[BigSac]

Hey Tom, when I was doing mostly film I used to love using a polarizing filter with Velvia to get that real saturated look. Unfortunately my digicam(S-45) doesn't have filter threads. Can I simply hold my polarizing filter in front of my digicam somehow to get that saturated look or would it be better to use the in-camera enhancing feature or do it in the computer after downloading? I have Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 on a PC.

[Tom]

I've heard of others holding a polarizer in front of the lens with some luck but it's a hassle. I'd recommend an adapter which will let you attach a polarizer, macro filter, etc. There is an inexpensive adapter for the S30/S40/S45/S50. Go to www.henrys.ca and search for 595CAN006. Here is a picture:

There are other adapters for the S45, but they run about $50. Just go over to dpreview.com and do a search in the canon talk forum for "adapter". http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1010&message=5277105

[BigSac]

Thanks Tom, you're the greatest. I'll give that a try.

[Backpacker Joe]

Do you use them for your G2/3 Thomas? TB

[Tom]

BPJ, I never used an adapter tube on my G2 due to the hassle of attaching them (you need to unscrew a ring and then screw on the adapter). However, the G3 uses a quick release bayonet system which makes them much easier to attach. Lensmate sells the lightest / highest quality adapter for the G3 but I'm too cheap for them (their accessories are kinda pricey too and they charge WA sales tax). I got a tube for my G3 from www.cameragear.com. They have great prices on everything, not to mention you get 10% off if you order 5+ items. Here's what I got for my G3: $12.95 - Adapter Tube for Canon G3 $16.66 - 52mm Hoya Linear Polarizer $32.06 - 52mm Hoya Double Coated Close-Up Macro Set $2.66 - 52mm Rubber Lens Hood $1.00 - 52mm Plastic Snap-On Lens Cap $1.00 - 52mm Plastic Snap-On Lens Cap $1.00 - 52mm Plastic Snap-On Lens Cap $20.86 - 52mm Hoya SMC Super Multi Coated UV Filter - 10% discount $4.00 - shipping --------- $83.37 BTW, you don't need an expensive circular polarizer for non-DSLR digicams. A linear polarizer will work just fine. Also, some people prefer to protect the lens with a UV filter at all times which means leaving the tube on at all times too. I personally think this is overkill and makes the camera too bulky, but I did get a UV filter for foul weather hikes. I also am going to experiment to see if the UV filter helps cut haze. I'm skeptical but you never know.

[Newt]

I also have the adapter, polarizer and close up set for my G3. Works pretty good but it's a pain in the butt to keep changing from close up to non-close up. Considering the weight difference between it and a 35mm lens with macro I guess I can put up with it. NN

[Dean]

As always, Tom provides valuable info:

[Sore Feet]

I am intrigued Tom. The linear polarizer works just as well as a circle in all conditions (I guess water and sky shots are the only times I ever use it though)? Tell me more (or even better, post some before / after pics).

[Tom]

Sore Feet, sorry I didn't see your post until now. A circular polarizer is actually a linear polarizer with a quarter wave plate added to "circularly" polarize the light. This is necessary to "de-polarize" the light (in layman's terms) to avoid fooling the autofocus and metering systems of some cameras. Other than cost you will see no difference unless your camera requires a circular polarizer. All non-DSLR digicams can use a linear polarizer becasue they don't use a mirror or beam splitting mechanism. There are many articles about this on the web. Here are just a couple. http://www.geocities.com/cokinfiltersystem/polarizer.htm http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=article_022403

[Tom]

BTW, I thought I'd put in another good word for cameragear.com. I noticed my UV filter had a minor defect. Without hesitation they offered to ship a replacement filter, including a self addressed enveloped to return the defective item at their cost. In addition to great prices these folks have excellent service.

[Newt]

Hey Tom, Just checkin to see if the UV filter has made a noticeable difference. Also, any info/reports on a teleconverter for the G3? Edit: How's the new lite weight bag working out? Thanks, NN

[Backpacker Joe]

Newt, I'll chime in for ya on the bag part of the deal. I went out with Tom on a four day trip into the Foss area. That bag seemed to work great. I'm going to get one. It just fits his camera with that lens adapter on. Makes for a very convenient set up for sure. TB

[Tom]

Yep, the bag is great. I leave the UV filter on at all times because it effectively seals the lens and it's easier to give the front of the UV filter a quick "whoosh" with my high volume air blower vs. blowing dust out of the lens tube adapter. Before I got my adapter tube, some dust and water got under the lens leaving a small speck that doesn't impact picture quality. I like the additional protection the UV filter provides. I haven't noticed any difference in picture quality, although now I shoot 90% of the time with a polarizer which makes for a very noticable improvement.

[Sore Feet]

Tom, have you had any issues with vigenetting with the 52mm adapter tube? I was reading up on the wide angle converters, and am probably gonna get me one, but I was seeing people complaining of vigenetting when they used a lens w/ 52mm back threads. I'm assuming this was only an instance with the 52mm wide angle lens tho.

[Newt]

Thankin ya. I think the UV gets used more for a protector than anything else. What they should do is just sell a high quality clear glass lens protector. Glad to hear the bag is working out. NN