Do old lenses like SMC Pentax need UV filter if mounted on current DSLR?

nbs2222 · 11-07-2019, 05:27 AM

Hi, I’m pretty new to using classic lenses on DSLR and I’m not sure if a filter, particular UV one, is needed. I’ve been reading on quite a lot of sites and some said that old lenses, unlike newer lenses, do need a UV filter, while some said it does not mater. So I’m unsure right now if I should buy it. (If I buy, it would be the Hoya fusion antistatic UV filter)

I’m currently using the SMC Pentax 30mm f2.8 on a Pentax KP.

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

**BigMackCam** · 11-07-2019, 05:41 AM - **3 Likes**

Welcome

A UV filter isn't needed, nor is it optically beneficial, with any lens (new or old) on digital cameras. In fact, whilst most of the time you wouldn't notice any difference in image quality, in certain circumstances UV filters can actually be detrimental, causing unwanted reflections and artefacts. Hence, it's best to avoid them when you can. Having said that, if I'm shooting in wet and windy, or gritty / sandy conditions, I'll usually fit a UV or clear protective filter so I can clean the front of the lens in the field without worrying about scratches...

Ronald Oakes · 11-07-2019, 05:45 AM - **1 Like**

The only reason I ever stick a filter on any old glass is for protection when NOT shooting.
Never use one when Im shooting....ever.

**Cerebum** · 11-07-2019, 05:46 AM - **1 Like**

Short answer, Nah!

Longer answer:- my understanding is that UV filters were more of a film thing and they don't improve the exposure on a digital camera, even with a vintage lens. However, they do protect the lens surface from being scratched.
Pros
Protect the lens, its cheaper to replace if it gets scratched
Some people believe they add clarity
Cons
A cheap one will degrade your image
Some give a colour caste
If the lens is knocked you run the risk of them jamming or introducing broken glass.

At the end of the day it is personal preference, I use them some of the time

veato · 11-07-2019, 05:48 AM - **1 Like**

I've never used a UV filter on any lens I own - new or old.

**aslyfox** · 11-07-2019, 05:54 AM - **1 Like**

I grew up with these instructions from my dad

use that strap dummy you paid for it

always protect that front lens and its threads, put on a uv or sky filter

well

even though he is not with us

I still use the strap/sling

but I remove my filter before taking photos ( and keep it on when the lens is being carried or stored ) when using modern cameras

**pepperberry farm** · 11-07-2019, 05:55 AM - **4 Likes**

I have an ever-growing stack of unused/unnecessary/unloved filters I've taken off of purchased lenses.... never to go back on a lens....

reh321 · 11-07-2019, 05:58 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

I have an ever-growing stack of unused/unnecessary/unloved filters I've taken off of purchased lenses.... never to go back on a lens....

I dump anything I don’t use - my wife doesn’t like piles of unused anything.

**pepperberry farm** · 11-07-2019, 06:00 AM - **6 Likes**

Originally posted by reh321

I dump anything I don’t use - my wife doesn’t like piles of unused anything.

it's good for an occasional shot (the stack) and my wife has an entire room for her unused stuff....

**Riggomatic** · 11-07-2019, 06:07 AM - **1 Like**

No filters on my vintage lenses.

However, the filters are useful to catch snowflakes on for macro work.

Or if you want some extra flare in the shot

nbs2222 · 11-07-2019, 06:08 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

Welcome

A UV filter isn't needed, nor is it optically beneficial, with any lens (new or old) on digital cameras. In fact, whilst most of the time you wouldn't notice any difference in image quality, in certain circumstances UV filters can actually be detrimental, causing unwanted reflections and artefacts. Hence, it's best to avoid them when you can. Having said that, if I'm shooting in wet and windy, or gritty / sandy conditions, I'll usually fit a UV or clear protective filter so I can clean the front of the lens in the field without worrying about scratches...

Thanks for such fast reply. One more question, I usually used a clear filter - at least I know it’s the clearest type of filter, on my newer lenses when I go to the beach or up the mountain just to protect the lenses, but is it the same for vintage lenses? Is clear filter more preferred?

nbs2222 · 11-07-2019, 06:11 AM

Originally posted by Riggomatic

No filters on my vintage lenses.

However, the filters are useful to catch snowflakes on for macro work.

Or if you want some extra flare in the shot

Do you preferred clear filter to UV filter in a situation you have to use one?

**BigMackCam** · 11-07-2019, 06:16 AM

Originally posted by nbs2222

Thanks for such fast reply. One more question, I usually used a clear filter - at least I know it’s the clearest type of filter, on my newer lenses when I go to the beach or up the mountain just to protect the lenses, but is it the same for vintage lenses? Is clear filter more preferred?

Yes, it's the same for vintage lenses

In my opinion, the best type of filter for purely protective use would be a multi-coated clear one - but I've not seen these available. Uncoated clear filters, uncoated UV and coated / multi-coated UV seem to be the choices.

I mostly use Hoya HMC multi-coated UV filters when I want to protect the front element. They've scored quite well in tests regarding image quality and reflections / flare, and they're reasonably priced.

Ronald Oakes · 11-07-2019, 06:18 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

it's good for an occasional shot (the stack) and my wife has an entire room for her unused stuff....

Can those be substituted for Oreo cookies ?

tvdtvdtvd · 11-07-2019, 06:31 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

I have an ever-growing stack of unused/unnecessary/unloved filters I've taken off of purchased lenses....

My stack is approaching Pringles can dimensions. Some day I'll think of a creative use for them, perhaps mounted in a stained glass panel.

