I am thinking of getting some filters for use with my Noctilux. 25 Red, ND 1, #58 and Heiliopan do not seem to make them in the 60mm diameter. Any body got any suggesstions? Thanks

-- Mf Zimicki (74023.1131@compuserve.com), March 20, 2002

Answers

B+W makes 60mm filters called E60. Same filter sizes as 75mm Summilux. B&H has most colors in stock. I use the orange a lot on my 75mm. Good Luck.

-- F. William Baker (atelfwb@aol.com), March 20, 2002.

No, no, no!!! It is strctly reccomanded not to use filters on the Noctilux!!!! Read the «zittell» that goes with the lens! Please do not scratcht a lens like that! The surface of the last lens is not a normal surface like other lenses. I beg your heartly attention: please save the noctilux from their dealt penalty! Do not let me cry for a crime like this, please! Joe

-- Joe Pelizza Salusso di Volpedo (breglumasi@hotmail.com), March 20, 2002.

why pay huge bucks to get down to f1 only to make the lens an effective f2.8-f4??

-- roger michel (michel@tcn.org), March 20, 2002.

I have the same problem with 60mm filters for my 75mm Summilux E60. This is a filter size that only Leica seems to use. So... you pay Leica prices from B+W, if you want to have 60mm filters. I have the correct Leica 60mm UV filter for lens protection. For other filters, I am getting a step-up ring 60-62mm, from B&H Photovideo. That will result in normal prices for filters, but will also result in the need for a 62mm metal lens hood, as the extensible hood of the 75 lux will not work. It will also result in more lost viewfinder area. You lose about 20% of the VF area with the 75 lux anyway. If you go to www.bhphotovideo.com you will see their excellent search engine and can look at all these accessories. The 60-62mm step-up ring is BWSUR6062 and lists at $24.95. The 62mm lens hood is GBLHM62 and lists at $11.95.

-- Frank Horn (owlhoot45@hotmail.com), March 21, 2002.

It's really a great idea to use a deep red (-8X) on the Noctilux because it adds to the versatility of the lens by allowing shots in broad daylight at f/1 at 1000th at ISO 100 or 200. This gives the same depth of field effects of wide open while knocking down the light about 8 stops or so. A bit more difficult at ISO 400 where many of my shots today had to be stopped down to f/2 at 1000th. The problem with the red, of course, is the dramatic changes made to the tonal relationships of your image, i.e. reds come out stark white, blues jet black, etc. You might be better off with a neutral density filter.

-- Tony Rowlett (rowlett@mail.com), March 21, 2002.