UV filters needed to keep lens clean?

Slimothy

Slimothy

Veteran
Hello,
I was reading this guys description of a dvx he was selling and he described himself as a "professional camera man who always kept a UV filter on his camera from day one in oder to make sure the lens stayed in perfect condition". What, if anything does the UV filter do to keep the camera/lens in perfect condition? Also, what does a UV filter actually do?! What is he talking about?

Are there certain things we should purchase to make sure the lens/camera stays in perfect condition.
 
Re: UV filters needed to keep lens clean?

A UV filter removes some of the UV light. UV shows up as 'haze', and is especially noticeable in aerial photos, mountain photos, and seascapes. It doesn't change or add a color cast to the image.

Because it doesn't change color and is relatively cheap, most photographers place one over their lens as a protector. If something scratches or otherwise hits the front lens, it messes up the filter - not the front element of the lens.

Get a good one - multi-coated if possible and leave it on. It receives the regular cleaning & rubbing instead of your lens.
 
Re: UV filters needed to keep lens clean?

I added a UV filter after about three shoots and was so upset to see the filth that had grown on my lense. I am so upset that I neglected my poor lense!

I hope I did no permenant damage. I have no scrathes but im worried from shooting near the ocean the salt water air was bad for the lense coating?

any comments :'(
 
Re: UV filters needed to keep lens clean?

Can someone recommend a good uv filter for me to buy? I saw that one on EVS, but it's only 20.00 and I don't know if it is multi coated and the cheap price makes me think it's not. Thanks, tim.
 
Re: UV filters needed to keep lens clean?

I strongly urge you to buy a high-quality Multi-coated (anti reflection coated) filter. These more expensive filters also tend to be made of better materials and to higher optical standards.

Checking the B&H website just as a guide (but they are available from most large camera stores and video dealers), I see good filters from Hoya, Heliopan , and B+W (Schneider). There are sometimes several types including more expensive "slim designs" to minimize the chance of vignetting with wide angle lenses (which I do not think are necessary on the DVX100).

Looks like you need to spend $50-$80+ and I would urge you do not try to save $30-$50 by buying a cheap uncoated filter. The coating will help to slightly improve light transmission (admittedly only by about 10% over an uncoated filter) but also help a bit with contrast and make it harder to get flare or ghosting than from the more reflective surfaces of the of the uncoated glass (less than 1% versus 6% approx).

The filter is becoming the first element of your very fine camera lens, don't risk degrading it.

The one exception would be if you were doing something where you knew you had a high likely hood of damaging the glass and were going to be constantly replacing the filters, then I would consider saving the $ by buying an uncoated filter.

Bill Turner
Century Optics
Schneider Division
 
Re: UV filters needed to keep lens clean?

Can you give me a link to a website with some that I can buy?
 
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