass from scratches, flying rocks (they are really swarming this year), and whatever else.

Does anyone else use a filter on theirs? What fits? If you don't use them, are you concerned about the front glass on the lens?

Ned Soltz
August 3rd, 2008, 09:58 PM
I've noticed that I cannot put a standard Tiffen Filter on the EX3 and put the hood back on. They seem to be about 1.5mm too thick. Has anyone else noticed this? Has anyone tried a slim filter? I'd like to simply put a UV filter on the stock lens - mostly to protect the glass from scratches, flying rocks (they are really swarming this year), and whatever else.

Does anyone else use a filter on theirs? What fits? If you don't use them, are you concerned about the front glass on the lens?

I'm using a B+W Slim UV on the EX3 and I have no problem with fitting the lens hood. You most likely need slim filters with this camera.

Ted OMalley
August 4th, 2008, 04:51 PM
Ned.

I'm surprised I haven't heard anyone else mention this. B&H recommends the slim on their accessories page, but other companies were recommending some Tiffen filters that just don't fit.

Thanks for the info.

Jon Braeley
August 4th, 2008, 05:32 PM
Ted,
I have a Tiffen UV filter on mine - looks slim though. I guess they make both widths.

Ted OMalley
August 4th, 2008, 06:29 PM
Ted,
I have a Tiffen UV filter on mine - looks slim though. I guess they make both widths.

Jon,

Can you tell me which one it is? the B&W one is over $100 whereas some of the Tiffen ones are around $50.

Their UV filters are: 77UVP, 77HZE, 77HZE2A, 77UV17

I just know that the 77WRMUV and the 77CLR were both too thick.

Ned Soltz
August 4th, 2008, 09:43 PM
Jon,

Can you tell me which one it is? the B&W one is over $100 whereas some of the Tiffen ones are around $50.

Their UV filters are: 77UVP, 77HZE, 77HZE2A, 77UV17

I just know that the 77WRMUV and the 77CLR were both too thick.

Personally, I think the B+W is worth the extra money. The multi-coat process prevents reflections. It is carefully engineered and has negligible light loss. Like with so many things, I believe here you get what you pay for. Just my opinion, you understand...

John Woo
August 5th, 2008, 12:45 AM
I would recommend the B+W Clear Glass Filter. The part number is 1001705. It is a clear glass so very minimum light lost. I am using this on my EX1. No problem at all

Jon Braeley
August 5th, 2008, 06:13 AM
Jon,

Can you tell me which one it is? the B&W one is over $100 whereas some of the Tiffen ones are around $50.

Their UV filters are: 77UVP, 77HZE, 77HZE2A, 77UV17

I just know that the 77WRMUV and the 77CLR were both too thick.

Ted,
Tiffen filter TI-77UVP (MFR #060031208). To discern a difference between Tiffen and B+W, you would need eyes like the Hubble. I have used both over 25 years and cannot tell or could see any difference in loss of light.

Ted OMalley
August 8th, 2008, 10:11 AM
Jon,

I received my Tiffen 77UVP today - new in a Tiffen box. Looks about the same as the other filters - the ring is 6mm thick, plus the threads extend another 2.5mm or so - over 8mm thick in all.

Doesn't fit.

I mean, I can screw it onto the front of the lens, but the bayonet lens cap hits the front edge of the filter before the bayonet slots line up. It's close, but misses by about 2mm.

The .8 Sony WA adapter is even worse (not that I'd really want a filter between them, necessarily). It doesn't even get close and I suspect even a thin filter would prevent it.

Since I'll be adding and removing the WA occasionally in the field, I think I'll do without the filter at all. I really can't imagine, even with the B+W, removing a filter, adding the WA, then removing the WA, and putting the filter back on. I'll spend more time cleaning, inspecting, and packing/unpacking than I will shooting!

Anyone shopping for a new, but "test fitted" Tiffen 77UVP?

Dave Morrison
August 8th, 2008, 10:33 AM
Ted, you should have gone up to North Tampa Photo and tried the filters there and saved yourself the money. I was in the same situation as you and needed a thin polarizer but they only had the standard "thick" mount styles. Buy locally whenever you can! ;)

Ted OMalley
August 8th, 2008, 11:17 AM
Ted, you should have gone up to North Tampa Photo and tried the filters there and saved yourself the money. I was in the same situation as you and needed a thin polarizer but they only had the standard "thick" mount styles. Buy locally whenever you can! ;)

Dave,

Thanks for the resource! I was unaware of this store as I don't get out much! :-)

I make 99% of my purchases online and UPS or FedEx or USPS drop my purchases off at my front door and, well, nobody is any more local than my front door!

Jon Braeley
August 8th, 2008, 03:36 PM
Ted my Tiffen filter TI-77UVP (MFR #060031208) fits perfectly.

Screws on to the lens all the way down and the lens hood/cap fits without a gap. I got mine locally, knowing that many filters do not fit, but this is a perfect fit on my Ex-3.

Ted OMalley
August 8th, 2008, 03:49 PM
Ted my Tiffen filter TI-77UVP (MFR #060031208) fits perfectly.

Screws on to the lens all the way down and the lens hood/cap fits without a gap. I got mine locally, knowing that many filters do not fit, but this is a perfect fit on my Ex-3.

Weird. Same filter, same camera, same lens hood, different results. Something is wrong with my universe. Again.