Tokina 17/3.5 RMC - filters and vignetting

rob_g · Joined: 03 Apr 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Massachusetts, USA

Hello all,

New to the forum. Looks like you've got a lot of experience in MF lenses and I'm excited to have found this forum. I searched the archives but didn't find an answer to my question...

I've just aquired a Tokina 17/3.5 lens (OM mount) and want to buy a filter primarily to protect the front glass. I'm wondering if I need to go with a thin filter or whether I can opt for a standard one. I'm worried about potential vignetting. I don't plan on stacking filters. Any input would be appreciated.

A little about my background - Sticking with film for now (have a film scanner that allows me to dabble in digital), been shooting OM gear since the late 70's and have accumulated much thanks to ebay (to my wife's dismay), use Stereo Realists quite a bit (again, love that film), assundry rangefinders and 1950/60's 35mm cameras, and just picked up an Olympus Stylus 850SW (bearly out of the box).

Thanks again.
-Rob

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

Nice to see you here !
I am not a filter expert at all I just share my experience with you. I store lens with filters. I can use filter as a transparent lens cap. If images are not very important and I would protect the front glass I use any kind of filter what I have. If I would take nice , important images I take off filter. Orio has many $$ wide angle glasses he is experienced guy in this area he said: B&W filters are not impact picture quality, other cheap filters are degrade image quality.

F16SUNSHINE · Expire: 2011-11-18

Hi Rob, welcome to the forum. I have the same lens as do a couple others here. My solution is to use a Contax 67mm-86mm step up ring. This provides a reasonable hood and then can be mounted with a 86mm filter. I employ this method with most of my lenses, that is stepping them up to 86mm. This allows the use of a larger hood and saves me from needing so many filters. Not a bad lens, stopped down it is a good performer/value.

Andy

rob_g · Joined: 03 Apr 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Massachusetts, USA

Thanks guys for the feedback. I had thought about the step up ring but the largest filter I use is a 72 which would only be a 5mm step up though. But that would allow me to share filters and there will be times when I'd like a polarizer as well.

Thanks again.

F16SUNSHINE · Expire: 2011-11-18

A step up to 72 may still vignette. I have not had problems with a step up to 86. You can check it with a protractor if you want. I think the field of view is about 100 degrees. Please let us know what you find.
Andy

bob955i · Joined: 15 Apr 2007 Posts: 2495

Step-up as Andy says is the way to go - I have an EF17-40L which needs a filter to complete the environmental sealing, so I fitted one of the Hoya thin filters which doesn''t vignette at 17mm.

However, my Cokin P WA filter mount most definitely does.... Sad