Step-Up Rings

[andrew.roos]

I've been shooting a Bronica ETRSi for a few years and have a set of 62mm filters. Now I have been given a Nikon FM and would like to get a 52mm to 62mm step-up ring so I can use my filters on the Nikon lenses. I see there is a wide range available, from "no-name" brands for $4 to Heliopan at $31.50. I'm seeking opinions as to whether it's worth going for more expensive rings, or if the cheaper ones are equally good.

The one thing I do note is that all the rings except those from Heliopan are made from Aluminium. The Heliopan ring is made from brass. The filters I have are all B&W, which have brass rings to prevent galling. Surprisingly even the B&W step-up rings are Aluminum! Does this justify the higher cost of the brass Heliopan step-up ring?

Thanks for your help!

 

[cowanw]

Well, yes and no. No question that your aluminium will bind and you will curse yourself when you wish to change them, unless you have a set for each filter.
But if you work at it the rings can always be worked free so it is doable.
If you are getting just one set and your frustration index is low, get a brass one.

 

[paul_c5x4]

Most of my LF lenses are fitted with step up rings so that I can standardise on 58mm filters - These are all aluminium and I have yet to have any problem with galling or binding.

 

[BrianShaw]

Ditto what Paul says. I understanf the theoretical advantage of brass and the occasional "horror" stories of aluminum but never had that problem in 40 years.

 

[Arklatexian]

Most of my LF lenses are fitted with step up rings so that I can standardise on 58mm filters - These are all aluminium and I have yet to have any problem with galling or binding.

I have done this in the past to put what was once called (may still be) Series Vlll Sunshade on a 203 mm Ektar that was Series Vl. It went like this: Vl to Vll step-up ring, then Vll to Vlll step-up ring and then the sunshade which could hold my series Vlll filters in place...It worked.....Regards

 

[benjiboy]

If the aluminium are reasonable quality Andrew I can't see any reason to buy the brass ones, I suggest you try one of the aluminium ones they should be O.K.

 

[andrew.roos]

Thanks for all your informative replies. The summary is that there's no real need to pay more for a brass step-up ring.

 

[John Koehrer]

If you like, you could rub a bit of wax(ski,floor,canning) on the threads of the adapter too. It's funny how much smoother they are to screw on.

 

[DWThomas]

If you like, you could rub a bit of wax(ski,floor,canning) on the threads of the adapter too. It's funny how much smoother they are to screw on.

Yes, I've taken to putting about three or four small swipes across the threads with the butt end of a birthday cake candle (handiest source of wax nearby). Place them at equal intervals around the circumference and screwing/unscrewing works the wax in.