Which lens filters offer the best protection for Leica Summicron glass?

Question

just dropped way too much cash on a 35mm Summicron for a trip to Tokyo next month. been reading that B+W Clear filters are the way to go but then some purists claim only Leica's own E39 glass keeps the look right. does the quality really differ that much or is it just brand hype?

care about people around you_o · Accepted Answer

Regarding what #1 said about "Congrats on the 35mm, thats a dream lens..." - couldn't agree more. You're gonna have a blast in Tokyo. In my experience over the years, the technical gap between Leica filters and top-tier third party ones is basically non-existent. I've tried many setups and honestly, the B+W 39mm 007 Clear MRC Nano is actually more resilient than the standard Leica glass when it comes to ghosting. Technically, that MRC Nano coating has a crazy high light transmission rate that keeps your contrast sharp. Quick tip: if you want something really heavy duty for the trip, check out the Breakthrough Photography 39mm X4 UV. It uses Schott B270 glass which is super clear, and the brass frame wont bind to your lens threads like aluminum ones do. Just dont get a cheap one or you'll get nasty internal reflections from all those neon signs in Shinjuku... those street lights are killer for flare.

uhdeomdwih · Answer

Look, you already spent the big bucks on that Cron, so no need to blow another hundred on a piece of glass that just sits there. Been super happy with some of the mid-range Japanese filters for years and never noticed a drop in image quality tbh. Save that extra cash for some good ramen or film while youre in Shinjuku...

Hoya 39mm HD3 UV Filter is my go-to. It is crazy strong glass and the coating makes it way easier to wipe off fingerprints than the cheaper stuff. Used these on my M lenses for ages with zero complaints.

Marumi 39mm DHG Super Lens Protect is another solid bet. Its low profile so it wont mess with your lens hood and it works well without breaking the bank.

Practical tip: Just keep the hood on. It is honestly the best protection you can get and it keeps the contrast high. Enjoy the trip, Tokyo is amazing for street photography. You are gonna love that setup.

ObscuraOtter · Answer

Congrats on the 35mm, thats a dream lens for Tokyo. Honestly, you should be careful with the purist talk because it often leads to overspending for no real gain. I would suggest looking at B+W as your primary choice. Just get any of their high-end clear filters and you'll be set. From my experience, the brass construction they use is much better for preventing the filter from getting stuck on your lens barrel. That's a total nightmare when you're traveling. You might want to consider that Leica glass can be sensitive to flare in direct light, so adding a cheap filter will just ruin your shots. Make sure to avoid the bottom-tier brands tho. Just stick with a solid clear filter from B+W and you wont notice any difference in image quality compared to the official Leica ones. It basically comes down to mechanical reliability and coating quality.