Polarizer filters with slip-on filter holders

[Sirius Glass]

Polarizer filters work well with lenses that have filter threads.

But if a lens requires a slip-on filter adapter, it there a practical way to use a polarizer?

Steve

[Jim Jones]

Yes, indeed. It was done for many years before screw-in filters became commonplace. Some of the Kodak polarizers had an arm that indicated maximum polarization when the arm pointed towards the sun. Others had numbers around the edge. One looked through the polarizer while rotating it for the desired effect, noted the number at the top, and mounted it on the camera in that position. This didn't seem too inconvenient in the dark ages before TTL light meters and digital imaging.

[Sirius Glass]

Yes, indeed. It was done for many years before screw-in filters became commonplace. Some of the Kodak polarizers had an arm that indicated maximum polarization when the arm pointed towards the sun. Others had numbers around the edge. One looked through the polarizer while rotating it for the desired effect, noted the number at the top, and mounted it on the camera in that position. This didn't seem too inconvenient in the dark ages before TTL light meters and digital imaging.

Great! Where can I find one.

[Mark Woods]

Look through the polarizer and when you have the effect you want, note the orientation and put it in front of the lens. It's not that difficult. Also, a lot of polarizers have a screw mount with the actual filter separate and able to rotate independently from the actual screw mount.

[Sirius Glass]

Look through the polarizer and when you have the effect you want, note the orientation and put it in front of the lens. It's not that difficult. Also, a lot of polarizers have a screw mount with the actual filter separate and able to rotate independently from the actual screw mount.

But a Series filter does not have threads, it has smooth sides. Therefore there is nothing to keep the inner filter from rotating with the outer filter. Does that help you see the problem?

Steve

[Jim Jones]

But a Series filter does not have threads, it has smooth sides. Therefore there is nothing to keep the inner filter from rotating with the outer filter. Does that help you see the problem?

Steve

The Kodak polarizer had male and female threads that matched the threads of series adaptors. The filter could be rotated with the male threads and locked at the desired angle with a locking ring. Remember, Edwin Land (later of Polaroid camera fame) was a strong early promoter of polarizing filters. He thought of almost everything. The Goliath Kodak should have known better than to tangle with a David like Edwin Land.