Bay 1 Filter Adapters - Rolleiflex

Alan9940 · Aug 29, 2020

I'm looking into getting a Bay 1 to ? filter adapter for my 3.5 MX-EVS Rolleiflex. I've seen quite a bit of chatter about a Bay 1 to 49mm adapter. I measured that across the taking lens and it seems that a 49mm filter may block the bottom edge of the viewing lens and/or restrict use of a cable release. I see that kohscamera.com has a Bay 1 to 46mm adapter which seems more appropriate for my camera. Since I don't have any filters in either 46mm or 49mm which adapter size would you recommend?

Thank you all for any insight provided.

Kodachromeguy · Aug 29, 2020

As in alternative, I suggest Bayonet 1 to Series 6 filter adapter. Series 6 filters are readily available and inexpensive.

btaylor · Aug 29, 2020

Kodachromeguy said:
As in alternative, I suggest Bayonet 1 to Series 6 filter adapter. Series 6 filters are readily available and inexpensive.

+1. I have the same set up. Series filters are inexpensive and the is no concern about blocking anything.

Dan Daniel · Aug 29, 2020

I used a Bay I to 49mm adapter. Although it did intrudeinto the bottom of the viewing lens. I could see no difference in the brightness of the focus screen nor was there any cut off or darker area. I already had a collection of 49mm filters.

Do they make a Bay III to 46mm adapter? If they do, and you don't have any filters yet, I'd go 46mm.

Or series VI. But honestly, a lot of series VI filter are used, delaminating, etc. Not as easy to find as 46mm.

Alan9940 · Aug 29, 2020

Kodachromeguy said:
As in alternative, I suggest Bayonet 1 to Series 6 filter adapter. Series 6 filters are readily available and inexpensive.

I did a little Google searching (which I'm not very good at, btw) and really didn't find readily available Series 6 filters. Are these filters listed by size (in mm) on a site such as B&H? In other words, where would I find this adapter and filters? eBay?

Thanks!

Chrismat · Aug 29, 2020

I have used Bay 1 to 46mm for the Minolta Autocords, Yashicamats and Rolleiflexes the I've owned and used. For me, the biggest advantage is that you can buy brand new 46mm filters from Hoya, B+W, etc.

Paul Howell · Aug 29, 2020

I've only found series styles filter used, Ebay, I use a Series VI adaptor on my Yashica, it has flanges that I bent out a little and it slips over the taking lens, I can use it with a filter and retaining ring or a lens hood that replaces the retaining ring.

BrianShaw · Aug 29, 2020

Alan9940 said:
I did a little Google searching (which I'm not very good at, btw) and really didn't find readily available Series 6 filters. Are these filters listed by size (in mm) on a site such as B&H? In other words, where would I find this adapter and filters? eBay?

Thanks!

Google “filterfind”

Kodachromeguy · Aug 29, 2020

Alan9940 said:
I did a little Google searching (which I'm not very good at, btw) and really didn't find readily available Series 6 filters. Are these filters listed by size (in mm) on a site such as B&H? In other words, where would I find this adapter and filters? eBay?

Thanks!

For any odd or common size filter, check with Tim at filterfind:

https://www.filterfind.net/Index.html

on eBay, look for Series VI, Ser VI, or similar words. There are 10s or 100s available, most are cheap, few are delaminating, and yes, of course they are used. Most series filters are unthreaded and fit into the retaining ring. But occasionally, you find threaded series filters that do not need the outer retaining ring.

GRHazelton · Aug 30, 2020

Check filterfind.net. Tim helped me with my Zeiss Ikon Contessa folder. This camera's lens has threads on the OUTSIDE of the front element assembly, rather on the inside. Anything to make things difficult. He found an Endalilte series adapter which screwed onto the lens (a slip-on would have scarred the lens assembly over time), plus filters, plus a lens shade, plus a nice leather case to hold the whole ensemble. He usually has an excellent assortment of Series filters, etc, maker noted, and all graded as to condition.

Alan9940 · Aug 30, 2020

Thank you, all, for the helpful responses. I have sent an inquiry to Tim at filterfind.net and I'll see where that leads me. Plan B is to get a Bay 1 to 46mm adapter and just buy a few new filters.

