"Pat Curran" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >John Francis wrote: > >> Well, B&H seem to think so - they list them as in stock. >> >> According to one reply to my original query, though, the >> Pentax filters are uncoated. (Which seems odd, given that >> one strength of the Pentax lenses is the coating.) > >I used a genuine Pentax 52mm polorizer for the shot at: > >http://www.iol.ie/~pkcurran/TestScans/ScanTest.htm > >I have just had a look at the filter and it does not say 'SMC' on the ring. >My 'Asahi Pentax Special Filters' brochure has a table on the back page >listing SMC and non-SMC filters "now available". Not sure what date this was >printed but it would be pre 1985. The only Polarizers listed are all non-SMC >(Sizes 49mm, 52mm and 58mm)
I seem to recall reading somewhere that coating isn't much of an issue with polarizers, due to the nature of the way they work with regards to reflections. Don't know if this is true or not but it would explain why coated polarizers are so rare. I use uncoated polarizers (standard and the Moose Peterson warming polarizer) and haven't had any problems with lens flare, but then I don't find polarizers very useful in situations where the sun's likely to reach the front element of the lens. I use SMC Pentax UV filters on the two lenses on which I keep a filter in place constantly for protection. These are my two "working" zooms, the 28-70 and the 80-200. They both have large (77mm thread), very exposed front elements and would be quite expensive to get repaired. They're also the two lenses most likely to get used in situations in which I have to work very fast and equipment is subject to rougher-than-usual handling. -- Mark Roberts Photography and writing www.robertstech.com
