Leicina Special lens filter threads

Post by **Stevie** » Fri Dec 20, 2002 2:42 pm

Hi there, does anybody have experience of fitting 'standard' filters to either the Optivaron or Cinegon lenses used on the Leicina Special? I have lens hoods that fit each lens and hold in plain series VIII and 5.5 (respectively) unthreaded filters. What I want to use are screw in filters but the thread on both lenses seems to be unique to Leica. A 39mm Hoya filter almost fits the Cinegon but the pitch of the thread is wrong. Ideally I want to end up being able to have a filter that screws in to the Optivaron and the Cinegon (with a step down ring). Any help appreciated.

mIke · Post by **mIke** » Fri Dec 20, 2002 6:27 pm

Hi Stevie

Have you already checked
the online Leicina spec manual (this web page) for any info? Usually the manual contains the thread sizes and related information.

If translation is a problem, please ask again. Mike

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Dec 21, 2002 12:53 pm

Thanks for that. I've got a copy of the original manual which has plenty of info about the lenses but nothing regarding the filters. A 1973 copy of Leica's general catalogue gives the filter size but no details on thread.
What I have is a nice large polarizing filter that will cover both lenses but no step down rings to physically attach it. This would save me the obvious expense of two more filters and the trouble of finding them in series VIII and 5.5 sizes.
Thanks again.

Post by **Stevie** » Sat Dec 21, 2002 1:20 pm

Whoops, schoolboy error, I forgot to sign in before the last post. I guess that's why I showed up as Guest.
I have found a company in the UK who manufacture filters and adapters etc. (http://www.srbfilm.co.uk) and will email them to see if they can help. I'll post any reply that I get.

Post by **crimsonson** » Sat Dec 21, 2002 5:57 pm

The Optivaron is a 67mm.
Though more expensive, you can a filter holder [with a matte box for example] instead. The square filters would fit both.

Post by **Stevie** » Sun Dec 22, 2002 10:02 am

Thanks for the info, I think I've got a 67mm filter somewhere that I can try. I'll look into using square filters, something I'd not thought of.

mIke · Post by **mIke** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 7:57 pm

>What I have is a nice large polarizing filter...

Hope its a circular porarizing filter otherwise, because of the beam path prism, danger of wrong measurement by the automatic exposure meter.

Mike

Post by **Stevie** » Tue Dec 24, 2002 6:22 pm

Yes it is Mike, I also had a Linear one but when held in front of the lens and rotated the image in the viewfinder just blacked out.
I have had some contact from the filter people I emailed who say they can make an adapter for the Macro-Cinegon to allow the use of 'standard' thread filters.
Following Crimsonson's suggestion I begged and borrowed a few standard filters that looked about the right size and bingo!, a 62mm filter fits. So with a couple of appropriate stepping rings I should be in business.
Thanks again.