Filters

[Guest]

Greetings All,

My question is on filters, specifically polarizing filters. What is the difference between a linear and circular polarizer? Are different types of cameras, rnagerfinder, SLR better suited to one or the other? Does the type of metering system make a difference? Are their applications where one is superior to the other? Any other bits of information you can provide would be most helpful. Since I know very little about these two filters I have asked many people and have received a wide variety of answers.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[williamw]

I don't think they matter at all for rangefinders. Linear is cheaper and will do the same job. Circular is for auto-focussing system like most modern SLRs.

One way to look at it: Circular will work for any camera ... while Linear is for non-autofocussing cameras. So depending on what your needs are.

 

[Colin645]

James, Yes the metering system does make a difference. Since the Leicaflex SL (1969) all Leica SLR's have required circular polarisers.This camera was in fact responsible for the rise in popularity of circ. pols. The metering system uses a beam splitter, which when used with a linear pol.causes erroneous readings.
The need for circular polarisers is not limited to autofocus cameras, and indeed preceeded such by many years. A circular polariser is always "correct", although it may cost more money.
Colin

 

[randi]

I'd like to pose a question too about filters:
Yellow filter for black an white,are no longer available on Leica catalogue here in Italy ,I wonder why.