Polariser question

brian steinberger · Feb 17, 2015

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 · Feb 17, 2015

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.

snapguy · Feb 17, 2015

B&W

B&W?????

Sirius Glass · Feb 17, 2015

snapguy said:
B&W?????

B + W is a filter company

snapguy · Feb 17, 2015

so

So then it's "B+W" not "B&W"? I was confoosed.

Bill Burk · Feb 17, 2015

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 · Feb 17, 2015

Bill Burk said:
...
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.

Sirius Glass · Feb 18, 2015

snapguy said:
So then it's "B+W" not "B&W"? I was confoosed.

No biggie it happened to each of us at some time.

brian steinberger · Feb 18, 2015

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.

John Koehrer · Feb 18, 2015

Size you need?

amellice · Feb 18, 2015

brian steinberger said:
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 · Feb 18, 2015

amellice said:
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.

brian steinberger · Feb 18, 2015

John Koehrer said:
Size you need?

67mm

brian steinberger · Feb 18, 2015

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

So what are we to do if we want a high quality multi-coated linear polarizer?

amellice · Feb 18, 2015

brian steinberger said:
So what are we to do if we want a high quality multi-coated linear polarizer?

you have couple of options if you want thread mount then check B&H I'd pick Heliopan if you want high quality. If you want square format for a system then Lee still manufacture the linear polarizer

brian steinberger · Feb 18, 2015

amellice said:
you have couple of options if you want thread mount then check B&H I'd pick Heliopan if you want high quality. If you want square format for a system then Lee still manufacture the linear polarizer

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

Sirius Glass · Feb 18, 2015

Heliopan is what I use for the Hasselblads.

brian steinberger · Feb 18, 2015

Sirius Glass said:
Heliopan is what I use for the Hasselblads.

How do they hold up as far as cleaning and use in dusty conditions? The MRC coating on the B+W filters helps with these things.

amellice · Feb 18, 2015

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

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 · Feb 18, 2015

Sirius Glass said:
Heliopan is what I use for the Hasselblads.

brian steinberger said:

How do they hold up as far as cleaning and use in dusty conditions? The MRC coating on the B+W filters helps with these things.

Click to expand...

Heliopan filters are the only filters I use for my Hasselblads.

brian steinberger · Feb 18, 2015

Sirius Glass said:
Heliopan filters are the only filters I use for my Hasselblads.

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

Sirius Glass · Feb 18, 2015

brian steinberger said:
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.

John Koehrer · Feb 19, 2015

brian steinberger said:
67mm

Thought I had one here. No joy!

Denverdad · Feb 19, 2015

Bill Burk said:
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 · Feb 19, 2015

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

Polariser question

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