RUBE GOLDBERG SIGHTING AT LEICA SOLMS

When first reading about the Leica M system, I concluded a rangefinder would not be a good system choice for me because using filters such as polarizers was not possible. My misguided conclusion was based upon the rangefinder not being a through-the-lens (TTL) based focusing system. Eventually I learned about the Leica Universal Polarizer Kit (#13356) for the Leica M system. How did it work? Is there a geared mechanism?

As “cool” gadgets go, the Universal Polarizer is pretty high on the list. There are no gears or elaborate mechanisms. The design is very simple - the polarizer filter simply pivots 180 degrees to the 12:00 position above the camera. While looking directly through filter, the polarizer is rotated until the desired effect is achieved. Then the polarizer is swung (or pivoted) back to the closed position - which is exactly a 180 degree arc. Now the polarizer filter is front of the lens and doing its job. The simplicity is genius.

BUILD QUALITY

The polarizer’s pivot action is very smooth - not too tight, not too loose. There is a stopping mechanism to ensure the filter does not swing past 180 degrees. In the closed position there is a soft stop / click which keeps the polarizer in place. The polarizer has a small hood, offering some protection against flare.

The kit comes in a well made nylon case. The case unzips and opens like a clam shell. On one side is a foam rubber insert for holding the polarizer unit. On the opposite side is a series of four pockets for holding each filter adapter individually. The pockets fan out accordion style for easy access. Four pockets is an example of Leica paying attention to details because there are four filter adapter sizes. The polarizer comes with a E39 and E46 adapters. Optional E49 adapters are available, there are two E49 adapters:

1. •Leica #14211 - All E49 lenses except the 135mm F3.4 and 75mm F2
   

2. •Leica #14418 - For the 135mm F3.4 and 75mm F2
   

Overall the polarizer appears well made, operates smoothly and seems like it is durable. The black finish matches the black Leica M9 finish.

HANDLING

The mechanism weighs about 3 ounces, the camera’s balance and feel are largely unaffected. Swinging the polarizer to the 12:00 position, rotating the polarizer to the desired effect and then swinging the polarizer back takes several seconds. If trying to move quickly, the repeated process can be tedious. Sometimes I forget the polarizer is attached and accidentally leave it in the down position.

The polarizer structure protrudes into viewfinder. Not too much, but it is noticeable on the right side of the frame, especially with a 28mm lens on the Leica M9. After some trial and error I decided the 12:00 flip-up position was best because in certain positions the polarizer can block the rangefinder window, thus interfering with focus. If the 12:00 orientation is not comfortable, repositioning the polarizer is a simple operation. The set screw is loosened, the assembly rotated and then the set screw is retightened.

The polarizer looks somewhat impractical, in use it works out fairly well. I do have several minor gripes / caveats:

1. •The case seems overly large, thus eating up valuable bag space. The case is well designed and keeps everything neat and organized. I would rather use case than not.
   

2. •The set screw can completely unscrew, thus there is a chance of losing the screw. The latest versions have a screw stop, so maybe Leica improved the design along the way?
   

3. •Attaching the adapter ring to the lens, placing the polarizer on the ring, tightening the lock screw, rotating the polarizer into place, etc. can take a couple minutes.
   

4. •Attaching the polarizer in cold weather with gloves would be a challenge. With thin gloves it could be done, but with thick gloves or mittens - no way.
   

PERFORMANCE

There is not much to say - it is a polarizer and works as advertised. Using a polarizer typically results in the loss of 1 to 1.5 stops of light, so when metering and setting the shutter speed the polarizer needs to be in place over the lens. When used with the Leica M8, I did not experience any noticeable issues with polarizer plus IR filter combination; however, I was not using wide angle lenses at the time. The widest lens I have used with Universal Polarizer is the Leica 28mm F2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH on both the Leica M8 and the Leica M9.

I finally got to really use the polarizer in Lake Tahoe with the Leica M9. The polarizer was used on around 80% of the images and worked pretty well. The polarizer is not the strongest polarizer, but it did the job. In some cases blues shifted towards a cyan-green hue - but I have experienced this before with other polarizers on other cameras, so it is not unique to Leica or the digital M’s.

CONCLUSION

There are few options when it comes to polarizers for the M, so if you need or want a polarizer, the decision is fairly binary. I give the Leica Universal Polarizer Kit a “B” on its report card. The polarizer works well, but a smaller design with quicker set-up would be appreciated. That said, I am grateful to have a polarizer option available. The Universal Polarizer Kit is rather expensive now (in my opinion), so try finding a used one at B&H, KEH or Ebay. There are also earlier versions of the Leica swing-out polarizers with dedicated filter sizes.