Back to the Future (Filters)

[Bill_1856]

The filter size situation is absolutely crazy, and the lens manufacturers apparently don't care. It seems like nearly every lens I own takes a different size filter. I have five coupled lenses for my Technika, from 90-360mm) and there are FOUR different filter sizes, plus three uncoupled Dagors each with it's own Series filter adapter. I think that Kodak had it right with their Series Filters -- maybe we should go back to it. But I'm not sure that anyone even makes Series filters any more, and the step-up/down rings are available only in one or two sizes. Pardon my Primal Scream -- Aaaaahhhhggggggggggggggggg!

[Dean Tomasula]

I use a Lee Gel Snap filter holder and Lee gelatin filters. One holder fits all my lenses and I just drop in the gel filter when I need it. Makes more sense than buying different size step-up/down rings for each lens.

[Sal Santamaura]

Bill, get thee some nicely machined, brass, non-galling Heliopan adapter rings. Then you'll be able to use your largest filters on all the smaller lenses too. I've put one on each lens and been quite content ever since.

[Sal Santamaura]

Of course, do check with Bob Soloman concerning the Series sizes. I haven't had to deal with those.

[Antti Aalto]

No more then an hour ago I was thinking of a way to use gelating filters I got for free in different sizes. I came across with the Lee Gel Snap thingy online and made myself one from a piece of wire, a rubber band and some tape. The holder part for all sizes I got from the cardboard packaging the filters came in. Seems to work okay.

[Bob Salomon]

Bill,
Heliopan makes the following series size filters:

Series V
Series 5.5
Series VI
Series VII
Series 7.5
Series VIII
Series IX
Series 9e

Most are available only on special order. However we do stock UV and skylight in Seris VI, VII and VIII.

Adaptor rings are a different story. Basically you have to supply your own

[Brian Ellis]

Maybe Lee has changed its system but when I used it a few years ago everything I saved by having only one set of filters was given back by needing a different adapter ring for each lens.

[Tom Westbrook]

The Gel Snap doesn't need adapter rings like the Foundation kits do. The Snap has a fairly thick rubber band to hold it on any lens up to, I think, 87mm.

[Steve J Murray]

I use gel filters mounted behind the lens on a filter holder sold by Calumet. I forgot the brand name. I glued velcro on the "feet" of this filter holder and have velcro spots on the back of each lensboard.

[Bob Salomon]

"Series 9e"

Sorry, Should be Series 93.