Polariser question

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brian steinberger

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I have a B&W linear polariser that recently got damaged. I figured I could go buy another but have not been able to find this filter. Seems B&W discontinued it. I'm used to using this linear polariser with my rangefinder cameras which don't meter TTL and are not autofocus. B&W only makes a circular polariser. Is this my only option? I'd like a high quality multi-coated filter. I've heard circular polarisers are not as effective as linear. Is there any truth to this?
 

Sirius Glass

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Circular polarizers are needed for prisms with light meters however they will work as well as a linear polarizer for your situation. See if www.keh.com has a polarizer that will meet your needs.
 

Sirius Glass

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B + W is a filter company
Capture.PNG
 

Bill Burk

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You might check with nsurit,

He had some polarizing filters he doesn't need.

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

I find it difficult to see the polarizing effect of circular polarizers, sometimes I think they packaged the filter wrong or mounted the materials incorrectly it's so bad. But I have no trouble with regular ones seeing the reflections disappear.
 

DWThomas

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...
I find it difficult to see the polarizing effect of circular polarizers, sometimes I think they packaged the filter wrong or mounted the materials incorrectly it's so bad. But I have no trouble with regular ones seeing the reflections disappear.

Yeah, maybe it's because I didn't buy top of the line, but in my limited use I am not convinced the circular units are as effective.
 
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brian steinberger

brian steinberger

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Yes sorry guys B+W. Haha. If it were so simple I would just buy the B+W circular multi-coated polarized. My fear is that the effect isn't as strong. Seems maybe like it's an issue with cheaper made polarizers? If B+W discontinued the linear polarizer maybe they feel that there was no difference between their linear and circular polarizers.
 

amellice

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Yes sorry guys B+W. Haha. If it were so simple I would just buy the B+W circular multi-coated polarized. My fear is that the effect isn't as strong. Seems maybe like it's an issue with cheaper made polarizers? If B+W discontinued the linear polarizer maybe they feel that there was no difference between their linear and circular polarizers.

There's a difference between linear and circular polarizer. I'm not sure why B+W (Schneider) dropped the linear but maybe because it's hard to autofocus with it
 

Sirius Glass

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There's a difference between linear and circular polarizer. I'm not sure why B+W (Schneider) dropped the linear but maybe because it's hard to autofocus with it

With the flood of autofocus cameras the market for linear polarizer filters is not strong enough to continue making them.
 

Sirius Glass

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Heliopan is what I use for the Hasselblads.
 

amellice

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Thanks, I noticed the Heliopan. However, in the specs it states it is not multi-coated. :sad:

Yes, I think (not sure where I read this and it may be wrong) that multi-coating tech came around the 80s (relatively new) compared to linear polarizer, maybe manufactures decided to multi-coat the new circular polarizer only. I did quick search and it looks like B+W was the only major one to offer linear and multi-coated. The B&H page that I sent in previous post doesn't have any linear and multi-coated at the same time
 

Sirius Glass

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Sirius Glass

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Can you elaborate? What you like about them. How they are better than others?

They were recommended by Samys Camera and Bel Air Camera as well as other Hasselblad owners. At the time they were considered among the best filters.
 

Denverdad

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I find it difficult to see the polarizing effect of circular polarizers, sometimes I think they packaged the filter wrong or mounted the materials incorrectly it's so bad. But I have no trouble with regular ones seeing the reflections disappear.

Unlike a linear polarizer which shows its effects (disappearing reflections, darkened skies, etc.) equally well when viewed through from either side, a circular polarizer requires you to look through in the correct direction. If you happen to have the filter flipped backwards when holding it to your eye and viewing through it, you will basically see nothing change as you rotate! All you get is a constant attenuation.

If you remember to always hold the filter with the lens threads facing you, (as it is mounted to the camera,) then you should get the expected effect.
 

cowanw

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Dead Link Removed

may have both Heliopan and B+W. in 67mm linear

In addition the B+W “Käsemann“ Polarizing
Filters can be had linear.
But these may just be non current listings.
However the polarizer foil is the same in both linear and circular, so comparing, same make, apples to apples, they should work the same.

http://www.camerachums.com/B-W-Kaesemann-Polarizer-Filter-linear-polarizer-67-mm/p-430515
says they have it in Texas for 104.50
 
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