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Archive 2016 · Keeping polariser clean

  
 
timun
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Keeping polariser clean


I've just been thoroughly inspecting my gear before a family event tomorrow. Lenses: front elements in need of a quick dusting. Viewfinder: a bit dirty. Circular polariser: front surface in need of serious de-greasing.
When I'm installing or removing the polariser, I'm careful not to touch the element. The fingerprints appear when I reach inside a lens hood to adjust it - I often miss the bezel and put a fingerprint on the edge of the glass.

Can anyone offer some tips - other than removing the lens hood every time, or developing smaller fingers - for keeping a polariser clean?

Tim



Aug 06, 2016 at 03:16 PM
sjms
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Keeping polariser clean


welcome to the world of less then adequate ergonomics and contradictions.

i, in general don't use a hood at all whe shooting with a CPL. it is not a hard and fast rule that you need to all the time. when i do use a tripod i will pull out a 12" reflector of this type if needed and position it with my hand.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/42077-REG/Photoflex_DL_1412BS_LiteDisc_Circular_Reflector_Black_Silver.html

your other option is to find a general screw on type hood that fits the front threads of your CPL and that also is wide enough to not cause any vignetting while doing your thing. this will then rotate the front element of the CPL.



Aug 06, 2016 at 04:24 PM
EB-1
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Keeping polariser clean


Some lens hoods have a slot for rotating the polarizer or you can cut your own.

EBH



Aug 06, 2016 at 04:35 PM
sjms
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Keeping polariser clean


forgot that option but then its got to fit and be usable on all your lenses. I advise the bottom of the hood and get a polarizer that has some traction for finger contact


Aug 06, 2016 at 04:39 PM
jcolwell
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Keeping polariser clean


My Canon 100-400L IS II has a door on the bottom of the hood for rotating a CP filter, but I don't like using it. In fact, I prefer using a generic hood that's pretty much like the hood on the Mk I version of this lens.

In general, I take off the hood to adjust the CP. Sometimes, I put the hood back on before taking the shot; sometimes, I shade the lens with my hand; and sometimes, I just shoot away without the hood.



Aug 06, 2016 at 04:59 PM
EB-1
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Keeping polariser clean


Why do you use the generic 100-400 II hood? Is there some advantage?

EBH



Aug 06, 2016 at 05:24 PM
timun
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Keeping polariser clean


Thank you for the ideas. I do tend to keep the lens hoods on all the time, perhaps more than necessary - though if conditions are bright and clear enough for a polariser, I believe using a hood is likely to improve contrast.
I like the suggestion of trying a hood with a slot at the bottom - I'll order a second hood for my 70-200 and experiment with it.

Tim



Aug 07, 2016 at 01:20 AM
sjms
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Keeping polariser clean


http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/polarizing-filters.htm


Aug 07, 2016 at 06:56 AM
dgdg
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Keeping polariser clean


In the end, Eclipse solution and Residual Oil Remover with some pec pads are the only things that work. I just can't keep my grubby fingers away. The new 100-400 hood is pretty slick.

Edited on Aug 08, 2016 at 07:40 AM · View previous versions



Aug 07, 2016 at 08:56 AM
sjms
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Keeping polariser clean


the newer multicoated filters are pretty resistant to greasing up and clean real easy too.


Aug 07, 2016 at 09:57 AM
EB-1
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Keeping polariser clean


I don't have much trouble cleaning modern polarizers either.
Years ago the Hoyas for example were very difficult to clean.

EBH



Aug 07, 2016 at 10:51 AM
Two23
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Keeping polariser clean


I use the Zeiss wipes found at Walmart for about $3 per 100. I always use a lens hood and often use a polarizer for daytime shots. I put the filter on the lens, align it, and put the hood on before taking the shot. Just change your work flow a little.


Kent in SD



Aug 07, 2016 at 04:27 PM
jcolwell
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Keeping polariser clean


EB-1 wrote:
Why do you use the generic 100-400 II hood? Is there some advantage?

EBH


The "door" the OEM Mk II hood is awkward for adjusting a CP filter and makes it a pain to stuff it into a tight-fitting lens bag. I don't use the door (I take the hood off to adjust the CP), and so I use a generic hood for the Mk I lens. It's virtually identical to the OEM Mk I hood.



Aug 08, 2016 at 06:34 AM
dalite
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Keeping polariser clean


Two23 wrote:
I use the Zeiss wipes found at Walmart for about $3 per 100. I always use a lens hood and often use a polarizer for daytime shots. I put the filter on the lens, align it, and put the hood on before taking the shot. Just change your work flow a little.

Kent in SD

_______
+1




Aug 08, 2016 at 09:55 PM





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