Hoya Pro 1 SMC vs Pro 1 Digital Filters

jhom wrote in post #5253474
... or the Pro 1 Digital have some magical quality that defies the rules of light and measurement.

exactly, to quote Queen, "its a kind of magic", trouble is I don't believe in magic.

If this was answered already, I apologize.

I just purchased a Hoya Super HMC (SHMC) 67mm Circular Polarizing filter - it does NOT say Pro1 anywhere on it.

I purchased it locally in Canada - I can't find any specs on the Hoya website or elsewhere for that matter on the specs of this series.

What is the difference between what I bought and the same filter labelled as Pro1? I've read in some places that it is just different marketing names and that they are the same filter?

If anyone can shed light I'd appreciate it.

Paul

Honestly, I'm not sure anyone knows for certain. Maybe email Hoya and ask?

The info in this thread is mostly concerning UV filters and not the CPL's.

PMan wrote in post #5754836
If this was answered already, I apologize.

I just purchased a Hoya Super HMC (SHMC) 67mm Circular Polarizing filter - it does NOT say Pro1 anywhere on it.

I purchased it locally in Canada - I can't find any specs on the Hoya website or elsewhere for that matter on the specs of this series.

What is the difference between what I bought and the same filter labelled as Pro1? I've read in some places that it is just different marketing names and that they are the same filter?

If anyone can shed light I'd appreciate it.

Paul

Take a look at http://www.zen20934.ze​n.co.uk …ests/Flare/Filt​erData.htm also read the protective filter FAQ linked below, look at the parts talking about coatings.

Basically Hoya have three grades of filters (possible a 4th really low cost one that should only be distributed in asia).

Filter Name -------------- Coating Type --------------- Reflectance
No name/Std ------------- Single Coat --------------- 4-5%
HMC --------------]
Pro 1 Digital -----]--------- 3 Layer Multicoat --------------- 1-2%
MC Pro 1 Digital]
SHMC --------]
SHMC Pro 1 -]------------- 5 Layer Multicoat --------------- 0.3%
SMC Pro 1 ---]------------- + 1 Layer easy-clean Both Surfaces

This applies for a glass filter, a polariser would more have more reflectance because it has two glass layers and the polariser film between them. Some filters like high value ND will not have a coating.

The pro 1 filters are more slimeline and have black painted glass edges etc.

This is the understanding I have after an email exchange with Hoya.

I thought for a long time the Pro 1 Digital was the same as the SHMC Pro 1which is now discontinued (acording to Hoya).

Sounds like you have a standard thickness SHMC filter, in which case it is a very good filter.