Filter reflections with XF14mm f2.8

[lauriebrett]

A few images taken using the Lee filter system (full size) on my XF14mm lens have featured a curious semicircular artefact. I thought at first it was flare but on closer inspection I've realised it is reflections of the lettering on the front lens flange. An example is attached - I've bumped up the contrast to make them more obvious.

 

There is (hopefully) an easy fix to this. I've applied some black tape to cover up the white letters. Checking through there EVF this seems effective but I'll try it on my next shoot and see how it goes. I haven't seen the problem with my other Fujifilm lenses (18-135 and 35 f1.4).

If anyone has encountered it before I'd like to hear their experiences and fixes if appropriate.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[milandro]

you are not the first to bump into this, there was someone else who reported something similar on a different lens. Can’t find it anymore but his example was a lot more “ clear” than yours.

 

The thing is that most filters only have anti reflections treatment on the outside, facing light, not on the inside.

 

Short of blackening the lettering somehow with a felt pen or a pencil ( a very crude solution) or indeed covering it with some adhesive velvet cut to size ( I would do this) I really don’t know how you would avoid this.

 

Which filter was this? The picture doesn’t seem to need having a filter at all.

 

If it is a clear filter just sto using it, most of the times they will only create problems rather than offering the dubious protection which most believe the are giving.

[lauriebrett]

Hi Milandro

It was a Lee 0.6 hard grad, just used to darken the sky a bit. Gratifying that you can't see evidence of its use!

I don't use clear filters.

[milandro]

cheers, I prefer to do that with software

[Burb]

I think it was me mentioning the same behavior with a Samyang 12mm and Lee Seven5 0.6 soft ND Grad. http://www.fuji-x-forum.com/topic/169-samyang-12mm-f20-ncs-cs-x-mount/?p=12256 

I've fixed it also with some black tape. I don't think there is another solution (except painting witch I don't like).

[milandro]

yes yours was the other example that I was referring to before

[lauriebrett]

Thanks for your comments. Yes I'm sure in the example I provided I would have been able to correct the sky in software and I often do that, but that's not always the case. Meanwhile I'll stick with the sticky tape solution.

Cheers.

[CRAusmus]

I was just reading a blog by David duChemin the other day in which he ran across this with one of his lenses.  He used gaffer tape during the trip, but touched it up with black model paint when he returned.  Might be worth it for your most used landscape lens, but this will hurt the resale value, but who worries about that?

 

I believe in getting it right in camera too, rather than having to compromise your exposure in the field an having to try and achieve the look you want in computer...

[lauriebrett]

Update

I've taken a few using the black tape solution. It seems to have done the trick although since the tape is a bit shiny, I like the sound of the adhesive velour or felt, so I'll be looking for some of that. Might as well avoid paint to preserve the lens value.

[milandro]

adhesive velvet is very common or at least it was when I bought some many years ago, it came in all colors and I bought black. I have used it in many applications, if you want to do a good job you need also a circular cutter. Good luck.

 

http://www.amazon.com/FEET-ROLL-THICK-ADHESIVE-PROTECTIVE/dp/B00A6X92DW

 

http://www.hobbico.com/tools/hcar0230.html