Hoya HMC & Heliopan filters.

I have been comparing prices for various filters and have found that some Hoya Multy Coated filters are actually cheaper than the standard single coated Heliopan.

Are single coated Helipoan so good that they are better than Hoya HMC filters?

Peter

thefizz said:

I have been comparing prices for various filters and have found that some Hoya Multy Coated filters are actually cheaper than the standard single coated Heliopan.

Are single coated Helipoan so good that they are better than Hoya HMC filters?

Peter

Click to expand...

I really like Heliopan filters, not least because of the brass mounts that don't stick. I don't know where you are thinking of buying them, I tried ordering from UK suppliers, this took a long time, so I now get them from Germany:
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Team-Foto
Of course I have lots of Hoya filters, but the HMC coating seems very fragile - I think on some filters I have cleaned it right off (and I am really not heavy-handed!).

My experience of Heliopan filters has been very different. Whilst I've had no problems with the quality of their glass I have encountered several issues with the quality of manufacture- such as filter rings binding to the same brands step-up rings, filter glass separating from the rings so it revolves uncontrollably and so on. They have not been easy to communicate with on these issues and I don't much like Team , their UK distributor.

If you want a better made product than Hoya then may I suggest B+W? I've never had any of these issues with that brand. On the other hand Hoya do operate at different price/quality points in the market, and their Super Pro 1 polariser is quite the best polariser I've used despite the fact that I don't doubt that other's coatings are more durable.

I like the Hoya HMC filters. I've never had any trouble with them "sticking" in the lens threads. In any case, if this worries you, get a tooth pick. just touch the tip to some Vaseline, and then touch the tip to the filter threads. Screw in once or twice. Voila! No sticking problem. Mind you, you're only using the vary tiniest amount of Vaseline.

Hoyas HMC are now being sold by Hasselblad USA.

I have purchased one standard heliopan from retrophotographic.com and it was dispatched quickly and seems good quality to me so I think I'll stick with them.

Thanks everyone,
Peter