11-07-2019, 05:27 AM	#1
nbs2222 New Member Join Date: Nov 2019 Posts: 5	Do old lenses like SMC Pentax need UV filter if mounted on current DSLR? Hi, I’m pretty new to using classic lenses on DSLR and I’m not sure if a filter, particular UV one, is needed. I’ve been reading on quite a lot of sites and some said that old lenses, unlike newer lenses, do need a UV filter, while some said it does not mater. So I’m unsure right now if I should buy it. (If I buy, it would be the Hoya fusion antistatic UV filter) I’m currently using the SMC Pentax 30mm f2.8 on a Pentax KP. Any help is appreciated, thanks!

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11-07-2019, 05:41 AM - 3 Likes	#2
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,674	Welcome A UV filter isn't needed, nor is it optically beneficial, with any lens (new or old) on digital cameras. In fact, whilst most of the time you wouldn't notice any difference in image quality, in certain circumstances UV filters can actually be detrimental, causing unwanted reflections and artefacts. Hence, it's best to avoid them when you can. Having said that, if I'm shooting in wet and windy, or gritty / sandy conditions, I'll usually fit a UV or clear protective filter so I can clean the front of the lens in the field without worrying about scratches...

11-07-2019, 05:45 AM - 1 Like	#3
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,583	The only reason I ever stick a filter on any old glass is for protection when NOT shooting. Never use one when Im shooting....ever.

11-07-2019, 05:46 AM - 1 Like	#4
Cerebum Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Lancaster Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,828	Short answer, Nah! Longer answer:- my understanding is that UV filters were more of a film thing and they don't improve the exposure on a digital camera, even with a vintage lens. However, they do protect the lens surface from being scratched. Pros Protect the lens, its cheaper to replace if it gets scratched Some people believe they add clarity Cons A cheap one will degrade your image Some give a colour caste If the lens is knocked you run the risk of them jamming or introducing broken glass. At the end of the day it is personal preference, I use them some of the time

11-07-2019, 05:48 AM - 1 Like	#5
veato Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Nottingham Posts: 543	I've never used a UV filter on any lens I own - new or old.

11-07-2019, 05:54 AM - 1 Like	#6
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	I grew up with these instructions from my dad use that strap dummy you paid for it always protect that front lens and its threads, put on a uv or sky filter well even though he is not with us I still use the strap/sling but I remove my filter before taking photos ( and keep it on when the lens is being carried or stored ) when using modern cameras

11-07-2019, 05:55 AM - 4 Likes	#7
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,679	I have an ever-growing stack of unused/unnecessary/unloved filters I've taken off of purchased lenses.... never to go back on a lens....

11-07-2019, 05:58 AM - 1 Like	#8
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,180	Originally posted by pepperberry farm I have an ever-growing stack of unused/unnecessary/unloved filters I've taken off of purchased lenses.... never to go back on a lens.... I dump anything I don’t use - my wife doesn’t like piles of unused anything.

11-07-2019, 06:00 AM - 6 Likes	#9
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,679	Originally posted by reh321 I dump anything I don’t use - my wife doesn’t like piles of unused anything. it's good for an occasional shot (the stack) and my wife has an entire room for her unused stuff....

11-07-2019, 06:07 AM - 1 Like	#10
Riggomatic Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Auburn, Indiana Photos: Albums Posts: 3,886	No filters on my vintage lenses. However, the filters are useful to catch snowflakes on for macro work. Or if you want some extra flare in the shot

11-07-2019, 06:08 AM	#11
nbs2222 New Member Join Date: Nov 2019 Posts: 5 Original Poster	Originally posted by BigMackCam Welcome A UV filter isn't needed, nor is it optically beneficial, with any lens (new or old) on digital cameras. In fact, whilst most of the time you wouldn't notice any difference in image quality, in certain circumstances UV filters can actually be detrimental, causing unwanted reflections and artefacts. Hence, it's best to avoid them when you can. Having said that, if I'm shooting in wet and windy, or gritty / sandy conditions, I'll usually fit a UV or clear protective filter so I can clean the front of the lens in the field without worrying about scratches... Thanks for such fast reply. One more question, I usually used a clear filter - at least I know it’s the clearest type of filter, on my newer lenses when I go to the beach or up the mountain just to protect the lenses, but is it the same for vintage lenses? Is clear filter more preferred?

11-07-2019, 06:11 AM	#12
nbs2222 New Member Join Date: Nov 2019 Posts: 5 Original Poster	Originally posted by Riggomatic No filters on my vintage lenses. However, the filters are useful to catch snowflakes on for macro work. Or if you want some extra flare in the shot Do you preferred clear filter to UV filter in a situation you have to use one?

11-07-2019, 06:16 AM	#13
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,674	Originally posted by nbs2222 Thanks for such fast reply. One more question, I usually used a clear filter - at least I know it’s the clearest type of filter, on my newer lenses when I go to the beach or up the mountain just to protect the lenses, but is it the same for vintage lenses? Is clear filter more preferred? Yes, it's the same for vintage lenses In my opinion, the best type of filter for purely protective use would be a multi-coated clear one - but I've not seen these available. Uncoated clear filters, uncoated UV and coated / multi-coated UV seem to be the choices. I mostly use Hoya HMC multi-coated UV filters when I want to protect the front element. They've scored quite well in tests regarding image quality and reflections / flare, and they're reasonably priced.

11-07-2019, 06:18 AM - 1 Like	#14
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,583	Originally posted by pepperberry farm it's good for an occasional shot (the stack) and my wife has an entire room for her unused stuff.... Can those be substituted for Oreo cookies ?

11-07-2019, 06:31 AM - 1 Like	#15
tvdtvdtvd Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,665	Originally posted by pepperberry farm I have an ever-growing stack of unused/unnecessary/unloved filters I've taken off of purchased lenses.... My stack is approaching Pringles can dimensions. Some day I'll think of a creative use for them, perhaps mounted in a stained glass panel.