filter problems!!!

[jcp2000]

So i just recently got a 50mm f/1.4 and decided to get a filter for it. this is the second one i have gone through the first one had a huge scratch on the coating right out of the box so i took it back. i got the second one and it was fine i used it friday night for the first time and it also has scratches now this is really weird is it ok to use it like that or will it mess with my IQ?


this is the filter here- http://www.samys.com/product_detail.php?item=5013

[SkipD]

The Hoya HMC filters are a lower grade filter family than most will recommend here. The Super HMC line is far superior regarding resistance to flare, etc.

How did you scratch the filter? Are you not using a lens hood? Did you possibly use incorrect cleaning procedures?

[jcp2000]

oh if i would have known that i wouldnt have got it and the only reason i picked it up was cause the guy that sold it to me said it was ideal and i dont know much about filters.

im not using a hood, and i dont know if its a scratch i just said it was its like a line of coating that just came out of no where. the glass on the filter is not scratched its just a big line of color that looks like its the uv coating

[SkedAddled]

Sounds to me like there's a problem somewhere with how you're handling/transporting/storing your equipment. What's your method for the mentioned?

[jcp2000]

i dont think so i just stuck it on the lens and i store it in a bag so i dont think it is the way i handle it.

may it be from the lens cap getting to close to the filter and causing it to get the marks on the filter?

[Vulcan58]

oh if i would have known that i wouldnt have got it and the only reason i picked it up was cause the guy that sold it to me said it was ideal and i dont know much about filters.

im not using a hood, and i dont know if its a scratch i just said it was its like a line of coating that just came out of no where. the glass on the filter is not scratched its just a big line of color that looks like its the uv coating

That sounds like greasemarks from your fingers.

[ben_r_]

Return it yet again and order a B+W MRC F-Pro UV Haze filter from hvstar.com.

[jr_senator]

Return it and put the money toward a hood.

[jcp2000]

That sounds like greasemarks from your fingers.

thats what i thought at first to but i seen no finger prints?....

Return it yet again and order a B+W MRC F-Pro UV Haze filter from hvstar.com.

i will look into it

Return it and put the money toward a hood.

should i return it and get a new one and get the lens hood also? if it is from me touching the filter i do it with out even noticing that i am doing it. how does the lens hood benefit me besides protection?!?!

[S-S]

i am not super careful with my UV filters (my camera is a tool and gets handled with enough care to keep it working properly but not to the 'kid gloves' extreme) and all they ever need is a quick dry buff with my microfibre cloth to remove the latest fingerprint & they are spotless again. i bought a lens-pen months ago to use for tough smudge removal & so far i've never uncapped it! not sure why yours are giving you such issues... they arent THAT fragile

[jr_senator]

The hood not only helps protect the lens' front element but helps to control flair. Protective filters should only be used under certain situations, not all the time. Use a protection filter when paint balls, flying mud or sand, etc, you get the idea.

[S-S]

The hood not only helps protect the lens' front element but helps to control flair. Protective filters should only be used under certain situations, not all the time. Use a protection filter when paint balls, flying mud or sand, etc, you get the idea.

that depends... some lenses like 17-55 are massive dust-vacuums unless fitted with a permanent UV.

[jcp2000]

i am not super careful with my UV filters (my camera is a tool and gets handled with enough care to keep it working properly but not to the 'kid gloves' extreme) and all they ever need is a quick dry buff with my microfibre cloth to remove the latest fingerprint & they are spotless again. i bought a lens-pen months ago to use for tough smudge removal & so far i've never uncapped it! not sure why yours are giving you such issues... they arent THAT fragile

i tried to give it a dry buff and it just made it worse and smeared. my camera works fine too nothing wrong or has ever been wrong with it just this stupid filter giving me problems.


The hood not only helps protect the lens' front element but helps to control flair. Protective filters should only be used under certain situations, not all the time. Use a protection filter when paint balls, flying mud or sand, etc, you get the idea.

i know it protects the front element,i just wanted to know what else it does since i am still in the "newb" phase in some stuff.


that depends... some lenses like 17-55 are massive dust-vacuums unless fitted with a permanent UV.


im kinda scared to find out if my 50 will suck up dust like there is no tomorrow! thats half the reason i got the filter is to protect the front element and its doing that just getting nasty marks on the filter

[S-S]

maybe your camera bag isnt clean on the inside? its picking up something from somewhere... finger prints arent that greasy...

get some lens cleaning fluid & a clean cloth and give it a polish, and clean the inside of your lens cap & bag too, and then just watch how you handle it, you might get a clue as to whats causing it

[jcp2000]

ok thanks

[argyle]

i tried to give it a dry buff and it just made it worse and smeared.

im kinda scared to find out if my 50 will suck up dust like there is no tomorrow! thats half the reason i got the filter is to protect the front element and its doing that just getting nasty marks on the filter

Clean the filter under warm running water with just a spot of dish detergent. This will remove any oily residue such as body oils, etc. or other nasty stuff. Dry it with a clean, soft, cotton towel or tee shirt.

And don't be paranoid about everything you read in forums about lenses being "dust pumps"...a lot of it is just overblown nonsense and in some, but not all cases, urban mythology.

Get yourself some microfiber cloths and use them for cleaning. But FIRST: use a rocket blower or other similar device to blow any particulate from the glass surfaces first...this will prevent scratches during cleaning. Usually, all that's needed to clean a filter, is a little warm breath and a microfiber cloth. I don't have a single drop of lens cleaning fluid...just don't see a need for it.

Also, be careful how you store things...sounds to me like you're not doing something carefully or correctly.

[S-S]

id recommend keeping the filter on the lens until you have solved the mystery... saves risking the same thing happening to your front element

[jcp2000]

thats what i was thinking thanks for all the help guys!