Using Polarizers on RFs

[srtiwari]

Recently bought a 39mm Linear Polarizer to use on my Leica M3, and wondered how best to assess the degree of polarisation. (I don't want the more expensive solutions at the moment.) My new Hoya 39mm came with a scale on the outer ring (-6, -4, 1 etc.) but I thought not only position of the outer ring (with scale), but also its relationship to the inner ring, was crucial. And where exactly the outer ring will sit (when screwed on) is difficult to predict.
Appreciate any help.

Subhash

[ludoo]

Buy a second one and hold it in front of your eye, then transfer the number to the one on the lens. :)

[Al Kaplan]

Subhash, there's no easy solution. Polarizers cry out for SLR cameras. On rare occasions I've use a 58mm polarizer that I had, turned it until it gave the effect I wanted, and just held it against the front of the hood or lens.

[srtiwari]

Hi Al.
This is what is confusing to me. If the position of the outside ring (the one with the scale on it) is the ONLY concern, that is easy enough. I can just test it off the camera, and then dial in the same position of the scale on-camera and voila ! BUT, if the relative position of the 2 rings is crucial, then I'm screwed, so to speak.
Correct me, but I thought the RELATIVE position of the 2 rings was important only in Circular pols. Is this not the case ?
Any plans for Vero ?

[Double Negative]

You could always pick up the hellishly expensive Leica Universal Polfilter M. There's another manufacturer that makes a similar setup, but the name escapes me at the moment.

I have a setup like that for the Mamiya 7II and it works great, but it's still a pain in the ass compared to using filters on an SLR. So much so that with RFs I generally only use color filters for B&W work.

[Al Kaplan]

Subhash, one ring screws into the lens, the other ring turns to maximize the polarizing effect. The relationship between the two rings shouldn't affect anything.

I'm still hoping to make the Vero trip in the not too distant future. The local elections are over but after those paid thug "campaign workers" for the Marcellus campaign slugged me a few times for photographing them...well, here it is nearly six weeks later and I still have pain when I turn my head too far, so I'm restricting my driving to the neighborhood. Mid September I know I'll be there because I'm shooting a wedding in Vero, and Robin told me that I'd get a ride up and back if I wasn't up to making the drive myself.

[srtiwari]

Subhash, one ring screws into the lens, the other ring turns to maximize the polarizing effect. The relationship between the two rings shouldn't affect anything.

That is what I thought. Why then are there two glass surfaces. Wouldn't one be enough ?

I'm still hoping to make the Vero trip in the not too distant future. The local elections are over but after those paid thug "campaign workers" for the Marcellus campaign slugged me a few times for photographing them...well, here it is nearly six weeks later and I still have pain when I turn my head too far, so I'm restricting my driving to the neighborhood. Mid September I know I'll be there because I'm shooting a wedding in Vero, and Robin told me that I'd get a ride up and back if I wasn't up to making the drive myself.


Too bad about the injury. Hope it gets better soon. Look forward to seeing you in sept.

[wyk_penguin]

Buy a bigger polarizer, e.g. 77mm, and then put it on the lens with a vented step up ring. You can then see the polarization effect in the corner of the VF.

Beats transferring numbers on two filters.

[nickdando]

There is always the Kenko polariser.

http://photo.net/leica-rangefinders-forum/00FL0b

http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/products.asp?PT_ID=284

Nick

[Luddite Frank]

I've been using a Hoya 39mm polarizer occasionally with my screw-mount Leicas...

I've been shooting older lenses (36mm slip-on filter mount), and using the Leitz A-36 > E-39 filter adapter... this allows me to screw the filter into the adapter, then slip the whole rig on & off the lens for dialing-in the polarization, then getting it back on the lens w/o rotating anything.

It's more difficult when using my E-39 Summicron, as I have to screw the polarizer right into the lens.

The relationship between the two glasses of the polarizer is critical; this is how polarization is achieved... at least that's what I'm given to understand from reading the older(pre-1980) texts on photography.


The suggestion of using the 77mm (?) filter & vented hood sounds about the most convenient solution in terms of convenience during shooting...

Can't cite any personal experience regarding linear vs circular polarizer; I was under the impression that one type is better-suited to digital cameras...

Luddite Frank

[FPjohn]

Leitz made a swingout Ppolarizer/Lens Hood. The original polarizing material is often decayed but easily replaced. It works.

Leitz 13352.

yours
FPJ