72mm XL and 95mm BW filters

[Ardpatrick]

I recently acquired a Schneider Super Angulon 72mm XL lens. I’ll use it for 4x5 and 6x9 as needed.

I shoot black & white film and mostly use a yellow filter. Given the lens has a 95mm front thread, filters are no simple affair. But I have just acquired a used 95mm BW screw in yellow filter.

The filter threads mate properly but then I did the old test of putting a slip of paper over the bulbous centre of the lens whilst screwing on the yellow filter. I tested because the front lens element is quite prominent on the 72XL and the glass is deeply set in the filter ring.

The filter appears to trap / pinch the paper as it screws in indicating the filter would make contact with the lens as it’s screws on firmly. A partial unscrew frees the paper.

I’ve had this issue with a 110 XL before and resolved the matter via a 67-82mm step up ring and 82mm filters. The idea of stepping up from 95mm filter threads seems infeasible.

Short of buying a 95mm filter and removing the glass to use only the frame as a spacer, is there any other solution? I was thinking f.x. about a rubber washer of sorts that would be a thin spacer whilst allowing enough grip to allow the filter to screw down ‘against’ some resistance.

Any suggestions welcome.

 

[Neil Poulsen]

Are you sure that a 75mm SW f5.6 lens won't meet your needs? What do you photography that requires such a special purpose lens?

I had the 90mm f5.6 Super Angulon XL, which has the same filter size. I finally got rid of it for a Nikon 90mm f8, which has ample coverage for my needs. (235mm.)

 

[Ian C]

One possible solution: Use a 95 mm to 105 mm step-up ring and a 105 mm filter.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/809667-REG/Sensei_sur95105_95_105mm_Step_Up_Ring.html


The next one has a knurled gripping surface on the OD.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1642280-REG/sensei_surpa_95105_sensei_pro_95_105mm_alum.html


The problem with this: The price of new 105 mm glass filters has become ridiculously expensive. Unless you can find something cheaper on eBay, or from a seller of pre-owned filters.

A cheap solution is a thin gelatine or polyester filter over the rear cell. It’s easy to make a Xenophon-type filter holder from cardstock and fasten it with a small rubber band (not too tight) or with some low-tack tape making it easy to remove.

Since it’s inside the bellows, it stays clean. The gelatine and polyester filters intended for lenses are generally 0.08 mm, or about 0.003” in thickness. Thus, they won’t degrade the image.

https://leefilters.uservoice.com/knowledgebase/articles/23052-how-thick-are-the-gel-filters

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/102714-REG/LEE_Filters_15P3_3x3_Deep_Yellow_15.html/specs

 

[naaldvoerder]

This is just brainstorming, but maybe it is possible to limit the threads on the filter with small beats of solder?

 

[Ardpatrick]

Are you sure that a 75mm SW f5.6 lens won't meet your needs? What do you photography that requires such a special purpose lens?

I had the 90mm f5.6 Super Angulon XL, which has the same filter size. I finally got rid of it for a Nikon 90mm f8, which has ample coverage for my needs. (235mm.)

Thanks Neil. The lens was ‘available’ at a great price when I needed a 72-75mm lens option. I may indeed unload it in favor of a 75mm Nikon / Rodenstock option but right now that’s not the question I’m addressing. I have 58 / 65 / 90 / 110mn lens options so I am not stuck.

 

[Ardpatrick]

One possible solution: Use a 95 mm to 105 mm step-up ring and a 105 mm filter.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/809667-REG/Sensei_sur95105_95_105mm_Step_Up_Ring.html


The next one has a knurled gripping surface on the OD.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1642280-REG/sensei_surpa_95105_sensei_pro_95_105mm_alum.html


The problem with this: The price of new 105 mm glass filters has become ridiculously expensive. Unless you can find something cheaper on eBay, or from a seller of pre-owned filters.

A cheap solution is a thin gelatine or polyester filter over the rear cell. It’s easy to make a Xenophon-type filter holder from cardstock and fasten it with a small rubber band (not too tight) or with some low-tack tape making it easy to remove.

Since it’s inside the bellows, it stays clean. The gelatine and polyester filters intended for lenses are generally 0.08 mm, or about 0.003” in thickness. Thus, they won’t degrade the image.

https://leefilters.uservoice.com/knowledgebase/articles/23052-how-thick-are-the-gel-filters

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/102714-REG/LEE_Filters_15P3_3x3_Deep_Yellow_15.html/specs

Thanks Ian,

I don’t want to get into 105mm filters if possible. Funnily enough I initially bought a Lee 100mm yellow gel filter in a frame. Then the 95mm BW option arrived and I thought I was set. The Lee filter remains an option but I’d love if the BW filter could just sit on the front of the lens almost as a protection filter.

 

[Ardpatrick]

This is just brainstorming, but maybe it is possible to limit the threads on the filter with small beats of solder?

This is the sort of creative thinking I’m looking for. Something that makes the filter thread shallower might work. Almost like a gigantic 95mm lens shim!

 

[naaldvoerder]

Of a thin rubber band around the threads. You may have to file a littel gully proximate to the filter glas, to keep the rubber band in position.

 

[Rayt]

I just don’t screw the filter in all the way and then remove it after the shot.

 

[Ardpatrick]

I just don’t screw the filter in all the way and then remove it after the shot.

Again thanks for the common sense. Sometimes the simplest approach is the best in practice.

I could possibly use a permanent marker to mark the thread depth threshold.

OTOH I’d love something fully secure.