[LRFlex] UV Filters

Call me hopelessly Philistine, but I think a UV filter won't degrade an image 
in any noticeable amount 1) if you aren't making huge enlargements or 2) any 
more than hand-holding does.  I don't know what to think about that quote from 
Leica posted earlier about UV filters introducing an excessively warm tone; I 
don't think that's true for modern filters, and in any event if you're shooting 
black & white or color prints any such effect either won't show up or can be 
compensated for in the print.

That said, I would avoid UV filters that aren't multi-coated.  (I've seen study 
results showing that the big difference is coated vs. uncoated; multicoating 
only adds slight additional benefit.  However, I think the additional benefit 
is worth it.)  But the problem I have is that I've only got old 2-cam lenses 
that take series filters; does anybody even make MC series filters?  I don't 
think the Leica series filters were multicoated.  I hope I'm wrong.

I would be interested in the opinions of this group generally about 
UV/skylight/protective filters.  I know the Leica mantra about filters, at 
least on the M side of the house, has historically been that filters degrade 
the image and so you don't use them unless you seek a specific effect.  I think 
that's doctrinaire -- as I said above, depending on your shooting conditions 
and choice of film, I really doubt you'll see a difference attributable to the 
filter.  (Sure, shooting into the sun can cause ghosting -- but that's true 
whether you've got a filter on or not.)

Nick



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