Neutral Density for Lumix 14mm lens

[Chris Adler]

I just received the 14mm lens but realized my 58mm variable neutral density filter coupled with the 46-58mm adapter causes vignetting on the lens.

Am I correct in assuming a 46mm set of ND filters will work without vignette? Anyone using ND on their 14mm?

[Bruce Foreman]

I got a slight amount when I put a 46mm Polaroid Variable ND on the 14mm that already had a protective UV filter on it. As a result I took all protective UV filters off my Lumix lenses (14, 20, and the "kit" 14-42). I'd also been seeing some flare and internal reflections because of them.

I expect no vignetting from the 46 mounted directly on the Lumix 14mm lens but due to an eye injury had to put off testing. I may have an answer for you if I can step out the door and do some testing today.

"Freak" accident 6 days ago resulted in an impact to the face that sent me to the ER. After they stitched up two places on the face below the eye they discharged me from the ER to the OR where an Opthamologist had to stitch a tear in the lining on the eyeball and then he repair a torn eyelid. So I've been sidelined for almost a week.

I'll try to get you a real answer today.

[Chris Adler]

Take care of those eyes! In the mean time I've ordered a 46mm filter but I won't have it for a few days due to the weekend.

[Bruce Foreman]

I hear you on taking care of the eyes. They put me under general aenesthesia to work on the eye, glad they did.

OK...No vignetting on the Polaroid 46mm variable ND used directly on the Lumix 14mm (sure makes dialing in exposure easy!). I never ran into vignetting from filters on Canon lenses nor any extra flares/reflections, but I sure did on the Lumix pancakes and I got flares on the "kit" 14-42 as well as the "kit" 14-42 for the Olympus Pen's. So I don't use "protective" UV's on any of my Micro Four Thirds optics unless I have to work in a "nasty" environment.

But I am having good luck on the 46mm Polaroid variable ND. Just got in the Leica Summilux 25mm f1.4 but I will probably have to wait to play with it (that same 46mm filter will fit it!) until I get the stitches out of my left eyelid. The antibiotic ointment I have to keep on that eye is one heckuva "blur filter"!

Stay in just enough trouble to have a little bit of fun.