Dynax Digital Forums

I've never even looked at gelatin filters before.  When bought new, the Sony 500mm mirror lens is supplied with a "normal" and an ND4 gelatin filter; inserted into the rear of the lens.

Are these filters available from anywhere since the lens has been discontinued?  Can you get other types apart from the "normal" and ND4 types?

Best regards

Gavin

I did see a Sigma mirror lens (600mm?) on eBay a while ago; manual focus though.

Is a full range of special filter kinds available for mirror lenses too (IR, ND8, polarising, 0-haze etc) or are they too specialised to warrant such options?  Perhaps just because of their design they are unsuitable.

Best regards

Gavin

Not sure the 500 reflex is discontinued. The UK Sony site still shows it, although only rear lens cap accessory available, no filters.

The filters (clear and ND4) that come with the Sony/Minolta reflex lenses are called drop in filters and they are glass. I once found some for sale on ebay but they were very expensive and they are now very scarce.

The front of the Reflex lens has an 82mm thread and will accept any 82mm filter. The lens hood will then screw onto the front thread of the filter. I have tried this with the 82mm clear filter that comes with the Minolta 300mm f4 HS APO with no problems. The drop in filters for that lens do not fit the reflex and are even more scarce and VERY expensive, $300 to $400 for a C. Pol.

I am almost sure that Circ Polarizers will work on the reflex, but not certain. Turning the 82mm filter is no problem, just turn the hood or leave the hood off. However, lengthening the hood by the thickness of a filter may cause some vignetting. The only filter I have any real doubt about is an IR. The 82mm filters are, I think, the largest of the easily available and reasonably cheap filters available.