Novice in need of help!

[g man]

Hello,
Im new to photography and being as such i am full of questions but for now ive got one that probably is easy for you pros so here goes... I just purchased a G5 and would like to install a UV filter on it as a sort of transparent lens cap. I have no idea how to do this and am petrified at the thought of touching anything on this camera that could adversly affect its proformance (i.e. the lens). Could you folks please let me know what i need to do (step by step) or tell me of a thorough link that could do the same.

thanx

[civis]

You'll want an adapter that will allow you to mount threaded filters. This is my favorite sturdy aluminum adapter:

www.lensmateonline.com

They'll even sell you one to match the color of your cam. It bayonet-mounts in an instant (after you remove the factory sleeve - see your manual for how to do this easy change).

The adapter will protect the lens assembly from physical damage, including when the camera is powered on, as well as allowing the threaded attachment of filters and optional lenses. Mount the adapter, screw on a filter (clear or whatever you wish), and your lens assembly is armored with an attractive sacrificial shield.

Yes, it does add a bit of size, but if size were the most important concern, we'd buy dinky pocket cams.

[g man]

So you must purchase an adapter in order to install a uv lense? Is there any other way? If so I think I noticed in searching the net that the 58 mm is a common sized filter, is this correct? I didnt see any 52mm. Also, If I go with the 58mm adapter, does it completely block the optical viewfinder and the built in flash (looks like it would)?

[civis]

Take a look here:

www.bhphotovideo.com

and do a search for "52mm filter"; you'll get pages and pages of them (and slightly cheaper than the 58mm filters). I have both a 52mm and a 58mm lensmate. The 52mm is what I put on most of the time, to protect the lens assembly and to mount a clear or UV filter (or polarizing filter), to keep scratches away from the lens face. The 58mm I only put on to mount lenses.

How much each size blocks the viewfinder, AF beam, and onboard flash is shown on that site in their example photos.

[lsippell]

I use the 52mm Lensmate with a 52mm to 49 mm reducer and 49mm filters. This way I can use the original Canon lens cap that came with my camera. I also use the 58mm Lensmate for lens mounting.

Louis