Kodachromeguy · Aug 30, 2020

Oops, I think we all forgot to mention the obvious solution: buy genuine Bay 1 filters. The ones from Rollei were the best quality, but many other companies offered Bay 1 filters (Tiffen, Yashica, Minolta, and others). Look at Filterfind's web page to see what they have in stock.

Fujicaman1957 · Aug 30, 2020

B & H has new B & W contrast filters for sale.

Alan9940 · Aug 30, 2020

Kodachromeguy said:
Oops, I think we all forgot to mention the obvious solution: buy genuine Bay 1 filters. The ones from Rollei were the best quality, but many other companies offered Bay 1 filters (Tiffen, Yashica, Minolta, and others). Look at Filterfind's web page to see what they have in stock.

Yep, that certainly would be the obvious solution... But, I've looked at B&H and a couple of other vendors for new Bay 1 filters and can't find anything listed under Bay 1, 2, or 3. At B&H, for example, all the filters are listed by mm. Perhaps if one knew the exact diameter of a Bay 1 filter it would be obvious which size (in mm) is correct. Yes, the one from Rollei are REALLY good, but, also, fairly old now. For example, I have a Rolleipol that I bought years ago along with a lens hood as a package (eBay); both items described as excellent condition. I just noticed recently that the polarizer has some small yellow stains in the glass. Don't know if this was something that was there when I purchased it or something that has evolved over the years. Regardless, it probably wouldn't be a big deal with B&W film, but color might be an issue.

I've already heard back from Tim at Filterfind as he suggested using Series V. We'll see. I sent him all the info for my lens and told him my major concern would be vignetting, if a Series V is too small. Waiting to hear back his thoughts on that and what he has in stock.

BrianShaw · Aug 30, 2020

I wouldn’t second-guess Tim. He knows filters. Bay1 are 28.5 mm. It’s no secret. Series V is 30.5 mm. It’s no secret. There will not be vignetting. Plus, you’ll likely be able to either a Rollei hood or a SeriesV hood. Honestly... search eBay for Bay1 filters if all you’ll want are basic contrast filters.

JPD · Aug 30, 2020

But don't forget that you can buy new Bayonet 1 filters from makers like Heliopan. Most filter manufacturers have stopped making filters in push-on mounts and I'd hate to see that they dropped the Bayonet filters as well. Original Rollei Bay. 1 filters are usually much cheaper than the larger bayonets. I have never felt the need to buy adapters.

BrianShaw · Aug 30, 2020

I had no idea... how quaint of anyone to still be making filters in archaic mounts!

MattKing · Aug 30, 2020

BrianShaw said:
I had no idea... how quaint of anyone to still be making filters in archaic mounts!

Why not, manufacturers around the world still make things in the archaic, US only (almost), sizes based on inches and feet ?

BrianShaw · Aug 30, 2020

MattKing said:
Why not, manufacturers around the world still make things in the archaic, US only (almost), sizes based on inches and feet ?

Oh, don’t misunderstand... I’m happy that folks still do things like this. In the antique auto world it is astounding how much new stuff is available. I just find it quaint and wonder how profitable it is.

JPD · Aug 30, 2020

BrianShaw said:
Oh, don’t misunderstand... I’m happy that folks still do things like this. In the antique auto world it is astounding how much new stuff is available. I just find it quaint and wonder how profitable it is.

They make the bayonet filters on special order. I doubt it's very profitable, but even used bayonet filters of certain brands are very expensive, so there are people who then rather buy new filters. Both Heliopan and B+W made push-on filters for a long time, but used push-on filters are cheap and plentiful. You can special order the filter glass only, and they cut them the the diameter you like. I have done this for both bayonet and push-on mounts.

eli griggs · Sep 2, 2020

Leica 39mm filters may be more to your liking and it should be easy enough to find Series 5.5 adapters, though given the small size of a Bay 1 a Bay adapter, a second adapter that places a threaded filter ring well outside the field of view, a couple of inches from the taking lens, is also a possibility.

Remember, in normal use, you would first mount the filter on the viewing lens, assess the scene and focus, then remove the filter to the taking lens and push the shutter release, so it does no matter if a larger filter size obscures the taking lens, in most situations.

IMO.

Bay 1 Filter Adapters - Rolleiflex

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