Polarising Filter and Lens Hoods

[lampukameister]

Sorry if this has been covered before but I could not find it if it has.

I bit the bullet and bought a polarising filter and have been experimenting with it.

this might sound like a stupid question - but how does one use a CPL with a lens hood.

I usually like to keep the lens hood on - but for the life of me - I can;t really work the polariser when the lens hood is attached. I can;t really get my hand in to turn it without sticking my fingers all over the filter itself.

is there a technique - or should I just take the lens hood off?

[old dog]

yes, I have the same problem. I just remove the lens hood, set the polariser to the correct position and replace the hood. You get used to it very quickly. You can do it with the hood on if you know where the correct position is. I`m assuming they are all the same as the join in the ring is opposite the white mark, so I can just set the join at the bottom. Easy. I do admit that getting your finger in there is a trick.

[ricktas]

I use my fingernails. while looking though the viefinder, I slide one finger down the inside of the lens hood till it bumps against the edge of the filter, then use my fingernail to turn the edge of the filter.

[lampukameister]

I use my fingernails. while looking though the viefinder, I slide one finger down the inside of the lens hood till it bumps against the edge of the filter, then use my fingernail to turn the edge of the filter.

how do you see what is happening when you do that?

one of my main problems was getting my fat hand and fingers out of the way when looking through the viewfinder and turning the filter

[ricktas]

Maybe cause I use a tripod for landscapes, fairly much all the time? I have never really thought about it, Just setup the camera on the tripod. Look through viewfinder and use tip of finger to rotate polariser inside lens hood.

[Tannin]

The outer rim of the filter usually sticks up a bit. By reaching a finger in alongside the lens hood (much as Rictas does) you can put your fingertip onto the tough, knurled rim of the filter and turn it. It take care and practice, and you still get fingermarks on the damn thing sometimes, but it works. Sort of. No doubt it depends a bit on the sort of hood you have too.

But I agree with your fundamental point - surely there is a better way to design the things in the first place?

[MarkChap]

I`m assuming they are all the same as the join in the ring is opposite the white mark, so I can just set the join at the bottom.

Thats handy to know, must check mine, I actually just applied a very small amount of liquid paper so I could see the white mark.

[Seesee]

It's not easy with the lens hood attached, I generally remove my hood to use a CPL, but at times that can result in some sun flare on filter.