p.3 #1 · Testing the Leica Vario-Elmar 35-70mm f4 R Lens
The confusion on the B+W filters is because they have several lines with different outer diameters. I don’t have mine in front of me, but I believe the (older) F-Pro filter series works and the newer XS-Pro does not for the reasons mentioned. So you can’t just pick by brand. The model matters.
p.3 #2 · Testing the Leica Vario-Elmar 35-70mm f4 R Lens
Hi All, thanks for all the insights in this thread! I just picked up a copy of this lens and am now reckoning with the same filter diameter issues you all have been dealing with. I'm a cinematographer and would like to adapt this lens to the same 82mm filter size as the rest of my Leica R set. Do you know if there is anything like the original hood but threaded to take filters at the outer end? The original hood is ridged inside, but it seems too shallow to actually be threading...
p.3 #3 · Testing the Leica Vario-Elmar 35-70mm f4 R Lens
Ok so I think there maaaay be a solution to the filter situation. I normally carry my 35-70 f4 with the hood attached in forward position, and put the lens cap over that. Today out of curiosity I attempted to thread a b+w 72mm nd filter, and it stuck firmly to the lens hood. It only rotates about ~20 degrees, more and it would pop out. But it works, and is quite firmly attached actually. Will do more tests later, though I'd let everybody know.
p.3 #4 · Testing the Leica Vario-Elmar 35-70mm f4 R Lens
Could the hood be threaded to take a 72mm filter? Could a 72mm filter be glued or welded onto the hood and the glass broken out to allow CPL/ND to be threaded onto the remaining filter ring?
p.3 #6 · Testing the Leica Vario-Elmar 35-70mm f4 R Lens
I think both the Leica 35-70 F/4 R and the 80-200 F/4 R are fabulous choices for people that enjoy manual focus. I use mine adapted with a Sony A7R3. Here are a few random images taken with the 35-70 this fall.
p.3 #11 · Testing the Leica Vario-Elmar 35-70mm f4 R Lens
I have found that certain filters are generally incompatible with certain Leica M and R lenses and their OEM lens hoods.
For example, the B+W Master Series and Breakthrough Photography X4 filters cannot coexist with the Leica screw-in shades on the 28mm F/2.8 Elmarit M, 35mm F/1.4 Summilux and several others. These filters also don't allow you to attach the shade on many of the current Voigtlander M lenses. This is because the new, knurled bezel causes the brass bezel ring to jut out too far, hence, binding on the lens hood. This is a shame because the Breakthrough Photography filters are my favorite on my Japanese DSLR or Mirrorless lenses.
There are, however, several alternatives, such as the Heliopan SH-PMC filters, which seem to work on all of my lenses.
