Linear Polarizer on Retina IIc

ggray79 · Mar 19, 2024

Since this camera is a coupled rangefinder it is very awkward to use a circular polarizer. Does a linear polarizer create the same amount of polarizer effect without turning it on its threads, i.e., just screw it on and I get the full amount it can provide? A circular polarizer allows adjusting the amount of polarization, but, if I think polarizing is helping, I usually crank it up all the way anyway. Also, will a linear polarizer interfere at all with the rangefinder function? I have heard that a linear polarizer can interfere with autofocus on some cameras. Thanks!

madNbad · Mar 19, 2024

Leica designed the swing out polarizer to allow the user to see the effect. If you already have a 32mm polarizer on your IIc, using a second one to view the effect then adjust the one on the camera to the same point.
The rangefinder is a separate unit and not affected by any filters on the lens.

Mike Sowsun · Mar 19, 2024

Circular and Linear polarizers both work exactly the same way. You screw it onto your filter threads and then rotate the filter element to get the effect you want. Either one will work perfectly fine in a Rangefinder.

It will be impossible to see the polarizing effect when it is on the lens because the viewfinder won’t see the filter. Before you mount the filter, hold it up to your eye and rotate the ring to get the effect you want. Take note of the filter position markings and then use the same position when mounted on the camera lens.

ggray79 · Mar 19, 2024

madNbad said:
Leica designed the swing out polarizer to allow the user to see the effect. If you already have a 32mm polarizer on your IIc, using a second one to view the effect then adjust the one on the camera to the same point.
The rangefinder is a separate unit and not affected by any filters on the lens.

Thanks!

ggray79 · Mar 19, 2024

Mike Sowsun said:
Circular and Linear polarizers both work exactly the same way. You screw it onto your filter threads and then rotate the filter element to get the effect you want. Either one will work perfectly fine in a Rangefinder.

It will be impossible to see the polarizing effect when it is on the lens because the viewfinder won’t see the filter. Before you mount the filter, hold it up to your eye and rotate the ring to get the effect you want. Take note of the filter position markings and then use the same position when mounted on the camera lens.

That's the info I needed - the effect does depend on the position on the lens thread. I will probably do the second CPL in my pocket approach and mark the CPL on the camera so that I can make it match the second one. No real advantage to a linear polarizer that I can see, so y'all saved me the cost of buying and trying! Thanks!

reddesert · Mar 19, 2024

If you have a CPL filter, go ahead and use it. A linear polarizer would work equally well on a Retina.

The point of the CPL filter is that it has an extra component behind the polarizing screen that alters the polarization, so that it doesn't upset some autofocus or autoexposure cameras with a sensor behind a beamsplitter that is sensitive to polarization.

With any polarizer, you need to look through it and adjust the orientation to get the pictorial effect you want, such as darkening the sky or minimizing/maximizing reflections. You don't just screw it on all the way and hope.

MattKing · Mar 19, 2024

reddesert said:
The point of the CPL filter is that it has an extra component behind the polarizing screen that alters the polarization, so that it doesn't upset some autofocus or autoexposure cameras with a sensor behind a beamsplitter that is sensitive to polarization.

Not too long ago, linear polarizers were the norm, and circular polarizers tended to be harder to find and more expensive. The situation in the marketplace is now reversed.
For a Retina IIc, it won't batter.
Consider adding a scribe mark the the ring on the polarizer closest to the camera. That will help you orient both rings the same way when you view through it and when you take photos through it.

Linear Polarizer on Retina IIc

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