Which polarizer for reflections/color film?

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Hi, I need a polarizer for controlling reflections in store windows, using color neg film. ("Accurate" or saturated color is not a goal- I prefer it somewhat subdued.) Is a linear filter OK/ What's the difference between Kasemann and the cheaper Heliopan? I'm looking at Robert White's prices. I'll use it on two WA lenses for 6x9 format, the 65/5.6 Super Angulon and the 80/4.5 Super Symmar XL. What adapter would I need? The Lee filter sounds too delicate for my brutish ways with equipment. I tried to find out the diameter of the 80 on Schneider's website and failed. (I have just ordered it so can't measure.) Thanks in advance for advice! Cheers.

-- Sandy Sorlien (sand44@mindspring.com), May 15, 2001

Answers

Since you're not using autofocus, a linear polarizer is fine. As to which brand, it's been a while since I purchased a new polarizer, so you may want to compare the quality of different brands. I have a Hoya (inexpensive) and a B+W (expensive) and can't see any difference. Actually, the Hoya is showing less wear than the B+W after six years use on both. You may want to check for vignetting with some polarizers and WA lenses as the filters are thicker than regular filters, but slim versions are available. As for adaptors, you'll need whatever ring is required to screw the holder to the lens in your lens filter thread size. You won't need this with dedicated polarizers as they just screw on to the front of the lens. I remember a thread a short time ago on the 80/4.5 filter size, so you may want to look at some of the older questions.

-- Mike Mahoney (mmahoney@nfld.com), May 16, 2001.

With the higher end filters the difference is in the glass. First there will be no color cast from the actual glass. Hoya and Tiffen have a slight greenish cast on transparancy film. Now heliopan and b+w are on the same level they have clear glass with a polarizing film inbetween the glass. Kasemann has the polarizing material within the glass itself. Now that you have all this useless info any one of the better brands would be fine. Use a linear polarizer because they are more effective. I believe the 80XL has a 67mm thread like the 110XL {email schneider to be sure} and like the 110 if you screw in a 67mm it will scratch the center of the glass {the front element sticks out too far} you would want to spend a million dollars on a wide angle filter or use a 67mm to 77mm step up ring and any 77mm filter {slim filters if possible}. Buy the heliopan step up rings they are brass and will not bind like the tin ones. It is just so much fun removing a bound ring from a $1500.00 lens with a pair of pliers. Hope this helps.

-- john (dogspleen@juno.com), May 16, 2001.

Dear Sandy, The front filterthread of the 80XL is indeed 67mm.....we have not heard of anyone having a filter touch the front element of an 80mm the lens is quite recessed compared to the 110XL...... The KAESEMANN Polars are probably the best in the world, they are polarized foils under polished optical flat galss which unusually is edge sealed and this makes them great in awkward climatic conditions......we will always suggest them if a customer wants the very best and particularly with APO lenses where the quality is so good.....The mounts are brass and have edge numbers.Linear will be fine for your application. Yours Robert

-- Robert White (robert@robertwhite.co.uk), May 16, 2001.

Sandy,

For large format cameras there is no advantage in buying a circular polariser and they are usually more expensive. However, a circular polariser may need to be considered if you also plan to use the filter on a MF or 35mm camera since linear polarisers can interfere with the autofocus and metering systems of certain of these cameras.

I am not sure about John’s comment that linear polarisers are more effective. My understanding has always been that there is no practical difference between the two types of polarising filter but I may wrong about this.

-- Philip Y. Graham (PYG@plastsurg.com), May 16, 2001.


Heliopan literature says that linear polarizers are more effective (at reducing reflections) than circular polarizers. The Kasemann polarizers are the most effective. Their benefit is not just edge sealing.

-- William Marderness (wmarderness@hotmail.com), May 20, 2001.


William,

Thanks for the information. One of the reasons this site is so interesting is not just the information on offer but also the way it can help correct mistaken beliefs. Thanks again.

-- Philip Y. Graham (PYG@plastsurg.com), May 21, 2001.


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