Explaination of Series ?? Filters

[skip_williams]

OK, I've looked high and low, and this is a bit of a "newbie" type of

question (although I've been doing this photo thing for almost 30

yrs). But I really can't find the answer anywhere.

 

Can anyone point me to somewhere that explains what the Series ??

filters translate to in modern mm's? I see references to V, VI, etc,

but I don't know how to interpret them. What diameter is each? Are

the thread pitches different from modern filters? Etc.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Skip

[peter_white2]

Series filters require holders. They have no threads. But I haven't used one in thirty years, so I can't recall the sizes. It used to be the only way to get a filter for transparency film in flourescent lighting.

 

Peter White

[robert_marvin]

I just measured a Series VI filter--its aprox. 41 mm. AFAIK, most Leica (RF)

normal lenses would take Series VI adaptors; most teles, Series VII ( although

49 mm. front lenses can use either a series VI or VII adaptor). IMO the easiest

way to find adaptors is trial and error at camera shows or camera shops with

"junk" drawers.

 

I think the series filter system was great. Its abandonment in favor of

individually threaded filters was probably a conspiracy to increase filter sales.

[robert_marvin]

BTW, filter 'adaptors" is another term for 'holders'

[jack_matlock]

So far as Leica lenses are concerned, the reference book by Ghester Sartorius, "Identifying Leica Lenses," lists the filters each lens takes (and the adapters required for Series filters) in a table toward the back. The Series filters were used more on R lenses than M lenses. You can get the Sartorius book from Amazon.com if your local photo dealer doesn't have it in stock. I answers just about every question you might have about the physical properties of Leica lenses, but does not go into the detail Erwin Puts does in his superb Leica Lens Compendium.

[paul_d._farrar]

Series filters are in inch sizes, not mm. The Series VI someone measured at 41mm is 1 5/8". Series V is 1 3/16" and VII is 2". They have no threads, but are held in a holder with a retaining ring or clip.

[kelly_flanigan1]

The series system was used by Kodak, Tiffen, Ednalite, and many others..The smallest is series #1 or 21.5mm ; sometimes it was called series #21.5 in the old Tiffen literature I have from 1971...

<BR><br>The progressively larger sizes are #4 #4.5 #5 #5.5 #6 #7 #8 #9 ...these were/are often written on the filter as a roman numeral such as V for #5....<BR><BR>The series system is also used for closeup lenses (diopter); and diffusers...<BR><BR>typically one bought a series adapter for ones camera lens...My 1946 Viglant 620 has an added Kodak adapter that holds series filters...The adapter is pressed on the lens and has a front ring that is removable to allow the series filter to be dropped in place..<BR><BR>If I find a size chart I will post it...

[paul_d._farrar]

Series Size Approx mm

IV 13/16" 20

V 1 3/16" 30

VI 1 5/8" 41

VII 2" 51

VIII 2 1/2" 64

IX 3 1/4" 83

X 4 1/2" 114

[budc]

Go here and scroll down to Lens Info. It has information about both M and R lenses with filter sizes for most Leica lenses.

 

http://www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/leicahome.html

[jay_.]

The Serie filters are anything but a good design. You can only use one at a time, you can't stack them in your bag, and if you lose or dent the retaining ring you can't use *any* of your filters. The only totally accidental bit of luck surrounding the Serie filters is the Serie 7 which if you can't find the one you want, you can take almost any 49mm filter and grind off the threads and it'll fit.

[oliver_s.]

Right, Jay. For once a conspiracy worked out fine for the victims!

[skip_williams]

Thanks to everyone. This is one thing that I'm amazed isn't somewhere searchable on the Internet. Now at least I understand.

 

Skip

[robert_marvin]

Jay,

 

Actually, you CAN use two series filters by using a "double

retaining ring"--a common item in camera store junk bins. I

sometimes use a series VI polarizer together with a yellow,

green, or orange filter on my Rolleiflex or Medalist II. I've given in

and now use threaded filters on my Leica lenses though.

Nevertheless, series filters are much more

economical--especially in place of Bay. III filters on my f2.8

Rollei.

[fritz_ptasynski]

From what I've read lately, in things like the B&H mailer catalogs, you can still get "series" adapters. Finding the old filters, that would probably be best done on eBay.